2022 Dismas Charities Santa Photo’s
Restoring Lives, Restoring Families, Restoring Communities
Healing The Human Spirit
For More Than 50 Years
Dismas Charities provides men and women
releasing from state and federal incarceration
the skills and support to re-enter society
as contributing members.
The work of Dismas is to end the cycle of
victimization and to heal the human spirit.
Dismas Charities is a not-for-profit company serving communities nationwide.
In New Mexico and Tennessee, it is known as Diersen Charities.
Our Founder
A Catholic priest of The Archdiocese
of Louisville, Father William Diersen
founded Dismas Charities in 1964
with the help of volunteers from
The Knights of Columbus. Father
Diersen was a man of courage,
determination and Christian virtue
who served the world by living the
Beatitudes.
Because he saw a need to help those leaving incarceration, he started
Dismas House named for the Repentant Thief crucified with Jesus.
At first it served only fifteen men, but because of his inspiration and vision
Dismas House grew into Dismas Charities with centers of service
throughout the country. Father Diersen’s spirit continues to guide Dismas
helping all involved commit themselves to healing the human spirit.
