From Humble Beginnings
A National Leader
It was 1964 and Father William Diersen, a Roman Catholic priest and Chaplain at the Kentucky State Reformatory, was frustrated by the seemingly “revolving door” of people returned to prison for violating conditions of their release. He understood — like few others at the time — that without the necessary job, life skills and a support structure, individuals tend to return to a life of crime, which leads to more victimization.
Father Diersen's Journey to Reimagine Reentry
A Beacon of Hope
Father Diersen also knew that to effect change would not be easy. The criminal justice system itself was rife with abuse, and offenders were feared and stigmatized by the public. But Father Diersen’s character, focus, and unbending will persisted. With the help of the five Louisville Councils of the Knights of Columbus, Father Diersen opened a 15-bed re-entry facility — or “halfway house” as it was then known — staffed with volunteers. He called the facility Dismas, so named for the repentant thief who was crucified with Christ. 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.
A Symbol of Healing and Restoration
The Rose Window
The Dismas Charities, Inc. logo features a "rose window," a stained glass image found in many churches of Europe and North America. This particular rose window is located in Dismas Charities' first facility in Louisville, Kentucky, serving as a symbol of the Creation and the universe. Its concentric circles are inspired by Plato’s model of the universe, which, like our solar system, places the earth at the center.
To create a place of healing and restoration, Dismas renovated the former church, preserving and restoring this beautiful rose window. This restoration process mirrored our daily work with residents, representing the shift in perspective and renewal we strive to bring. The rose window has become our enduring logo, symbolizing the light and hope we bring to those we serve.
