Fourteen Re-entry Case Managers and other staff from the USP Big Sandy recently visited the Charleston program for a Training Symposium on community corrections. The prison staff was there to learn how to better prepare inmates for release to a residential re-entry center like Dismas Charities. Charleston staff conducted training on accountability, employment, drug testing, […]

Thanks to the generosity of two staff members and the father of one of them, the Clarksburg has begun a library for its residents. Counselor Anne Martin (left) and Director Emily Gillispie and the latter’s father, Bill, have kicked off the reading program with books covering everything from non-fiction novels to automotive repair to religious […]

In partnership with the West Virginia University Extension Service, the Clarksburg program has begun a nine-week course in food preparation and nutrition. The class, held as part of the services’ Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is held weekly and involves hands-on educational opportunities for residents who prepare and […]

For seven consecutive years Charleston staff and residents, in conjunction with the Jefferson Business Association, pitch in to help disadvantaged students of Weimer Elementary School by providing them with needed hygiene and sanitary items. Over 70 percent of the students are from lower economic areas, according to Director Jim Sands. Like Us On Facebook!

For seven consecutive years Charleston staff and residents, in conjunction with the Jefferson Business Association, pitch in to help disadvantaged students of Weimer Elementary School by providing them with needed hygiene and sanitary items. Over 70 percent of the students are from lower economic areas, according to Director Jim Sands. Like Us On Facebook!

At a recent Community Relations Board meeting, ClarksburgHome Detention Resident Petrus Hawkins shared his journey and successes since leaving the facility. Hawkins (standing) is currently on home detention and is now a full time employee with a gas and oil company. He has achieved nearly all of the goals he set including obtaining shared custody […]

Clarksburg has partnered with Adopt A Highway to maintain a section of Route 50. Eleven residents from the facility along with Counselor Malissa Sanders and Resident Monitor Supervisor Richard Townsend volunteered to pick up litter and debris as a way to give back to the community by providing a safe and clean environment for travelers […]

Residents of the Clarksburg program recently took part in the Sweet Buffalo Rocks project, an initiative designed to elicit smiles. The project, which has become popular nationwide, involves painting and hiding rocks with messages or images. Finders can either keep the rock as a souvenir or re-hide it for someone else to find. Encouraging words […]

The Charleston program recently hosted 18 officials from USP Big Sandy to exchange information about how best to prepare their inmates for reentry into society and what to expect on their arrival at the Dismas facility. With the exception of Warden Greg Kizziah and Associate Warden Chris McConnell, most of his staff had never been […]

Six Re-entry Affairs Coordinators from FCI McDowell visited the Dismas Charities Charleston facility to tour and learn how best to assist federal inmates prior to their release to a Residential Reentry Center. They had an opportunity to sample home-made chili and grilled cheese sandwiches by Cook Jay Boggess. From left are Director Jim Sands, and […]