Columbus Day carries special significance to Dismas Charities. It was because of the forward thinking and charitable spirit of the Knights of Columbus (KofC), so named to honor Christopher Columbus, that our organization was formed over 50 years ago. In 1964, the five councils of the KofC recognized the basic tenet that everyone deserves a second chance and wanted to stop the “revolving door” of offenders returning to prison shortly after their release that they devoted innumerable resources to see that their fellow man was allowed the chance to succeed. Dismas Charities was born and is now a leader in the field of residential re-entry centers. In addition, numerous members of our Board of Directors proudly call themselves members of the Knights of Columbus.
