To recognize staff who made the commitment to fully vaccinate for the purpose of creating a Community with Immunity, Dismas Charities President CEO Raymond J. Weis announced a lottery worth a total of $9,000. On July 5th, Weis pulled the names of three actively employed members of Dismas Charities who have been fully vaccinated. Hattiesburg Resident Monitor Veronique Husband won a $1,000 prize, Greensboro Resident Monitor Justin Beasley won a $3,000 check and Midland Employment Specialist Jennifer Greer took home the top prize of $5,000. “Thank you for taking the vaccination as an important step toward the development of Communities with Immunity within the Dismas family,” Weis said.

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Memorial Day, formerly Decoration Day, honors those who have died in the nation’s wars. It originated in the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle. Since 1868 Memorial Day has recognized those who worked to keep this country free by “decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country.” Dismas Charities, a vocal advocate for all veterans, will recognize the efforts of those who have passed from us with flowers and prayers. Memorial Day is celebrated this year on Monday, May 31, 2021.

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Dismas Charities Sioux City Residents Cindy McMurray and April Villagomez, both employees of Tur-Pak Foods, were recently rewarded for their remarkable attendance with a 32” flat screen color TV – each. Together, the Dismas residents worked over 134 days without missing one work day or even being late for their shifts. From left are McMurray, Tur-Pak employee Jason Greives, Villagomez and Tur-Pak employee Cindy Whitlock.

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In mid-February, Kat Baker, of Pinot’s Palette, a “paint and sip” art studio in suburban Louisville, donated a large amount of art supplies for the entertainment of residents of the Portland facility. The gift included 50 canvases measuring 16X20”, all the paint and paint brushes needed for an enjoyable artistic session, and access to their online, virtual course. The participating residents were given the opportunity to make their own choices. They chose to produce “Rosey Gnome”. The residents have Administrative Assistant Kim Rowe to thank for making the initial contact with Baker. According to their website, Pinot’s Palette started in Houston and has studios throughout the U.S. and internationally, and partners with local charities to support worthy causes.

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From left St. Ann Support Services Coordinator James Campbell, Director Mark Meredith, and Counselor Christopher Kaelin proudly display their COVID-19 vaccination sticker after they received their second dose of the vaccine in early February.

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I wanted to share the below letter from former resident Samantha Poynter. Hers is a remarkable success story, much of which she credits to the Dismas Charities Manchester programming and staff. Upon turning in employment forms, Poynter wrote the following letter, wanting staff to know of her personal success and the renewed relationship with her daughter.
Renee Hacker, Director
Dismas Charities Manchester

“My name is Samantha Poynter. I am currently on home confinement and due to be released in March. I was incarcerated for two years. Until recently, I had not spent sober time with Willow, my six-year-old daughter, since she was born. I was there physically, but mentally and emotionally, I was unavailable. I was fortunate enough to have not lost custody of her and had great support from her father and my mother. I am very thankful to have been afforded the opportunity to rebuild a healthy relationship with her father and I’m able to co-parent successfully. I can finally read her bedtime stories and tuck her in at night. I have come so far and continue to grow daily. I am a work in progress. I have been in addiction since I was 13 and this is the first time that I can honestly say that I am happy, I’m at peace with myself, and I love me. I struggle every day, but I made myself a promise to never forget where I came from and remind myself that I never want to go back there again. Addiction took me away from myself and took me away from those that care deeply for me. Unfortunately, my daughter suffered the most. However, I can say with the utmost confidence that I am a good mother and I try with every fiber of my being to be the best version of myself for Willow. We now have an amazing relationship and it is the most rewarding thing I have ever experienced. I am almost three years sober and I am full of gratitude. I can finally look in the mirror and recognize the woman staring back at me.”

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Midland Resident Isaac Golden (left) and Word Processor Angelica Montez collected and organized clothing donations from community members. Items included purses, shoes, sweaters, jackets, and pants. “Clothing donations are always needed especially for residents who are indigent and do not have the means or family support to purchase or receive clothing,” said Director Amy Vest.

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On March 9, Regional Vice President/Portland Director Robert Lanning arranged to have 101 Dismas Charities residents from all four Louisville-area centers vaccinated against the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Lanning, Portland Resident Monitor Frank West and St. Patrick Resident Monitor Charles Perkins drove a total of 11 round trips from downtown Louisville to Broadbent Arena at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center for a total of 176 miles. The number of residents participating from each facility was Portland, 49; Diersen, 14; St. Ann, 20 and one staff member, and St. Patrick, 18. Lanning’s efforts did not go unnoticed. “What a testament to the memory of Fr. Diersen in our service to and for our residents,” said President/CEO Ray Weis. “Thanks to All the Dismas Teams.” Executive Vice President Jan Kempf said “The impact of your actions will continue to impact and protect so very many people. This is so exciting. Thank you from and for Team Dismas.” Vice President of Business Development Steve Vice noted that “Sometimes Healing the Human Spirit is also healing the human body.”

When a black sedan entered the parking lot of the Charleston facility, Director Jim Sands, noting that visitors haven’t been allowed since March, went to investigate. The car, Sands found, was occupied by the mother of a resident who wished to remain anonymous, but wanted to donated baked goods to the residents to show her appreciation for her son’s treatment while at Dismas. “Our anonymous donor said she feels like Dismas has assisted her son in finally ‘breaking the chains’ that have bound her son to the revolving criminal justice system door,” Sands said. She donated cheese cakes, peach cobbler, apple, pumpkin and pecan pies and other baked goods that were all prepared by Cook Leighann Harmon (pictured here).

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Former Atlanta Resident Efaunte Morales earned his Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in mid-December. Morales began working toward the license with community partner Atlanta Technical College while still a resident at the Dismas facility. Morales thanked the Atlanta staff for encouraging him and placing him in contact with the college. His license was issued free because he was enrolled in a program that pays for vocational training for re-entering citizens. “We are proud of what Morales has accomplished and look forward to updates on his continued success,” said Director Stephen Ricks.

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Sioux City (IA) Counselor Michael Schultz (left) and Employment Specialist Morgan Leonard picked up five boxes of donated food and five gallons of milk from Gospel Mission to deliver to some of the center’s needy Home Confinement residents. The boxes contained onions, hot dogs, cheese, apples, oranges and other products. “This was our way of continuing re-entry efforts through the holidays,” said Director Robyn Deacon. The Mission provides shelter to families in need and have a long history of donating food, clothing and other needed items to those less fortunate.

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When Executive Vice President Jan Kempf heard that a local botanical gardens was extending invitations to create houses for fairy’s in an enchanted area of the garden she immediately called Portland (KY) Director Robert Lanning, no stranger to fulfilling odd requests. In turn, he turned to his Administrative Assistant Kim Rowe, who soon had eight residents step forward who not only under-took the challenge but constructed the house in the true tradition of fairies that most remember from their childhood. The fantasy built Dismas fairy house has been placed in an area where children and adults alike explore the shady holly alley where the fairies have taken residence in the Yew Dell Botanical’s Fairy Garden, hidden deep in the serpentine garden in a collection of conifers. Dismas was part of a group of volunteers who built these fairy houses using natural materials. Above from left are Portland Residents Ryan Robinson, Kenneth Cravens, Leroy Boatwright, Kelvin Asher, Jason Lambert, Eddie Childress and Connie Hunt. Not pictured is Joe Furlong. These men worked several weeks to build the house and insured its delivery on October 24, according to Lanning. Yew Dell is in Crestwood, just outside downtown Louisville, and is an internationally recognized center of gardening, plants and education in a setting listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Dismas joined scout troops, high school students, families, community organizations and individuals in making the houses.

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From the Dsimas Charities family to yours. Merry Christmas!

To show their appreciation for making a substance abuse and mental health grant a success, the staff of Workforce Development for the Opportunities Industrialization Centers of South Florida (OICSFL) had lunch delivered to all Dismas Charities Dania Beach staff in early September. Anthony Robinson, OIC Director wrote the following: “On behalf of all of us at OIC and the SAMHSA Team (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration), we are extending our sincere thanks to all of the staff at Dismas who helped to make this 3-year SAMHSA grant a success. Without you and our teamwork this program could not have been a success.” The grant was used to help individuals with substance abuse or a mental health history with counseling and to offer a diversity of programs, training and job placement. SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. From left are Dania Beach Assistant Director LaShonda Adams, Director Ivonne Cavanaugh, Robinson, Employment Specialist Keenan Royes, OIC-Program Manager Karen Perry, OIC-Case Manager Nicole Gooding, and Counselors Kianna Bonner, Beverly Smart and Donaya Hamilton.

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On behalf of Dismas Charities, Inc. and USA Cares, it is my pleasure to announce a special tribute in recognition and gratitude of our United States Military Veterans, including the 80 in our Dismas Family.

The special recognition will begin at noon (EST) on Wednesday November 11 on the front lawn of the Dismas Corporate Campus, 2500 So 7th Street.

Included will be a presentation of colors, our national anthem, prayer, our veterans sharing their stories and a dynamic keynote speech by Retired Lt. Col. Shawn Dawley.

Masks are required and social distancing practiced. The event will also stream live on the USA Cares YouTube Channel.

Clients from the Louisville-based Diersen Substance Abuse Program (SAP) took to the exercise floor in mid-September to enjoy Zumba workouts in the gymnasium, via Zoom. The Latin-inspired exercise fitness program, considered one of the most fun and versatile fitness crazes in some time can burn an average of 369 calories in one 60-minute session. The eight participants may have erased that good news later when they enjoyed pizza, chips, and drinks from the Breathing New Life Ministries.

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Fourteen residents of the Louisville-based Diersen Substance Abuse Program graduated from Goodwill’s Virtual Soft Skills Academy Re-entry Class. The federally-funded program, launched last year, is designed to break the cycle of poverty, crime and incarceration in America, according to Director Ronyal Horton. One of the objectives is to ensure that the graduates become responsible citizens, are provided with employment and education opportunities, and sustain a stable residence.

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Rosie, a two-year-old Pyredoodle, is registered as a diabetic alert dog. She also serves Clarksburg West Virginia residents with her calming nature, relief from anxiety and loneliness, encourages communication, and reduces blood pressure. Rosie roams the facility and interacts with residents and staff alike. Here she poses for the camera with Employment Specialist Charles Owens.

Almost every day the Clarksburg program has Rosie as a special guest, a service/therapy dog donated by K9s to FurKids, an organization that trains service dogs for veterans and low income families who cannot afford such a support animal. Rosie is registered with the American Diabetes Association as a diabetic alert dog. According to Director Nita Schoonover, Rosie is a cross between a standard Poodle and a Great Pyrenees and roams the facility interacting with residents and staff alike. Above Resident Misty Grafton is the recipient of Rosie’s calming nature. Studies have shown that service/therapy dogs provide benefits including relief from anxiety and loneliness, encourage communication, reduce blood pressure, and other physiological benefits.

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It’s nickname is the “Covidnator”, but it’s title – the Apache Tomahawk 2000 UVC Germicidal Light Tower – is much more impressive. And Dismas Charities has two of them to help the organization fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The portable Ultraviolent Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) light tower, pictured above between National Risk Manager Tony Davenport (left) and Regional Vice President Joe Driver, is designed to sanitize an entire dormitory or other space using a sophisticated germ-killing lighting mechanism. Davenport, who along with Driver, received special training on the operation of the device in mid-May, said a deep hand-cleaning of all hard surfaces with a bleach solution, must follow its application. “UVGI has been effective in hospitals and other sterile settings for more than 50 years but very new to our setting,” Davenport said. “Once again Dismas Charities leads the way.”

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In another Dismas Charities first, the St. Ann Substance Abuse Program has been fully licensed as an Outpatient Alcohol and Other Drug Entity (AODE) facility. The licensure was awarded January 28 by Surveyor Will Hendrickson of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). This approval was the culmination of many months of preparation, compiling documentation of clinical staff qualifications and the facilities compliance with licensing requirements. All of these documentations and requirements are designed to ensure that the facility provides the best quality treatment possible, proving their commitment to the process of recovery and most importantly to the clients they serve. Director Mark Meredith, (above with framed AODE license) is spearheading Dismas’ on-going mission of Healing the Human Spirit in the field of recovery by supervising eight fellow employees from Dismas’ Sub-stance Abuse Programs at St. Ann, Owensboro and Diersen which has since received their AODE certification. This is the first step in the process of obtaining their full Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credentials, requiring on-going supervision, practical application of counseling principles, and a testing procedure at the end of their supervision. St. Ann will be audited annual for compliance with licensure regulations.

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Before signing out for a job interview and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Resident Douglas Freed (right) needed help with his tie. Resident Monitor Martez Arnold came to the rescue by adjusting the uneven and backward knot.

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Support Services Coordinator James Campbell (standing) helped arrange for a virtual AA meeting at the St. Ann campus. The event was so well received that the attendees requested more virtual meetings. Notice the “social” distance between the chairs.

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Charleston Social Services Coordinator Amy Bess instructs new residents on how to make personal face masks. The masks are but one of the procedures the facility has implemented for new arrivals including providing them clothing while their clothes worn from the institution can be washed. They are also provided hygiene items upon arrival.

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Ann Grant is a friend of Director Tina Johnson and a concerned citizen. So it came as no surprise to Johnson that Grant (third from left) and her four grandchildren would create and donate hand-made cloth masks for the staff and residents of the Dismas Charities Tupelo facility. The 85 masks were presented to Dismas in the name of Grant’s church, Pontotoc Church Family.

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Often the impact of programming within the Dismas Charities organization isn’t fully known. Residents attend and with the exception of rare occasions, do not share what, if anything, they felt they “got out of it.” That’s not the case with Sioux City Resident Wendy Gohn-Chavez, a recent graduate of S.T.A.R.S., an equine assisted therapy program. Gohn-Chavez wrote, in part: “Epic program! Let me explain why! Removed from home at 11 years old and been to countless therapies. I just can’t express the amount of sense of self I’ve accomplished. What I now can see in myself is my lack of communication skills, weak boundaries and the boundaries of others I don’t respect. I recommend anyone who stays at Dismas in Sioux City long enough to take the STARS program because it is one of those life-changing programs. STARS has helped me to identify problems that I actually have and issues now that I want to seek further assistance.” Gohn-Chavez is at far right above.

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Due to COVID-19, Goodwill Industries got creative and began facilitating their Soft Skills re-entry class via the app, Microsoft Teams. Above are the graduates of their first virtual re-entry class from the Louisville-based Diersen Substance Abuse Program. Virtual training was also held at St. Ann.

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Please join Dismas Charities on Monday May 25, 2020 in remembering and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Without these individuals our own freedoms would not be possible today.

Tiffany Claybourne, with the Sioux City Housing Authority, has raised the hopes of home ownership for several residents of the Sioux City program. Claybourne (above right standing) visited with the residents and explained how they might qualify for housing assistance, the application for help and the entire process. “Many have misconceptions about who can and cannot receive assistance with housing and Tiffany was able to clear that up,” said Director Robyn Deacon. “I wish I could have captured the looks on faces and deep sighs of relief as the attending residents realized they actually do qualify for help!” As Claybourne walked them through the step-by-step process, the residents completed applications, and administrative staff made copies of needed documents to attach to the forms. Claybourne also serves on the facility’s Community Relations Board. Relatedly, Deacon is currently investigating “Project Home” a concept currently in use in Minnesota that works to help residents become homeowners.

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Sioux City Assistant Director Dylan Desmarais (right) and Bureau of
Prisons (BOP) Residential Re-Entry Manager Brenda Mort and Contract
Oversight Specialist Katie Murdock got the chance to experience
the power of a police K-9 unit in early November when they donned a
Bite Sleeve in a simulated “take down”. The exercise, performed by
Sioux City Police Officer Paul Yaneff and his dog Cash, took place
during a BOP audit and building search. All three “perpetrators” described
it as a fun, yet slightly terrifying, experience.

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Eleven female clients from the Dismas Charities Owensboro Kentucky Substance Abuse Program attended a women’s conference sponsored by Iron Sharpens Iron Ministries, an organization made up of Christ-centered women’s ministries that serve local churches. The three-night conference for women 13 and older, featured inspirational speakers, worship, and women’s ministry exhibitors. Iron Ministries was established to encourage, educate and equip individuals and families with Biblical truths of Christ’s ministry while continually strengthening and building relationships through honesty, trustworthiness and reliability.

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With the help of the Charleston program, the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase a new set of rescue air bags, used in dangerous emergencies to help lift structures or vehicles. Once inflated, the 20×20 inch bags can lift up to 41,000 pounds, said Jill Oliver-Thornton (left), President of the Jefferson Business Association, which spear-headed the drive. According to Director Jim Sands (right) enough other local agencies contributed to cover the entire $3,000 cost of the devices.

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Because Montgomery Resident Aaron Reynolds missed so much of his daughter’s life while incarcerated, he was given approval to walk her onto the football field during her high school Senior Night. Director Lakesia Clemons, who approved the reunion, noted that “family reunification and the bond between a daughter and her father are critically important.” Reynolds said the look on his daughter’s face “was priceless and I would not have been able to share that moment with her if it was not for receiving permission.” Above are Reynolds and his daughter, Sedidra Daniels.

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Tupelo Director Tina Johnson (right) has taken on the awesome responsibility of being a co-leader of a Brownie Scout Troop. Together with her childhood friend, Katie Flandro (left), she has been busy helping the eight second and third graders earn their merit badges. The new troop, known as the Shooting Stars, recently earned their Community badge by participating in the Veterans Day parade, singing patriotic songs to the veterans, and dispersing programs at the performance.

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When Clarksburg Director Nita Schoonover was asked for help at a local service dog training facility after a storm caused considerable damage, she
had no trouble finding resident volunteers. Schoonover explained that counselors actually have a waiting list of residents wanting to work with local community partner, K9s to Furkids. K9s trains service dogs and donates them to veterans and low-income families who cannot afford the customary costs involved with obtaining a service dog. The non-profit also rescues dogs under nine months old to determine their viability for service dog training or placement as a family pet. In early fall, a microburst storm damaged K9s toFurKids flattening several kennels. “Our residents responded with enthusiasm at the prospect of spending time … with the dogs,” the Director said. Above are residents Lee Young (left) and Charles Wright.

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From The Dismas Charities family to yours… Merry Christmas!

Thirty residents from the Diersen Substance Abuse Program attended Reintegration Night, an event designed to introduce the clients to several community partners from throughout the city who can help with literacy, motivation, addressing barriers, housing, substance abuse, behavioral health, medical and dental issues, banking, Medicaid, legal issues, employment, nutrition, budgeting, clothing and more. The event, sponsored by Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, allowed the participants to spend time personally visiting with the different support groups. “The goal of the night is to provide hope to re-entering citizens by giving them easy access to community partners in one setting and letting them know the community cares about them and wants them to do the next right thing,” said Director Ronyal Horton. Dinner and door prizes were also part of the event.

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In early November, the Dismas Charities Kearney Nebraska program donated pillows to the Kearney Area Animal Shelter (KAAS), a no-kill facility funded primarily by donations. Thanking and greeting Resident Monitor Banna Muirhead (left) and Social Services Coordinator Rachael Anderson (right) is Boomer, a resident of the KAAS.

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The national observance of Thanksgiving exemplifies what we at Dismas Charities believe. Family, friends and gratitude are at the very heart of why we do what we do. With healthy support from our families and friends and with gratitude for the opportunities we have been given, our lives are made richer, our communities prosper, and success soars. From the Dismas Charities Family to yours,

Happy Thanksgiving!
Ray Weis,
President/CEO
Dismas Charities Inc.

To many citizens, November 11 may be just another day. But to a large group of very brave Americans it is their day – Veterans Day. Dismas Charities takes great pride in recognizing this unique group of individuals who, had it not been for their service, none of us would be living in a society free from tyranny. Dismas employs 87 veterans in its ranks with four who serve on our governing Board of Directors. Each one is incredibly proud of their service and will readily tell you that the experience – to some more frightening than others – was one of those aspects of life that make for a better person. Veterans are easy to identify. They’re grandfathers, grandmothers, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and friends. They come in all sizes, shapes and colors. But they all relish when someone – anyone – reaches out a hand and says “Thanks for your service.” So from the more than 830 employees of Dismas Charities in 13 states, “Thank you for your service.” We truly appreciate it. Dismas Charities proudly salutes its veterans. They are:

Veteran Board Members: Don Christensen Art Potter Jim Simon Bill Roby

Veteran Employees: Martez Arnold, Daniel Beckwith, Craig Benton, Brandon Best, Eric Brown, Clinton Bryant, Xavier Calvillo, Charles Caves, Adam Conlin, Christopher Cornelison, Michael Corona, Charles Crawford, Jeffery Daniels, Luis Dejesus, Mia Dixon, Joe Driver, Michael Edwards, Selenthia Fedragin, Bruce Fuzzell, Anita Galloway, Jorge Gamez, Archie Golden, Barbara Hall, Donald Harpe, Richard Harris, Dwayne Hayden, Larry Henry, Matthew Holliday, Lamar, Horne, John Humberston, Veronique Husband, Jerry James, Racquel Jefferson, Erin Johnson, Robert Johnson, Daniel Judiscak, Christopher Kaelin, Christopher Kelly, William Landrigan, Brenton Lane, Odis Leath, Verlenda Martinez, Michael McClure, Jason Mercier, Barry Middleton, Henry Mix, Marco Montemayor, Barbara Mowery, Julian Neff, Shields Nesbit, Eric Ogletree, Torrence Payton, Robert, Polson, James Rogers, Kristie Rollins-Wiggins, Mario Rueda, James Sands, Johnny Smith, Erica Sousex, Regina Steiner, David Stockton, Kenneth Stubbs, Jeffery Taylor, Joseph Theriot, Robert Thomas, Rudy Torrez, Osoria Toston, Robert Vonada, Richard Waddell, Jack Washburn, Tiffany Washington, Robert Williams, Eric Woods.

Tiffany Tyson and Kevin Jackson, Transition Agents for Jobs and Hope West Virginia, met with Charleston administrators recently to help form a partnership with Dismas Charities to help our residents. Jobs and Hope, which was formed to help newly-released state and federal inmates make a successful re-entry into society, assists with transportation to job interviews, resume writing, birth certificates, and identification. They also assist with obtaining needed work shoes, tools, and uniforms necessary on the job. “The state of West Virginia has taken a very proactive approach to providing as much assistance as possible to those returning to our communities from incarceration,” said Director Jim Sands. Pictured from left are Sands, Social Services Coordinator Amy Bess, Counselor Renae Bailey, Tyson and Jackson.

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To many citizens, November 11 may be just another day. But to a large group of very brave Americans it is their day – Veterans Day. Dismas Charities takes great pride in recognizing this unique group of individuals who, had it not been for their service, none of us would be living in a society free from tyranny. Dismas employs 87 veterans in its ranks with four who serve on our governing Board of Directors. Each one is incredibly proud of their service and will readily tell you that the experience – to some more frightening than others – was one of those aspects of life that make for a better person. Veterans are easy to identify. They’re grandfathers, grandmothers, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and friends. They come in all sizes, shapes and colors. But they all relish when someone – anyone – reaches out a hand and says “Thanks for your service.” So from the more than 830 employees of Dismas Charities in 13 states, “Thank you for your service.” We truly appreciate it. Dismas Charities proudly salutes its veterans. They are:

Veteran Board Members: Don Christensen, Art Potter, Jim Simon, Bill Roby

Veteran Employees: Martez Arnold, Daniel Beckwith, Craig Benton, Mrandon Best, Eric Brown, Clinton Bryant, Xavier Calvillo, Charles Caves, Adam Conlin, Christopher Cornelison, Michael Corona, Charles Crawford, Jeffery Daniels, Luis Dejesus, Mia Dixon, Joe Driver, Michael Edwards, Selenthia Fedragin, Bruce Fuzzell, Anita Galloway, Jorge Gamez, Archie Golden, Barbara Hall, Donald Harpe, Richard Harris, Dwayne Hayden, Larry Henry, Matthew Holliday, Lamar, Horne, John Humberston, Veronique Husband, Jerry James, Racquel Jefferson, Erin Johnson, Robert Johnson, Daniel Judiscak, Christopher Kaelin, Christopher Kelly, William Landrigan, Brenton Lane, Odis Leath, Verlenda Martinez, Michael McClure, Jason Mercier, Barry Middleton, Henry Mix, Marco Montemayor, Barbara Mowery, Julian Neff, Shields Nesbit, Eric Ogletree, Torrence Payton, Robert, Polson, James Roders, Kristie Rollins-Wiggins, Mario Rueda, James Sands, Johnny Smith, Drica Sousex, Regina Steiner, David Stockton, Kenneth Stubbs, Jeffery Taylor, Joseph Theriot, Robert Thomas, Rudy Torrez, Osoria Toston, Robert Vonada, Richard Waddell, Jack Washburn, Tiffany Washington, Robert Williams, Eric Woods.

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The Corpus Christi program held their 8th annual fishing tournament to benefit the American Diabetes Association (ADA), netting nearly $22,000 from all forms of fundraisers throughout the year. Director Mike Corona said that his facility held or participated in garage sales, a silent auction, a special and 3rd annual pop-up dinner at the Mockingbird Restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee, co-owned by his son, a cycling/run/walk event, and placed yard signs in the area that encouraged the homeowners to help raise funds. With this year’s total, the Dismas program has raised nearly $86,000 for ADA research, education and child summer camps. The August 10 tournament was divided into three fish categories: Redfish, Drum and Trout with the winners receiving cash prizes. The first place winners in each category were Spencer Anderwald for Redfish; Destin Garcia for Drum, and Fermin Garcia for Trout. Ninety anglers took part with 150 attendees overall. Entertainment was part of the festivities with Farmer & Adele, a country music Western Swing duo performing at the restaurant, and Tanya Edwards serenading the attendees on her Steel Drum during the tournament. Sponsors included Navy Army Community Credit Union, The Mockingbird Restaurant, Larson Plumbing, TL Mechanical, Canales & Simonson Law Firm, Firetrol Protection Systems, Mira’s Sports & More, Amador Garcia Law Firm, David’s Heating and Air, Ron Barroso Law Firm, Scott Electric, House Arrest Services, John Schlosser, Leeward Adventures, AutoNation Hyundai, Den Freaney, Janice Reece, Ismeralda Serda, Carol Jackson, Chemcel Federal Credit Union, The Westin Riverwalk, Andrews Distributing, Academy Sports, Outback Steakhouse, The Beach House Day Spa, Candlewood Suites, Ruben Chavez, Fun-trackers, AutoNation Toyota, JNC Powerclean, Texas State Aquarium, HEB, WalMart, Super Cuts, Alamo Draft House, Bay LTD., and Husky Trailers. Dismas staff from other facilities also came to help including those from Laredo, Del Rio, and Lubbock.

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Sixteen residents from Dismas Charities Louisville and St. Patrick programs came together to help set up and clean up after the internationally acclaimed St. James Art Fair in Old Louisville. To show their appreciation, the residents received meal vouchers for their three-days of assistance and snacks and drinks throughout the day in the volunteer tent. The residents also received volunteer T-shirts. “Please convey our sincere thanks to the men and women that support us during the St James Court Art Show,” said Howard Rosenberg, Executive Director of the event. “They went above and beyond. They are great representatives of Dismas, Metro Louisville, and the Art Show. We are proud to have them as part of the team. We would be lost without your support.” In late September, Louisville residents helped the 2nd Street Neighborhood Association with the Fall Magnolia Park Cleanup, an annual effort in anticipation of the art fair the following weekend. The St. James Art Fair, first held in 1957, includes over 700 artisans from various locations throughout the Americas. The show annually draws nearly 300,000 people, one-third from out-of-state.

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Everyone please be safe tonight and if you are driving watch out for all of our little Trick-Or-Treaters’ out there! Have fun everybody!