st. Dismas reentry Conference
Serving Ada County
St. Dismas Reentry Conference Home Visits
The St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho St. Dismas Reentry Conference works to build a sustainable, improved standard of living for men and women released from incarceration.
The St. Dismas Reentry Conference currently provides assistance to individuals who are within the 90-day period following their release from incarceration and reside in Ada County, ID.
St. Dismas Reentry Conference is named for one of the two thieves crucified with Christ. He is the one who defended Jesus and asked to be remembered when Christ came into his kingdom. (Luke 23:32-42). St. Dismas is the Patron Saint of Prisoners and penitent sinners.
For Questions Regarding St. Dismas’s and Reentry Vincentians, please email sd.president@svdpid.org
In 2023, the St. Dismas Reentry Conference completed 392 Person-to-Person Visits, providing direct help to 402 returning citizens in need.
Who Does St. Dismas Serve?
Men and Women released from incarceration in the last 90 days.
How Can St. Dismas Help?
St. Dismas can provide vouchers for clothing, food, bus passes, bikes, gas, and emergency rental help. St. Dismas can also assist with community resources and referrals. Additionally, St. Dismas can provide spiritual support through prayer, fellowship, and help finding a church community.
By contributing to the St. Dismas Reentry Conference, you’ll be offering direct financial aid and support to a local neighbor and returning citizen facing hardship. Your donation makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.
Brian’s Story
Brian was recently released from the Idaho State Prison in Boise after spending 22 years incarcerated. Living in a Transitional Home, he owns nothing except the clothes on his back. He called the Help Line and requested assistance from SVdP SW Idaho, St Dismas Reentry Conference. St Dismas Conference members met with Brian at his residence and shared an abundance of meaningful information that will help him transition to our community, easing the stress level one endures upon release from incarceration. St Dismas Members also took Brian shopping and purchased items he needed to get his life back on track. Brian told the SVdP members he could not believe some of the changes in our community. Crowded grocery stores, cars driving way too fast, and technology being far more advanced compared to 22 years ago. As quoted by Brian “So much has changed since I went in and I am forever thankful for the support you guys have given me, thank you so much!”
Think back 22 years about the popular things in your life, the way you lived back then and think about being locked out of the community for that long. Now look around today and just imagine how you would be feeling or what you would be expieriencing. Thank God there are groups, such as SVdP SW Idaho, St. Dismas Reentry Conference to aid our neighbors in need. God Bless.
DOUG’s Story
At just 23 years old, Doug's life took a devastating turn when, while serving in the Armed Forces, he was incarcerated for second-degree murder. Raised in a strict Baptist family, Doug had drifted away from his faith during his time in the service. But even through the darkest moments of his life, God's hand was at work.
For 42 years, Doug was incarcerated in the Idaho State Prison. In early 2003, a spark ignited in him—he sought the Lord once again, but this time through the Catholic faith. Later that year, Doug took a pivotal step in his spiritual journey, receiving confirmation from Bishop Michael P. Driscoll, becoming a devoted Catholic. Yet, Doug’s faith was not just a personal comfort—it became his mission. Over the years, he dedicated himself to mentoring fellow inmates, praying the rosary with them, and guiding them to build their own relationships with God.
Doug's tireless spiritual work within the prison community earned him "The Guardian Award" in 2022, a prestigious honor Bishop Peter F. Christensen presented to him. Doug’s impact had extended far beyond himself—he had become a light for others in the darkness.
When Doug was released this year, he stepped back into the world with nothing but the clothes on his back, a small box of belongings, and a heart full of hope. He connected with St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho and the St. Dismas Reentry Conference to help him rebuild his life.
Now, Doug’s mission continues. His goal is to bring Catholic Religious Education into the prison system, helping incarcerated others discover God's love and grace, just as he has. Doug’s story is one of transformation, redemption, and unwavering faith, a powerful reminder that God's love can shine through even in the most difficult circumstances.
