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.
The Success of Mike and Dan
Mike and Dan were recently released from incarceration after serving time for substance abuse issues. While talking with home visitors from St. Dismas Reentry Conference they shared that their addictions had caused serious harm to their family relationships, and both had lost their employment. Upon release they were determined to restart their lives, gain meaningful employment and begin to heal their family relationships. Mike and Dan both visited with the staff at the Reentry Center where they were provided with information on community resources available to assist them with their goals in getting settled into the community and to seek employment. They also received a clothing voucher and food box. Both moved into a transition home, visited the thrift store and began job searches. A few weeks later they met with St. Dismas home visitors to discuss housing assistance. Both had been successful in finding employment and St. Dismas was able to assist with their financial needs for rent until they could receive their first paycheck. Mike and Dan shared their appreciation for the assistance provided by SVdP which helped them achieve some of their initial goals in rebuilding their lives.
Story by; St. Dismas Reentry Conference Home Visitor, Lynn
Nick’s Story
On January 3rd 2025, Nick was released from Prison once again, this time after serving 14 months in a Federal Penitentiary. All together in Nick’s life he served over 24 years in and out of jails and prisons for drug use and crimes against property. The crowd he hung out with was not healthy for him, but his drug use and criminal activity was his lifestyle.
He lost his infant daughter to SIDS; his criminal behavior contributed to a divorce, his children were taken from him and adopted out, this caused him to spiral into heavy depression. He even tried several attempts at suicide by injecting heroine and fentanyl, however, he survived and that was his first sign that Jesus Christ was looking out for him. He said, like most Men being released from Prison, making a phone call and asking for help is difficult and their pride is negatively impacted. Once released he returned to Idaho and called St. Vincent de Paul helpline for assistance.
St. Dismas Reentry Conference did a home visit and was able to provide him with a clothing voucher, bike voucher, 31-day bus pass, information on food pantries and local community resources for future assistance. They also assisted Nick in obtaining a duplicate driver’s license, and he was able to gain two positive job prospects. While incarcerated at Victorville, Ca. U.S. Penitentiary, Nick turned to Jesus. Having Jesus in his life, he has a more positive outlook and is looking forward to starting his new life. He wants to mentor young people and help them to overcome peer pressure and drug use. He is thankful to SVdP for giving him a hand-up and helping him get established back into our community.
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.
