In 1983, Rita McCaffrey, for over 12 years the Coordinator of the Thresholds/Decisions prison volunteer program, and her husband, Vermont District Court Judge Francis McCaffrey visited the original Dismas House in Nashville, Tenn. Later, they visited other existing Dismas House programs in Tennessee and Ireland. Impressed by the effectiveness of these programs, and convinced of the need for a similar program in Vermont, they returned with a determination to establish a Dismas House in Burlington.

     A task Force composed of many dedicated prison volunteers, enthusiastically began meeting in March, 1985 and a Board of Directors was established in April, 1986. Supported by prisoners, students, volunteers and the Department of Corrections, Burlington Dismas House formally opened its doors at 96 Buell Street in Burlington in September, 1986.

    Since opening in 1986, over 375 men and women have lived at Burlington Dismas House.  During that time the program has become a valuable part of the community.  The House is now well into its second decade of restoring former prisoners to their community for the greater good of all.

 

PERSONNEL 

         Richard Gagné:  Upon graduation from the Air Force Academy, Mr. Gagné taught high school in Biloxi, Mississippi.  He spent eight months as a Trappist monk novice at the Abbey of the Genessee and studied theology at St. Anselm College.  He has been the director of a soup kitchen and a shelter for homeless people in Manchester, NH.    Richard also worked at the Way Station, a shelter in Burlington for the homeless. He is the father of three children which adds considerably to the family atmosphere at the house.  He brings to his work at Burlington Dismas House administrative experience and ability, combined with a committed concern for the problems of disadvantaged people.   Richard has been with Burlington Dismas House for 20 years.

Kimberly Parsons:  Ms. Parsons is a native Vermonter, a graduate of the University of Vermont with a degree in English.  She lived and worked in Latin America on and off for 6 years, covering the Contra-Sandinista struggle as a professional photographer, and later working for the United Nation High Commissioner For Refugees designing and implementing adult education programs in the refugee camps.  On returning to Vermont, and now Dismas House, she has found her experience with refugees has given her a commitment to working with disadvantaged persons.  She has an energetic and enthusiastic approach to her responsibilities, which have come to include everything from administration, public relations, fund raising, record keeping, student and volunteer recruitment.   Kimberly has been with Burlington Dismas House for 15 years.

Carol Snow:  A new staff member at Burlington Dismas House, resides in Charlotte with her husband John and youngest son, a freshman at CVU.  Their older three sons are off at college and/or working in the Burlington area. 

Carol grew up in southern Vermont and earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from the University of Vermont in the 70’s.  More than ten years ago, she moved back to her home state after living with her family in London, England for almost a decade.    

Carol recently completed her Master’s in Theology and Pastoral Ministry at St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vt..  She occasionally volunteers as an Interfaith Chaplain at Fletcher Allen and facilitates individuals and groups in exploration of the “Enneagram”, a personality inventory system.  Other interests include yoga, regular hikes up Mt. Philo in Charlotte, and fostering ex-racers for Greyhound Rescue of Vermont.   

Almost two years ago, Carol and her family helped to host a refugee family of seven from Sudan.  The bond with this family continues to deepen, with the five Sudanese children keeping the home-front lively during their regular visits.   

Carol and her husband John first connected with Dismas House a few years ago as volunteer cooks.  Now as a staff member she, among other things, helps coordinate volunteers and manages the application and interview process, allowing Richard Gagne, Co-Director, more opportunity to work on opening a second Dismas House for the Burlington area.