Dismas Charities - Montgomery, Alabama

Kyle Sandler

I never planned on going through Dismas twice but I did. The second time for me was very good. They have a fairly new director Mr. Hutchings who spent over 2 decades in the BOP so he really gets where we are coming from and what we are going through. He is fair and diplomatic, something you rarely find in BOP. The facility is clean. Their job placement person Ms. Davis is very plugged into the community and she takes the time to ask you what you want from a job instead of just sending you somewhere you might not like. With COVID over they allow residents to get Door Dash 4 days a week. The Director offers special work projects for those who want to order door dash every day. However coming from the BOP the food they serve in the cafeteria is overall decent. They have little parties for the residents for most holidays they even had a luncheon on eclipse day. Other than Mr. Hutchins and Ms. David, Mr. McKinney, Ms. Dean, Mr. Sykes and of course Streeter are great staff members who take an active role and interest in residents and the lives they want to build. Mr. Hutchins understands that every resident is different and does a great job of making accomodations based on residents needs. I was hospitalized for four days and they did a great job of checking on me daily and assisting me getting two and from the halfway house to the hospital. I'm extremely impressed with the way it's changed.

Cory Mcillwain

I am a resident in this facility as of the date on this post.
This is my one and only experience in a halfway house so I can’t compare it to anywhere else but based solely on the way you’re treated as a human is despicable. The staff is extremely disrespectful and on occasion, downright racist. With the exception of two maybe three staff members. I’ve had staff on multiple occasions ignore me when simply asking a general question directed at them. I’ve had staff lie on me and other residents. They’re very unprofessional with the way they run this place and the way they handle people is disgusting. Do not make the mistake of ever thinking this place is a well ran establishment nor professional. It’s a terrible place Especially if you happen to be white

Joe Johnson

Staff lacks social skills. No clear communication. Facility works with inmates prior to full release providing housing and assist with transitioning. However this is an impossible feat considering conditions place before residents (inmates) with any social work your heart has to be for the purpose and a lot of times what happens is when this job becomes just a paycheck then the purpose lacks real substance and initiative and who ends up bearing the consequences from it all....the inmates who have served and paid their dues to society ,trying to find a way to fit back into the community and be a positive role to their families and communities.

Joe Ziglar

Someone used my name to blast Dismas Charities. I have had no problems with staff. The residents, however, are another matter. I think staff does a good job considering who they are working with. People recently released from prison sometimes have the same old mentality. They want to run the streets, sell drugs and listen to offensive music. Given this reality, staff has a tough job ahead of them. Whoever used my name is scared to use their own!

Gwen Miller

My brother participated in the Dismas program and during his stay there he was treated with respect. He left with a job and completed all required classes while he was there. My brother has never had a job in 30 years of his life... lol... Since he left the program he still has his job and now attending school to complete his GED.... Thanks Dismas a great program for inmates!

Stuart Douglass

This is the most poorly run establishment ever. It is not a "charity," it is a federally contracted facility. They use their Non-Profit Status as a way to avoid paying income taxes on all the money they get from both you and the government.
If you have ever been to any county or state work release you'll know exactly what to expect. All they are worried about is getting you in the door, you finding a job, and you paying 25% of your gross weekly to them.
If you are genuinely interested in any form of help I would suggest that you go out and get it on your own.There is one particular agency in town that is willing to offer help, The Family Guidance Center, and they will not allow you to go there.
If you are coming from Federal Prison, I would suggest you get insurance. Should you not do that, expect typical Federal Healthcare.
If you are trying to remain sober I would figure out a way to get out of there ASAP. You may be able to pull off a meeting here and there, but you are basically allowed one. If you want to get high, just go to the bathroom.
Not all of the apples there, aka staff, are bad. Some would actually like to see you progress in life. For the rest the job is nothing but a paycheck. The rules vary from shift to shift, person to person, etc. There is no leadership whatsoever, every most all employees think they are the boss.
They forget that the only reason they have a job is because of us.if you are going, bring a pen. Take my advice, just remember that you can write them up just like when you were behind the fence. Also you can call the Dismas Corporate Office and speak to the Regional Supervisor, or you can call the Resident Re-entry Manager at Maxwell.
The choice is up to you!

Sincerely,
SADIII

Ps. I gave it one star because I had to, so I could post.

Glo Palacios

Horrible staff that do not know how to effectively manage time to help residents succeed. Staff also give conflicting information to residents and prevent residents from succeeding. My boy cannot go to school because they would rather he work at McDonald’s while he’s there

John Mullen

Well whats there to say.. my first time living in a halfway house.. wasnt terrible.. wasnt great either..heard a few guys in prison mentioned they would never live in one again and turned the chance down.. i now understand why. Huge scam and a money maker for them. It's a bed and meals.. absolutely.. but some of the BS you have to put up with because of others mistakes.. definitely an experience I won't forget