2023 – 2024 IMPACT REPORT
Thank you for helping to make a difference in the lives of those served by Dismas Ministry! (Download a pdf copy of this report)
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
As Catholics, we are called to deepen our faith and go forth to proclaim the Gospel message. Though incarcerated men and women have strayed from God’s path, they are still members of Christ’s Body and worthy of our discipleship, love, and support.
We hope many prisoners will use their time behind bars to reassess their lives and, with God’s help, make amends for the ways that they have victimized others. As fellow Catholics, we support their spiritual rehabilitation with Catholic resources and materials.
This spiritual approach goes to the very heart of the matter – the need for God in the lives of all who have been affected by crime. In the end, the only true healing is spiritual, as God transforms suffering into victory as He did for Jesus in His death and resurrection.
“For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” ~Matthew 25:35-41
RECIDIVISM – GETS TO THE HEART OF WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
In 2022, nearly two million men and women were detained in the U.S. corrections system. The individuals included in this sizable segment of the population are among the most marginalized in our society. The U.S. has some of the highest recidivism rates in the world. According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Institute of Justice, nearly 44% of prisoners released from prison are rearrested within one year; about 66% of released inmates were arrested for a new crime within three years, and 82% were arrested within 10 years. The resources that Dismas Ministry furnishes are tools or frameworks to support prisoners. Our goal is to provide them with the spiritual resources they need to reassess their lives and hopefully prevent recidivism.
THE NEED FOR OUR SERVICES CONTINUES TO GROW
Dismas Ministry has steadily expanded its outreach since its founding. In 2000, we started the Ministry with distribution to only four states; by 2013, we expanded our reach to prisoners in all 50 states. Today, we serve an average of 13,000 inmates each year in more than 1,825 facilities across the country.
We have, however, only scratched the surface of the work still to do. There are more than 6,200 correctional facilities in the United States, which include nearly two million prisoners. Roughly 15 percent of the prison population—some 300,000 individuals—identify as Catholic. In any given year, the Ministry serves a little more than 25 percent of U.S. facilities and roughly five percent of Catholic prisoners. To expand our reach and to keep pace with technological changes, we are now offering our resources to a growing number of facilities in a digital format. As of 2022, at least 14 state prison systems scan all incoming mail, according to the Prison Policy Initiative, a national research and advocacy organization focused on mass incarceration.
In 2023, we expanded our reach through a partnership with Edovo, the largest learning platform for incarcerated people in the United States. Edovo currently operates in 1,200+ correctional facilities, reaching over 970,000 individuals who are incarcerated—approximately 50% of the total incarcerated population in the U.S. To date, more than 50 million hours have been spent learning on the Edovo platform.
Through this collaboration, Dismas Ministry now offers 31 free, faith-based resources digitally through Edovo, significantly broadening our impact. Our content is now accessible in over 1,200 facilities across 39 states, at no cost to the individuals we serve. In just the first few weeks, more than 500 incarcerated individuals accessed our spiritual materials—underscoring the hunger for hope, healing, and faith behind bars.
In 2024, Dismas Ministry released Volume 10 in the I Am Beautiful series.
This powerful project, which began in 2010, invites women who are incarcerated to share their writings, stories, poems, and artwork reflecting on their experiences with abuse and their journey toward healing. Each annual volume is a testament to resilience, dignity, and hope—offering a platform for women to rise above the violence and trauma they have endured. Through their voices, these contributors not only reclaim their worth but also inspire and support other women who carry similar wounds.
We hope that all who read I Am Beautiful will be reminded that they are worthy of love and dignity, and recognize the inner and outer beauty in themselves and others. After each new volume is published, every woman who contributed receives a free copy, and two copies are sent to libraries in women’s prisons across the United States.
You can download a FREE sample of I Am Beautiful, Volume 10 on our website.
To order your full copy of I Am Beautiful, Volume 10, visit our online store.
Dismas Ministry Programs
Young Adult Prison Ministry Ambassador Program (YAPMAP)
In April 2024, Dismas Ministry moved its operations to the campus of Alverno College in Milwaukee, opening new opportunities for collaboration with students and faculty. With generous support from the School Sisters of Notre Dame, we received a grant to support the continuation of our Young Adult Prison Ministry Ambassador Program (YAPMAP) an initiative that engages college-age students in hands-on service within our ministry.
This year, three Alverno College interns served as YAPMAP Ambassadors. These students played an essential role in managing our Bible study correspondence program, organizing resource inventory, collecting service data, fulfilling requests from individuals who are incarcerated, and assisting with events, communications, and donor engagement. They also helped introduce the mission of Dismas Ministry to their campus community through tours, presentations, and outreach events.
Originally launched in 2021 with support from the ACTA Foundation, the YAPMAP program was briefly paused following the closure of Cardinal Stritch University. We are grateful to have revived it in partnership with Alverno College and look forward to continuing to cultivate the next generation of prison ministry leaders.
YAPMAP students had the opportunity for self-evaluation. Here is what they said…
Haley Marini, Student Ambassador
“During my time at Dismas Ministry, I learned that even the smallest behind-the-scenes tasks play a vital role in a mission-driven organization. Whether it was organizing records, updating donor lists, or preparing materials for mailing, I came to understand how essential administrative work is in supporting individuals who are incarcerated.
This internship taught me the value of efficiency, attention to detail, and time management—and reminded me that even repetitive work has purpose when it’s rooted in service. One of the most meaningful parts was reading letters from incarcerated individuals. Their gratitude made it clear that every effort, no matter how small, helps bring hope and faith to people who need it most.
I’m grateful for the experience and the reminder that real impact often begins quietly, behind a desk.”
Giselle Moreno, Student Ambassador
“During my time working at Dismas Ministry, I had the opportunity to set up an inventory document. I found the work to be rewarding, especially knowing that these tasks directly supported the organization’s mission of providing resources to incarcerated people. What stood out to me most was the positive and understanding atmosphere among the team. Everyone at Dismas played a role, and communication was key to the organization’s success. Despite the variety of tasks, from managing inventory to asset reports, there was a strong sense of collaboration, with each person contributing to a common goal. This experience highlighted the importance of clear communication and teamwork in a non-profit organization, and I learned how each small task fits into the larger mission. Overall, Dismas Ministry was a great place to work, where I felt supported and appreciated, and I gained valuable insights into how a well-communicated, role-based organization functions.”
Maggie Wilmot, Student Ambassador
“ During my time at Dismas Ministry, I gained valuable experience in nonprofit operations and communications. My responsibilities included reviewing and updating organizational materials, contributing to revisions of the ministry’s operational manuals, and assisting with social media content creation to enhance outreach and engagement.
A key component of my work was contributing to the revision and improvement of the organization’s operational manuals. This task required me to pay attention to detail, collaboration with staff to clarify procedures, and thoughtful consideration of how to make internal processes more efficient and user-friendly. I also contributed to the ministry’s outreach by creating and scheduling social media posts designed to expand visibility, engage supporters, and communicate the impact of the ministry’s work in a respectful and uplifting way. This experience not only deepened my understanding of nonprofit operations but also gave me insight into the importance of strong leadership, clear communication, and mission-driven strategies in advancing organizational goals.
One of my long-term career goals is to serve in a leadership position within a nonprofit organization. My internship at Dismas Ministry has provided me with foundational experience in managing key aspects of nonprofit work and reinforced my commitment to leading with compassion, integrity, and a clear vision. It has motivated me to continue developing the skills necessary to guide an organization that serves vulnerable communities and promotes meaningful change.”
Prison Art Gallery
Over the years, Dismas Ministry has received hundreds of heartfelt works of art from individuals who are incarcerated—created on everything from scrap paper and envelopes to the backs of Bible study review tests. These deeply personal pieces have long been a part of our ministry’s story, reflecting the spiritual depth, emotional resilience, and creative expression of those behind bars.
In April 2025, we brought this collection to life in a public way with our first-ever prison art gallery event, Expressions of the Soul. Co-hosted with the Ignatian Volunteer Corps of Milwaukee, the event showcased framed artwork, poetry, and sculpture created by incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. Held in a welcoming, community space, the event drew supporters, ministers, and advocates together for an afternoon of art, reflection, and connection. It was a powerful witness to the beauty, dignity, and humanity so often hidden behind prison walls.
Much of this artwork remains on display in our offices and is featured on our website, in promotional materials, and throughout our publications. It continues to be a highlight during ministry tours and educational presentations. A video presentation of our growing art gallery can also be viewed on our website.
Messengers of Hope Video Training
In 2024, we launched our Messengers of Hope training resource on our YouTube channel. This free video presentation is designed for anyone interested in ministering to individuals who are incarcerated and provides practical guidance, spiritual insight, and encouragement for this important work.
The training is available to download through our website, and we invite you to watch, share, and help spread the message of hope behind bars. Stay connected through email and social media for updates and new resources.
AS WE MOVE FORWARD
Dismas Ministry, like many small nonprofit organizations, continues to navigate a unique set of challenges.
Staffing
In today’s rapidly changing world—with economic uncertainty, shifting donor priorities, and advancing technology—Dismas Ministry remains committed to keeping our mission front and center, despite limited resources. This balancing act is carried out by a small but deeply dedicated team.
As of June 2024, Juliann Joerres serves as our new Executive Director, bringing with her over two decades of experience in nonprofit communication and a deep commitment to prison ministry.
Our current staff includes:
One full-time Executive Director (Juliann Joerres)
One part-time Administrative Assistant
One contracted Grant Writer
Three part-time interns from Alverno College
Two part-time volunteers from the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC)
One part-time volunteer bookkeeper
With this committed team, we continue to faithfully serve our brothers and sisters behind bars, ensuring they are not forgotten and that the light of faith reaches even the darkest places.
Volunteers
Fortunately, Dismas Ministry also has a corps of dedicated volunteers who help fulfill orders, correct course tests, manage inventory, and assist with general office duties.
Just as recruiting staff is a real challenge, so is attracting and retaining qualified volunteers. Though our team of volunteers has fluctuated over the years, we have been blessed by a number of dedicated long-term volunteers who help our organization flourish.
In fall 2022, we expanded our network by connecting with the Ignatian Volunteer Corps® (IVC) (pictured below) to maintain our library of publications, inventory management, and help package requests from our Prison Ministry Network.
In addition to the individuals listed above, we are blessed with others who work remotely coordinating the Dismas Ministry correspondence course program. Thank you to Deacon Roberto Fuentes (based in Racine, WI), as well as members of these two parishes: St. Margaret Mary Parish (Milwaukee, WI) and St. William Parish (Waukesha, WI). Greg Dunlop is our volunteer bookkeeper.
We are grateful to all our volunteers, some of whom have been part of our team for nearly 20 years!
Kelly O’Keefe is a volunteer from the Ignatian Volunteer Corps®
David Bardon is a volunteer from the Ignatian Volunteer Corps®
Volunteers from St. William Parish in Waukesha are Ruth Anne White, Anne Radomski, Linda Dudzek, and Jackie Meyer (pictured separately).
Deacon Roberto Fuentes helps with letters and correspondence courses for Spanish-speaking prisoners.
Karen Valente and Sue Giza are volunteers from St. Margart Mary Parish. Tomy Dompke (not pictured) is the newest member of their team
Technology
Compounding our difficulties, many jails and prisons are eliminating access to print publications. For Dismas Ministry to continue delivering our resources to a growing number of inmates, we must navigate and adapt to new technologies and communication platforms. As mentioned earlier, we are now offering our resources to a growing number of facilities in a digital format.
Dismas Ministry Headquarters
In April 2024, Dismas Ministry entered an exciting new chapter with a move to our new home on the campus of Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This transition represents more than just a change in location. It marks the beginning of a promising partnership with a respected institution that shares our commitment to education, service, and spiritual growth.
Founded in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno College is an independent, Catholic, liberal arts college for women known for its innovative, ability-based learning approach. With a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and community engagement, Alverno provides an ideal environment for our ministry to grow and thrive.
This move has already created new opportunities for collaboration and support. With access to Alverno’s vibrant academic community, we’ve welcomed three college interns into our Young Adult Prison Ministry Ambassador Program (YAPMAP), resumed operations in a more efficient workspace, and deepened our connection to local partners in ministry and education.
Donor Relations
We are grateful to both long-term and new donors who are inspired by and support our mission. We have grown a solid donor base since the organization’s inception.
Dismas Ministry’s primary goal is to serve the imprisoned. We are determined to grow our outreach to those who seek a deeper connection with God and the Catholic Church. The resources we provide are tools for their spiritual journey.
Our mission would cease to exist without the prayerful and financial support of many individuals and faith-based and grantmaking organizations from across the country.
Thank you, friends, for your partnership with Dismas Ministry and your kinship with our brothers and sisters behind bars.
2023 – 2024 Total Donations Received
Did you know Dismas Ministry has a monthly giving club?
Monthly donations are a vital resource supporting the spiritual lives of inmates. They form a revenue stream we know we can count on, which allows us to plan our year with confidence.
We established Mercy Circle in 2019. Since then, 111 people have enrolled in this monthly giving club. Over the last five years, our Mercy Circle givers have donated over $268,243.00
The decision to entrust regular gifts to Dismas Ministry strengthens our efforts to provide for the spiritual needs of our brothers and sisters behind bars. These recurring gifts help sustain our monthly fulfillment of the mission, and bring peace of mind to staff and volunteers engaged in this important work.
Thanks to all members of Mercy Circle for making the commitment to support the ministry in this way. We welcome others to consider joining our monthly giving club for a convenient way to support Dismas Ministry throughout the year. To learn more about becoming a monthly donor visit our Mercy Circle page.
PLEASE HELP US SHARE OUR MISSION!
Not everyone has the means to help financially, so another way to help Dismas Ministry this holiday season is by sharing our information with anyone you feel might benefit from learning about our services. Or, you can help by simply keeping us in your prayers by joining our Union of Prayer.
SHARE
Be a beacon for those in despair.
PRAY
To provide hope and healing.
We rely on prayer. Without the prayerful support of others, our spiritual outreach to prisoners will not be successful, for nothing is accomplished without prayer and our connection with God. We invite you to join our Union of Prayer, a simple prayer association where you pray regularly for our ministry, the work that we do, and those we serve.
Click here to join the Union of Prayer.
GIVE
Let them know they are NOT FORGOTTEN!
For none of the work we do would be possible without the financial support of individuals like you!
A contribution of any amount will help us carry out our work and touch the hearts of all prisoners who need our kindness and compassion.
Please know that we truly appreciate whatever you can do, whether spiritually, financially, or both. It helps prisoners know they are not forgotten.
Thank you for your support.
“I was in prison and you visited Me.” ~ Matthew 25:36.
