Since 2012, our charity ‘Friends of Dismas’ (FoD) has been acutely aware that many ex-prisoners feel overwhelmed by rejection, shame and isolation. When they are reluctant to seek help on issues, they risk recidivism or suicide. Targeting released persons and their families, these weekly support groups have been held in four ‘safe places’ in Victoria, ...
Friends of Dismas (auspiced by Churches of Christ Community Care)
Four workshops for post-release prisoners to prevent recidivism
GOAL
$9,900
Australia > VIC > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Individual/family services and support
- Social inclusion and justice
Target Population
- People impacted by the legal system
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
Friends of Dismas (auspiced by Churches of Christ Community Care)
Churches of Christ Community Care (DGR 1 status) is dedicated to supporting people experiencing poverty and marginalisation. We are committed to sponsoring this unique charity, given our shared commitment to building ‘Communities of Hope and Compassion’.
Inspired by ‘Friends of Dismas’ (FoD) in Canada, our volunteers co-founded FoD in Victoria.
Since 2012, FoD prevents recidivism of adults released from prison by creating a supportive community. Friends of Dismas refers to the repentant thief who was crucified alongside Jesus.
FoD facilitates weekly group services in four ‘safe places’ (Melbourne, Box Hill, Geelong, Ballarat) where participants share a meal and reflections without being judged. People attend our weekly support groups for over five years.
Vision
Through peer support and personal accountability within this fellowship circle, FoD works towards ‘No More Victims’.
Mission
Alongside their families, FoD assists ex-prisoners to re-integrate into society and live crime-free lives.
FoD’s non-judgemental environment has been an oasis to many ex-prisoners who experience a desert of alienation and rejection. Without this intervention, over 40% of FoD’s beneficiaries may have returned to prison or committed suicide through burnt bridges. After developing trust for 13 years, Corrections Victoria and Victoria Police refer vulnerable and isolated ex-prisoners to FoD to fulfil the mutual objective of breaking the cycle of recidivism.
FoD are best placed to deliver this unique service because FoD volunteers establish relationships within prisons pre-release, enabling continuity of trust.
Beyond peer support, FoD participants seek professional guidance in mental health, law, budgeting and employment within these safe circles.
Project Summary
Since 2012, our charity ‘Friends of Dismas’ (FoD) has been acutely aware that many ex-prisoners feel overwhelmed by rejection, shame and isolation. When they are reluctant to seek help on issues, they risk recidivism or suicide.
Targeting released persons and their families, these weekly support groups have been held in four ‘safe places’ in Victoria, reaching over 100 people for over five years. FoD volunteers establish these relationships through our engagement programs within prisons.
This project is based on encouraging feedback from pilot workshops back in 2024. FoD’s regular attendees have asked if the expert speakers can provide pro-bono follow-up support as mentors, which are now confirmed. All four proposed speakers have experience working with this cohort.
Most released persons experience barriers to accessing legal support, finance, psychologists and employment. This new project will deliver four monthly consecutive workshops on these four topics for one Saturday per month, August to November 2026.
The workshops will take place at Studio 277, Melbourne City Conference Centre, at 277 Little Lonsdale Street.
FoD collaborates with Corrections Victoria to receive their referrals and to prevent any breaches of court Orders.
Project Outcomes
By enabling one-to-one mentoring with experts in the field, we significantly reduce the likelihood of recidivism. This delivers economic ripple effects on the capacity, demands and costs of correction centres.
The project will empower this cohort to pursue productive lives and ‘give back’ to society.
Based on 13 years of expertise, and feedback from the 2024 pilot project, the anticipated outcomes are outlined below.
Outcome 1: Enhanced support network for released persons.
Measurement: qualitative feedback; feedback surveys that compare baseline data with progress results, completed at the end of each workshop for continuous improvement; the self-scoring surveys gauge sense of belonging, sense of agency, resourcefulness, and confidence to seek-help.
Outcome 2: Increased capacity of families to support released persons.
Measurement: attendance and participation of family members in four workshops; families acting as ‘guard rails’ to prevent backsliding and despair.
Outcome 3: Reduced rates of recidivism post-release
Measurement: record of workshop attendees would reveal absences that prompt follow-up; pro-active notification by police if there has been recidivism or suicide.
Outcome 4: released persons from long-term incarceration become informed on how to ‘stay out.’
Measurement: solid support network of peers, experts, mentors and volunteers who provide practical guidance and warm introductions.
Outcome 5: Case studies on impact of workshops
Measurement: Individual testimonials on how workshop content or expert mentor facilitated positive outcome. This may be securing employment, winning an appeal against a conviction, securing a care plan for mental health support, or leveraging a legal precedent.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $25,180
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Friends of Dismas – pro bono time by Project Manager | $3,600 |
| 4 Expert Speakers – pro bono time to prepare and present workshops | $4,800 |
| Friends of Dismas – pro bono time by 3 volunteers | $2,880 |
| Studio 277 (Melbourne City Conference Centre) – discount on venue hire | $4,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| ACF: Lunch and refreshments at 4 workshops (via Costco) | $2,000 |
| ACF: Venue hire at discounted rate – Studio 277 | $3,100 |
| ACF: Honorarium payments for 4 expert speakers | $2,000 |
| ACF: Administration of 4 workshops (surveys, pre-approvals, reports to Corrections Vic) | $1,850 |
| ACF: Fliers, printed handouts, stationery, post | $950 |
Support Friends of Dismas (auspiced by Churches of Christ Community Care)
Got a question about this organisation or ready to contribute? Contact us.
Are you an ACF Fundholder? Log in to your Fund Portal to request a grant from your Fund.
Add your organisation to the Funding Platform
Is your not-for-profit organisation seeking funding? Add your organisation to the Funding Platform or upload your funding needs for a project.
Is this your organisation profile? You can request updates by resubmitting a Funding Platform Submission.