Holley Roberts , Charger Staff
The Cookeville Dismas House is preparing for its annual fundraiser, The Tommy
Burks Memorial Dinner and Silent Auction, to be held at the Upper Cumberland
Expo Center at 6:30 PM on Sept. 21.
Dismas House is a non-profit housing program that allows ex-offenders second
chances at life outside prison. “Our mission is to reconcile the residents
to society,” said director Shane Farris.
These people pay rent, find employment or enroll in school, do household chores,
and are expected to provide moral support for each other during the rebuilding
process. Volunteers frequent the house and are valuable assets to its development.
Not all ex-offenders are admitted, however. Repeat violent offenders, sex offenders,
and arson offenders are not accepted. Dismas is a program for those who wish
to get back on track and are willing to work hard at just that.
Tom Lyles, who has employed Dismas residents, said, “People make mistakes;
when they pay their dues to society, we should help them rather than put them
down.” So speak the heartfelt efforts of Dismas participants.
All money for Dismas House comes in the form of charities or grants. The Tommy
Burks Memorial Dinner is a vital part of the fundraising process. Awards are
presented to honor distinguished area volunteers, and a silent auction, funded
by private donors, is held. Musical guests will include CHS’s own Ethan
Ballinger.
“Support for this event is very important to our program,” said assistant director, Sharon Vickers. The Dismas House relies on support from the community, and its directors appreciate all who are willing to lend helping hands. Interested parties can start by attending the Memorial Dinner on Sept. 21.
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Article prepared for web by Steven Linger 6-Sept-2002