Outside the Walls
Reentry
We believe in the power of a new beginning. We walk alongside individuals impacted by the justice system, offering a guiding hand, a compassionate ear, and practical support as they begin their journey of reintegration into the community.
Our mission is to foster hope, uphold dignity, and cultivate resilience for every person we serve.
Comprehensive Support Services
Transitioning back into society can be a daunting prospect. Many individuals leaving incarceration find themselves without essential support systems or the resources needed to rebuild their lives. St. Dysmas is here to bridge that gap, providing a holistic range of services designed to empower and equip:
Mentorship & Guidance
Personalized support from individuals who understand the challenges of reentry.
Housing Assistance
Helping to secure safe and stable accommodation.
Employment &
Vocational Support
Connecting individuals with job opportunities and developing marketable skills.
Transportation
Providing access to essential appointments and work.
Educational Opportunities
Encouraging and facilitating continued learning.
Financial Counseling
Building healthy financial habits and planning for the future.
Health & Life Skills
Workshops and resources for well-being and personal development.
Rebuilding
Support Networks
Assisting in reconnecting with positive relationships and community.
Parole Navigation
Guidance through the complexities of parole requirements.
Faith Community Connection
Opportunities to engage with
supportive faith groups.
Essential Necessities
Providing critical items like hygiene products and clothing.
Reentry: A Journey That Begins Before Release
Effective reentry planning starts the moment an individual enters the correctional system. By partnering with respected institutions such as South Dakota State University's Department of Allied and Population Health, the Department of Corrections, Face-It TOGETHER, and Brothers and Sisters Behind Bars, we bring vital reentry classes directly into prisons.
These partnerships equip participants with crucial knowledge for parole planning and help them identify the tools necessary for a successful return to community life.
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me... Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it for me.”
- Matthew 25
A Proven Approach to Lasting Change
Our program utilizes a well-established curriculum that has demonstrated success in reducing recidivism. We go beyond addressing immediate issues, delving into the root causes that can lead individuals into the justice system, fostering lasting transformation and wholeness.
Make a Difference
Donate
Your generosity is deeply appreciated and makes a tangible impact. We rely on the support of our community through prayers and donations.
We are consistently in need of:
Hygiene products
Towels
Work duty socks
Men's coats (especially work coats in sizes XL, 2XL, 3XL)
Other essential items as needed
Get Involved
St. Dysmas of South Dakota comprises both St. Dysmas Lutheran Church and the St. Dysmas Reentry program. The church actively worships within the South Dakota Penitentiary in Sioux Falls, Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield, and the Minimum Unit in Yankton.
The Reentry program is a natural extension of this ministry, dedicated to supporting individuals as they prepare for and navigate life after release. We are committed to walking with them, offering connection to resources and tools that foster a successful return to community.
Contact Us
Mitchell Wilson Reentry Program Coordinator
St. Dysmas Lutheran Church
c/o East Side Lutheran Church
1300 E. 10th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
Office: 605.338.1735
Cell: 605.961.7489
Email: mitch@stdysmas.com