On November 6, Dismas Home of New Hampshire welcomed local business leaders, community partners, and government officials to a Hard Hat Tour of its newly purchased property at 6 Healthcare Drive in Rochester. The event marked an exciting milestone in Dismas Home’s mission to expand its proven recovery and reentry program to serve an additional 20 women in Strafford County—including women veterans, who will comprise 25% of the beds at the new facility.
Sponsored by Lighthouse Credit Union, the event provided guests with a rare “before” look at the future Rochester home, which is slated to open in spring 2026, coinciding with Dismas Home’s 10th anniversary. Attendees were guided through the site by members of the Board of Directors and organizational leadership, who shared the nonprofit’s vision for transforming the property into a warm, safe, and restorative environment for justice-involved women striving to rebuild their lives after incarceration and substance use disorder.
“This expansion represents the next step in our vision to ensure that women in every county of New Hampshire have access to the support and structure they need to find hope, healing, and stability,” said Cheryll Andrews, Executive Director of Dismas Home of New Hampshire. “The turnout and enthusiasm we witnessed today reaffirm that our community stands with us in this mission.”
Among those in attendance were:
Mayor Paul Callaghan
Deputy Mayor Donald Hamann
Councilors Tim Fontneau, Kevin Sullivan, and Alexander deGeofroy
City Manager Kathryn Ambrose
NH Executive Councilor Joe Kenney
Strafford County Sheriff Kathryn Mone
State Senator James Gray (District 6)
Mike Scala, City of Rochester
Mayor-Elect Chuck Grassie
Major General Gretchen Dunkelberger (Ret.), U.S. Air Force
…and many others representing the strength and spirit of the Rochester community.
Guests expressed strong support and interest in Dismas Home’s expansion and its unique two-phase residential model, which has already helped dozens of women transition successfully back into their communities.
The Rochester facility will be the organization’s second location, joining its flagship residence in Manchester, NH. Once complete, it will provide a structured environment with wraparound services addressing substance misuse, trauma, employment, education, and family reunification.
About Dismas Home of New Hampshire
Dismas Home of NH is a federally registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers justice-involved women with substance-use disorder the opportunity to heal and thrive through evidence-based clinical treatment and robust social support services in a loving, home-like environment. Dismas Home is a New Hampshire state-licensed healthcare facility and DHHS contractor, partnering with healthcare providers, the justice system, educational institutions, and local businesses. Dismas Home delivers a secure place to heal and the tools to reclaim an empowered life.
Learn more at www.dismashomenh.org
