Her daughter Tricia said the award couldn’ t have come at a more fitting time:“ For her to be acknowledged in such a prominent way— it’ s uplifting. It’ s good news in a world that needs it.” McCaffrey, ever self-effacing, redirects the credit:“ It took so many people,” she said.“ We could never have done it without community volunteers, without the faith communities, without Corrections, or without the people who believed in second chances.”
The Work Continues
Although Rita officially retired in 2010, she continues to volunteer, mentor, help with fundraising, and visit Dismas Houses whenever she can. The organization she founded remains strong, guided by a new generation of leaders and community partners who have embraced her model of service.“ I would encourage the next generation not to miss out on the gift it is to the people who are giving,” she says.“ It’ s hard work, but the payback is enormous. Do something— especially today. We’ re yearning for a peaceful world, and even the smallest things make it better for others and for us.” Asked what advice she’ d give to those considering service work, she offered a simple directive:“ Keep it simple. Start little. Learn about whatever it is that you feel moved to work with.”
At every Dismas House across Vermont, the daily ritual of dinner remains the centerpiece— a place where forgiveness, accountability, and belonging meet in equal measure.“ It’ s the centerpiece of the day,” says McCaffrey.
Decades after her first prison visit in 1974, the ripple effects of that one act of compassion continue to grow. Dismas of Vermont has helped hundreds of Vermonters rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and rediscover their place in the world. More than just transitional housing, each Dismas House is a living symbol of what Rita McCaffrey set out to prove nearly half a century ago: that reconciliation isn’ t an abstract ideal— it’ s something you live, one meal, one conversation, one open door at a time. n
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