Dismas Designs Takes Discards and Turns Out Jewels

By MAY LEE JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Writer

A couple of nights each week, Dismas House residents have been gathering to make jewelry. Now they're taking it to the next level. They will be selling their wares in the hope of keeping their doors open.

Dismas House is a nonprofit organization that provides housing and support to people returning from jail or prison.

“Our residents are asked to pay a certain amount of money for their living expenses but they just can't find work,” said Maria Kaczmarek, executive director.

“So we had to do something to keep these doors opening, and the new business is starting to take off.”

Dismas House board member Pat Dilts has a business background and helped get the residents organized.

Just as Dismas House helps people put their lives back together, Dismas Design tries to find new uses for society's castaways.

An earring that lost its mate will become a brooch.

Beads from a broken necklace will find their way onto a bracelet.

Thousands of beads and odd pieces await caring hands to match them into something special.

Before, jewelry making was mainly a social opportunity and a way to relieve stress.

Now, it's part of a business called Dismas Designs.

“We started out with the idea of making what we called forgiveness bracelets,” Kaczmarek said.

“We were making these bracelets because our residents were not able to get jobs, and this project helps relieve the stress in the house.”

“I never thought I would be making jewelry, but it is interesting work,” said resident Dominic Smallwood.

“What really makes you feel good is when someone picks up a piece of jewelry that you made and buys it. That is one great feeling.”

The house is accepting donations of old jewelry pieces.

Part of the fun for residents is digging through these former valuables and finding the bits they can use.

Completed pieces sell in the range of $10 to $50.

“This place and Maria are very important to me,” said resident Rose Chandler.

“It feels really good to be able to give back to the place that has given me so much. I would be homeless today if it wasn't for Dismas.

“I hope a lot people out there hear about what we are trying to do here and help us out.”

Anyone interested in purchasing jewelry or hosting a jewelry party for Dismas Designs can call Kaczmarek at (574) 233-8522 or fax Dismas at (574) 246-9538.

Article from: http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20091026/NEWS04/910269941