Meet the Former Resident: Martin
July 31, 2024
Finding Freedom through Dismas House
A Life of Service and Sacrifice
Martin did not always have the community and support that most take for granted. His early life was marked by strict dedication and service to the nation. After attending Tennessee State University, where he majored in speech pathology and audiology, he joined the military. Honorably discharged, he returned home in 1977. However, life took a challenging turn when he was incarcerated in 1984, spending nearly four decades in prison until his release in November 2023.
Post-incarceration, Martin faced a world that had drastically changed but through Dismas House – he found his lifeline. His time at Dismas House, though brief, was transformative. “Dismas House helped me get my driver’s license and even helped me buy my vehicle,” Martin recalls. “They always had time to answer my questions, no matter what they were doing.”
The individualized support Martin received was a testament to Dismas House’s commitment to its residents. “They don’t paint with a wide brush,” Martin notes. His experience at Dismas House was not just about receiving help but also about finding a community that cared deeply for his well-being. “I still go by and visit occasionally. Check my mail… any excuse to come back and say hello.”
In June 2024, Dismas House entered an exciting partnership with The Store, a free, year-round grocery store in Nashville, Tennessee that provides healthy, fresh food to people and families in need.
Martin, a former resident, was honored to be the first referral from Dismas House to The Store’s Pilot Program. This innovative initiative allows individuals like Martin to maintain their independence by providing essential resources. Visiting The Store every two weeks, Martin is free to shop for any items he wants or that suit his dietary needs, particularly important as he manages his health at 70 years old. “The Store has been incredibly accommodating,” he shares. “They helped me navigate the shelves and even encouraged me to get more items when I was short a few things.”
Praising the wrap-around services offered by Dismas House, Martin admired the continuous support he received even after moving out of the house. “It was a good thing for me to be able to come here. And to be recommended after I’m gone is an example of how their assistance continues even after you’ve left,” Martin explained.
Reflections
At 70 years old, Martin cherishes the freedom and opportunities that have come his way. “Freedom is not something to be taken for granted,” he reflects. “The ability to come and go as you please is something that should never be taken for granted.” Martin’s experience underscores the importance of community and the impact of compassionate support systems.
Even the freedom, him and fellow customers are given at The Store, means a lot to him. “They don’t crowd you. They don’t give you a hard time. I like the freedom to be able to shop. And that’s what I like most about it. I look forward to coming here. I do,” he said.
Through the unwavering support of Dismas House and the innovative partnership with The Store, Martin has not only reintegrated into society but also found a sense of belonging and purpose. “I was there for 90 days, but Dismas House will always be a home to me.”