More than 100 supporters, elected officials, donors, community partners, and advocates gathered on June 24, 2026, to celebrate the opening of Dismas Home of New Hampshire’s new Rochester residential facility, a major expansion that will more than triple the organization’s capacity to serve justice-involved women recovering from substance use disorder and mental health challenges.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted in partnership with the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, marked an important milestone for Dismas Home, New Hampshire’s only residential program dedicated exclusively to serving justice-involved women, including female veterans. The Rochester home, located at 6 Healthcare Drive, will begin welcoming residents later this summer and increase the organization’s residential capacity from eight women to 28 women.

Founded in 2016 by Julie McCarthy Brown and her late husband, Jack Brown, Dismas Home provides safe housing, trauma-informed treatment, clinical support, workforce development, educational opportunities, and transitional living services that help women rebuild their lives and successfully return to the community.

“When my late husband, Jack, and I founded Dismas Home, we believed that justice-involved women working to overcome substance use disorder deserved more than a second chance—they deserved a safe place to heal, rebuild, and thrive,” said McCarthy Brown. “The opening of this Rochester Home is more than the expansion of an organization—it is the expansion of opportunity. It means that our mission of providing hope, dignity, and a pathway forward will reach even more women across the state.”

In her remarks, retired New Hampshire Supreme Court Chief Justice Tina Nadeau emphasized the critical role stable housing plays in recovery and successful reentry.

“We can order women to attend treatment, participate in probation, and obtain mental health care,” Nadeau said. “But not a single one of those efforts will be successful without a stable place to call home. When we provide housing, we also provide hope, purpose, and belonging that make recovery possible and sustainable.”

One of the most powerful moments of the event came from Alacia Linville, who shared her personal recovery journey and the impact Dismas Home has had on her life.

“Dismas Home changed my life in ways I never thought were possible,” Linville told attendees. “Today, because of the support I received, I have remained free from drugs and alcohol. I have built a beautiful life that includes a wonderful daughter, a loving family, and a future that once seemed impossible.”

Linville said the opening of the Rochester Home is critical for women who may struggle to see a path forward.

“The opening of a new Dismas Home means more opportunities for women like me who may not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. “It means another safe, welcoming place for women to heal from trauma, rebuild their lives, and find hope.”

Dismas Home reports a success rate of more than 95 percent for women who complete the full program. Women served by the organization often face complex challenges related to addiction, trauma, homelessness, poverty, mental health challenges, and family separation. Nearly 60 percent of incarcerated women are mothers.

As Board Chair Santina Thibedeau noted during the ceremony, the Rochester expansion significantly increases Dismas Home’s ability to provide treatment, support, and long-term recovery services to women throughout New Hampshire.

“This new Home will provide additional residential capacity, clinical services, workforce development opportunities, and the supportive community that is so critical to long-term recovery and successful reentry,” Thibedeau said.

Dismas Home Executive Director Cheryll Andrews thanked the many donors, volunteers, community partners, and advocates who helped make the project possible.

“Every day I have the privilege of witnessing the strength, resilience, and determination of the women we serve. Their journeys remind us that recovery is possible, transformation is real, and everyone deserves the opportunity to build a brighter future.”

The Rochester Home was made possible through Dismas Home’s Courage to Change Campaign, launched in 2023 to fund the purchase, renovation, and preparation of the facility. The organization continues to raise funds to complete the project and support ongoing operations.

About Dismas Home of New Hampshire

Dismas Home of New Hampshire is the state’s only residential program dedicated exclusively to serving justice-involved women, including female veterans, recovering from substance use disorder and mental health challenges. Founded in 2016, the nonprofit provides safe housing, trauma-informed treatment, clinical support, workforce development, educational opportunities, and transitional living services that help women rebuild their lives and successfully return to the community. Learn more at www.DismasHomeNH.org.

Caption: Dismas Home of New Hampshire Executive Director Cheryll Andrews joins members of the board of directors, Rochester Mayor Chuck Grassie, and Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President Tanya Hervey for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.