#United States #Dismas Charities #Atlas Platform #Interactive Journaling #Carson City, Louisville

Dismas Charities Expands Its Reach with Atlas Digital Behavioral Health Platform

Dismas Charities, a leading organization providing residential reentry services in the United States, is elevating its impact by expanding the use of the innovative Atlas digital behavioral health platform to 40 locations across the nation. This shift follows the positive outcomes of a pilot program that demonstrated the platform's effectiveness in supporting justice-involved individuals.

Developed by The Change Companies, Atlas incorporates the principles of Interactive Journaling®, an evidence-based strategy that fosters positive behavioral transformations through psychoeducation, reflective questions, goal-setting, and expressive writing. Extensive research has shown that this approach not only enhances employment and housing stability for individuals post-release but also improves substance use recovery, behavioral outcomes, and reduces recidivism rates.

The introduction of Atlas allows Dismas Charities to expand access to Interactive Journaling® while introducing advanced features like robust reporting tools and AI-enhanced case note development, empowering the staff to provide personalized support more efficiently and effectively.

During a comprehensive 90-day pilot, Dismas Charities participants engaged with the Atlas platform across 1,200 sessions, resulting in nearly 500 hours of participation. Impressively, about 80% of those participants remained actively engaged, delving into self-guided content on various crucial topics encompassing mental health, anger management, parenting, medication management, recovery maintenance, and goal-setting—all vital for successfully reintegrating into society.

Nico Gimenez, Co-CEO of The Change Companies, emphasized the collaborative potential of this partnership: "We believe in putting the power of change directly into the hands of each individual. Our partnership with Dismas Charities showcases what can be achieved when evidence-based interventions are combined with innovative digital solutions. The Atlas platform enables providers to align the right intervention with the right individual at the right time."

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly encouraging. A post-pilot survey revealed that nearly 80% of participants felt the Atlas platform aided their self-discovery journey—a vital element for fostering meaningful, transformative behavior changes.

Ellen Donnarumma, President and CEO of Dismas Charities, noted the potential of technology as a supportive tool, stating, "Technology can be a powerful tool when it reinforces rather than replaces the essential human connections foundational to our work. The Atlas platform empowers our staff to customize programming that is both scalable and deeply personal."

Dismas Charities employs risk-need assessments at the intake stage to tailor the content delivered through the Atlas platform based on individual needs. For example, a participant identified with significant cognitive-behavioral challenges might receive a journal focused on responsible thinking, accompanied by educational videos and podcasts centered on rational decision-making.

Faith Good, Chief Operating Officer at Dismas Charities, reflected on how Atlas enhances client interaction: "Our staff is witnessing firsthand how the Atlas platform improves our ability to meet clients at their point of need, ensuring a tailored experience. Its flexibility integrates seamlessly into our daily programming while respecting the unique requirements of each participant."

About The Change Companies

The Change Companies has been at the forefront of developing Interactive Journaling®, an evidence-based approach recognized by SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices, for over 35 years. Their mission has been to facilitate behavioral change in addiction treatment, corrections, behavioral health, and community settings. The Atlas platform builds upon this legacy, granting access to individualized and engaging programming aimed at justice-involved and treatment populations nationwide.

About Dismas Charities

Dismas Charities operates residential and non-residential reentry programs throughout the United States, aiming to "Heal the Human Spirit." Their services are geared towards fostering accountability, minimizing recidivism, and supporting the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into their communities. Through innovation and commitment, Dismas Charities continues to fulfill its mission and expand its positive impact on society.