Dismas Home of New Hampshire names Angel Colarusso philanthropy director

Angel Colarusso

Dismas Home of New Hampshire has named Angel Colarusso its Director of Philanthropy, as the nonprofit organization expands its capacity and geographical impact providing treatment and transitional living for justice-involved women and veterans seeking recovery in New Hampshire. Dismas Home is the only program of its kind in the state that offers safe housing, 24/7 staff support, substance use disorder clinical treatment, mental health counseling, case management, and workforce and housing support.

Dismas Home is more than tripling its residential capacity with the opening of a new home in Rochester. Colarusso will lead the organization’s philanthropic strategy, cultivate relationships with individual, foundation and corporate donors, and work with Executive Director Cheryll Andrews and the board of directors to build sustained support for the organization’s programs.

Says Cheryll Andrews, Executive Director of Dismas Home, “Angel brings the experience, vision and commitment we need as Dismas Home enters this next phase of growth. With our new Rochester home tripling our capacity to serve women, her leadership will be key in building the philanthropic support that makes our work possible. Her decades of experience, strategic insight, and warm personality are already having an impact on our organization.”

Colarusso began her career working in a residential treatment and transitional living program before moving into fundraising and nonprofit leadership. She brings 20 years of experience in development and board governance, including building annual and major gifts programs at numerous New England institutions, such as Dartmouth College, St. Paul’s School, Families in Transition, Middlesex School, the Concord Area Trust for Community Housing, and the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law.

Says Colarusso, “I invite any individual or business with an interest in making an impact in the lives of disadvantaged women in New Hampshire, many of whom have experienced trauma, substance use disorder, mental health challenges, homelessness, and involvement with the justice system – to join me for coffee, a conversation, and a tour so they can see and experience the power of a safe home where access to clinical treatment, a community of women who support each other, and a team of talented clinicians dedicated to empowering our residents are changing lives in a transformational way.

When you invest in Dismas Home, you are telling every disadvantaged woman desperately seeking a new life that they matter, they are worthy and deserving of good things, and most importantly that they are capable of building a responsible, healthy, and productive life that is often beyond their wildest dreams. And because of our unique model and standard of care, we have the measurable outcomes of success to prove it.”

Colarusso will focus on strengthening individual giving, grants, major gifts, corporate giving, while guiding the organization’s events and expanding community partnerships. She will also engage board members, donors, and community partners in Dismas Home’s ambitious plans for growth.

“Dismas Home has an opportunity to create lasting change in the lives of women and families across New Hampshire,” Colarusso said. “I’m excited to build a strategic, relationship-centered major gifts fundraising program that inspires more people to make a transformative difference in the lives of women, and through them their children and families, and ultimately our communities and state as a whole, through their support of Dismas Home.”

Dismas Home is in the final phase of its $2.5 million Courage to Change capital campaign, with approximately $180,000 remaining to reach its goal. The new Rochester home triples the organization’s capacity to help women while the organization’s operating budget is projected to grow only 30% as a result of this new home.

“I’m thrilled to join an organization whose mission I am passionate about, and to work with Cheryll, whose leadership and partnership I deeply respect,” Colarusso added. “The 90% success rate for women who complete our program is compelling. It shows that Dismas Home has set the standard of care for excellence in positive outcomes and cost-effectiveness, and serves as a model for the state, and across the country, in reducing recidivism rates and improving community health outcomes.”

About Dismas Home of New Hampshire

Dismas Home of New Hampshire provides residential treatment and transitional living for justice-involved women and veterans with substance use disorder. Its comprehensive, two-phase program offers a safe, supportive environment where residents receive treatment and counseling, around the clock support, and the opportunity to build the skills and stability needed for the next stage of their lives. Residents can live at Dismas Home for up to 15 months. The organization was founded ten years ago and owns homes in Manchester and Rochester. Visit www.DismasHomeNH.org for more information.