Dismas House Announces New Fellowship for Holy Cross Graduates

Shrewsbury resident Sarah Meng ’11 named first fellow

Sarah Meng, a 2011 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, was named the inaugural Holy Cross Fellow for Dismas House of Massachusetts, Inc.   In this role, Meng will coordinate resident programs and activities at the Dismas Family Farm, a new, rehabilitative residential program for people who are homeless and former prisoners.  It is located on a working wool and vegetable farm in Oakham, Mass.  The one-year fellowship began on July 1.

“Sarah brings a great deal of energy and enthusiasm, as well as a spiritual underpinning of compassion so necessary to this work,” explains Dave McMahon, executive director of the Dismas House.  “Whether it is working with the residents in the fields or helping to launch a farmers' market—Holy Cross students bring a deep sense of intelligence and service to others. Sarah is the perfect fit.” 

Holy Cross has a long history with Dismas House, which was founded with the help of Terry Horgan, a 1967 Holy Cross graduate.  Since the house opened in 1988, the College has remained a strong supporter in many ways, including providing volunteers and work-study students, aiding grant writing efforts, and helping Dismas residents in the job search process.

A resident of Shrewsbury, Meng was a biology major in the prehealth program with a peace and conflict studies concentration.  She also served as a math and writing tutor, was a member of the biology society and ASIA (Advocating student interest in Asia) and participated in the Big Brother, Big Sister program.