Second chances are an important for part of personal growth and learning. When it comes to ex-offenders and substance abuse, however, social stigma often limits the opportunities available of to those who are in recovery and want to start over.

Ratina and Ganesan, both 53, are serving the last leg of their respective sentences at a halfway house. Yet their biggest worry is  about their families back home.

The men are currently serving their in-house phase of the community-based programme, undergoing rehabilitative curriculum. 3 months after the in-house phase, they will be connected to various stakeholders to secure employment. As such, during these periods of tough times, they require support to send money to their families and for their own expenses. The men want to reconnect with their families, urgently, by supporting them and hope to be part of their loved ones’ lives again after release.

Like Ganesan and Ratina, there are four other residents who want to change the course of their lives for the better.

Ray of Hope is raising $9,510 for six residents and their families’ living expenses for three months, while the residents complete their probation. 

Ganesan’s story:

“My sisters and son still have hope in me and believe that I can change. I must change and help myself.” – Ganesan

Ganesan has been well-acquainted with Singapore’s criminal justice system since he was 17, because of substance abuse. Now 53 years-old, he is serving his last sentence at a halfway house, and wants to make good in the remaining years he has left in this world.

Prior to his incarceration, Ganesan was a private hire driver and earned a decent income every month. However, he cannot return to that job, because of his criminal records.

Ganesan has a close relationship with his only son, a polytechnic student whom he speaks very fondly and highly of. Ganesan does not wish for his son’s life to end up like his own — he hopes for his son to lead a normal life and be able to chase his dreams. Ganesan wants to upgrade his skills and to find a stable job, so that he and his son can live comfortably.

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Ratina’s story:

“I just want to be a better son to my mother so that she doesn’t have to suffer anymore.” – Ratina

Since 1995, Ratina has spent more than half of his life in correctional and rehabilitation institutions, because of his struggle with drugs. He wants to find a job and to be able to care for his 78 year-old mother. Ratina’s mother currently stays with her younger son, on a temporary basis, while she waits for Ratina to return home.

Ratina is serving the final leg of his sentence at a halfway house. He is granted home leave every Sunday to spend time with his family. His only wish is to be a better son, so that his mother no longer feels disappointment and worry.