The reintegration of ex-offenders to society and their families requires immense support from the community, especially in dispelling social stigmas. Encouraging these individuals to move beyond the chequered past, and to the future, creates opportunities for growth and self-realisation. It is encouraging for halfway house residents, like Anil and Suppiah, to know that they have what it takes to make a life for themselves and their families. 

Anil and Suppiah yearn for a second shot at life. They will soon complete their sentences and are working hard to achieve the goals that they have set themselves: to care for their families and work for a better future.

Nine halfway house residents like Anil and Suppiah have also started schooling/working in the hope of carving paths to a brighter future.

Ray of Hope is raising $12,400 for these eleven residents and their families’ living expenses for three months, while they stabilise their finances.

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Anil’s story:

“I don’t want to be stuck in old destructive patterns anymore.” – Anil

36 year-old Anil is one of the youngest residents at the halfway house. Since his parents’ divorce in 1999, Anil was often on the wrong side of the law. He was sent to a boy’s home when he was 14. After spending more than 6 years in and out of correctional and rehabilitation institutions, Anil wants to leave his old life behind and start afresh.

Anil is enrolled in a full-time diploma course in Engineering at a polytechnic. His first semester starts in April 2022. Currently, he is working a restaurant, to help finance his journey as a student.

Every Sunday, during home leave, Anil has a meal with his mother and they spend quality time together.

Anil aspires to get a place of his own one day, where he feels safe, far-away from destructive habits.

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Suppiah’s story:

“When my kids were young, I was not there. I never had the chance to show them love.” – Suppiah

Suppiah, 47, is no stranger to the criminal justice system in Singapore. He has spent the past 29 years of his life battling substance abuse. Today, Suppiah wants nothing more than to do better for himself so that he may reunite with his wife and three children aged 22, 19 and 14. In the many years that he had spent in rehabilitation institutions, he also missed his children’s growing up years. He wishes to make up for lost time and to be a husband and father who is present for his family.

Suppiah’s wife has been unemployed since she was diagnosed with a damaged cornea. She has since undergone a surgical transplant, but is still recovering and is currently unfit for work.

Suppiah has started work as a cleaner at a hotel. To date, he has successfully completed two courses on cleaning and effective management. He hopes to obtain a diploma in cleaning to continuously upgrade himself so that he can finally return home to support his family.