Many people have labels for ex-offenders, but how many of us actually know their stories?They want to break out of the cycle and need your support. Often, social stigma hinders the opportunities for ex-offenders who want to change their lives.

Most halfway house residents have been substance abusers since their teens; it was a part of growing up. We believe that it is never too late to make a change and the residents, now in their 50s and 60s, want to recover. Your contributions will give them and their families hope.

Bala and Muthu, 53 and 62 respectively, first arrived at the halfway house in March 2022 to complete the last leg of their sentences. Their families are the main motivation for their recovery and desire to start afresh. Bala and Muthu want to change for the better. Your support is much more than just financial assistance — it shows them that society is willing to support them in making changes for the better.

The men are undergoing a rehabilitative curriculum, serving the in-house phase of their community-based programme. 3 months after the in-house phase, they will be connected with various stakeholders to secure employment. During this interim period, the men do not have the means to send money to their families or to cover their own expenses. They urgently want to reconnect with their families and hope to be part of their loved ones’ lives again after release.

Ray of Hope is raising $3,000 for these 2 residents and their families’ living expenses for three months, while they stabilise their finances.

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Bala’s story:

“I just want to be happy and live a normal life like everyone else.” – Bala, 53

He was only 17 when he first took drugs to help him deal with his problems. He has never had a steady job. Now, all Bala wishes for is to provide for his family.

Bala completed his ‘N’ Levels last year, while serving his sentence in prison. Since entering the halfway house in March 2022, Bala has also completed a gardening course. He speaks fondly about his childhood love for nature and how it taught him to be calm. He aspires to a career as an arborist, but lacks the financial support to pursue his dream.

In June, Bala started working as a cleaner. He wants to provide for his 80 year-old mother who suffers from multiple health issues and who is currently cared for by his elder sister. Out of work, he cherishes the limited time that he gets to spend with his family on weekends.

Muthu’s story:

Muthu has been entangled in the criminal justice system since 1977, because of substance abuse since 1977. He started using drugs when he was 17 years old and his two younger brothers are also serving time.

Now 62, he has missed out on caring for his 83 year-old mother since his incarceration.“So long never take care of my mum, a lot of things miss already,” Muthu shared. He wants to care for his bedridden mother whose condition has been deteriorating. She suffers from dementia and has difficulty recognising her son. She is currently being cared for by Muthu’s younger sister.

In June, Muthu started working as a cleaner. His only desire now is to look after his mother and provide for the family. When he is on home leave, Muthu enjoys being by his mother’s bedside and conversing with her.