In many communities, the social stigma towards ex-offenders remains strong and they often face a tougher time seeking employment when they are shunned and rejected by society. The discrimination that they face constantly makes it difficult for them to move on in life.

Samy and Sree are at different stages of their lives. Nonetheless, both of them hope to finish the last stretch of their sentences and work hard towards their respective goals: Samy wants to work for a better future, while Sree hopes to provide for his family.

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 deeply desire to reconnect with their families. They believe by stabilizing themselves through employment and acclimatizing back to living in society, they would be more ready to be part of their loved ones’ lives again after their full release.

Ray of Hope is raising $6,486 for four residents’ living expenses for three months, while they are seeking employment. Your support will provide Samy and Sree, among other residents, with the opportunity to change for the better.

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Samy’s story:

Samy, 61, is currently serving the last leg of his sentence in the halfway house. In his attempt to be self-resilient, Samy has attended several job interviews. 

In spite of his efforts and best hopes, it has not been an easy journey for him. Having spent many long years in incarceration means that coming back into rapidly changing Singapore society required significant adaptation and learning in every aspect of his life. It has been deeply stressful; this, coupled with lack of proper employment experience over his extensive incarceration period, compounded the difficulty he faced in sustaining employment. 

To prepare for his next employment, Samy is attending a life-skill workshop and counseling support offered by the halfway house. During this period, he also hopes to work on salvaging his strained relationships with his siblings.

The financial support will allow Samy to regain his footing as he picks up employability skills. It also allows him to maintain his HDB rental flat and not lose his accommodation. 

Sree’s story:

25-year-old Sree is one of the youngest residents in the halfway house. As part of his sentence, Sree entered the halfway house in August 2022, and is expected to be discharged in April next year. 

Sree’s father works in the shipyard, and his mother is a housewife. Finances are tight at home, and while they are supportive, they are unable to provide for him financially.As the elder sibling at home, Sree hopes to set a good example to his younger sister. He is clear that while he has made mistakes, this is not the life he wants for himself. Sree is determined to upgrade his skill sets and gain employment that would allow him to contribute to his family.

Sree has high hopes and wants to pursue a career that he enjoys. When he was offered a chance to upgrade himself under the Community Based Programme at the halfway house, Sree enrolled himself into a 6-week Certificate in Culinary Arts. Four weeks into the course now, Sree hopes to do his parents proud by completing his studies and further his career in this area. 

The financial support he receives will allow Sree to focus on completing his Culinary Arts programme without worrying about his daily needs, giving him the best possible chance for success as he strives for a bright, drug-free future.