Ray of Hope is raising $11,100 to support 6 residents’ living expenses for 3 months while they seek opportunities to reintegrate into society – starting with attaining employment. By donating to their campaign, you are encouraging and motivating them and their families to lead meaningful lives ahead of them despite the possible challenges.

There are many stereotypes of ex-offenders that predispose society to steer clear of them. The social stigma they face limit opportunities and sometimes place insurmountable challenges in their way as they struggle to change their lives. Most of them simply want an opportunity to prove that they have changed for the better.

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

Supporting the reintegration of ex-convicts sends a message that we are a society that believes in second chances and rehabilitation. It can help break down the stigma associated with having a criminal record and encourage greater empathy and understanding.

*****

Ravi’s story:

What happened to Ravi? 

Ravi was arrested for drug consumption in 2021. It was a day he’ll never forget, and it’s not because this was the first time he was going behind bars but he was hit with the sudden realisation that his children will continue growing up with or without him:

“This time when I was arrested, it hit me badly. Every single time I go in, my role as a father and husband to my wife and children becomes less important – they are independent without me. I feared that I might lose them at some point.”

As Ravi serves his sentence in the halfway house, he often thinks of his wife’s unwavering support. But this time, life after serving his sentence might be more challenging than ever. Ravi will be facing reintegrative challenges in fast-paced Singapore, encumbered by multiple health problems while fighting to regain the trust of his family. Determined to give his family of 5 a better life, Ravi does not want to let them down again.

Find out more/ Appeal from Ravi:

Before his incarceration, Ravi was employed as an aircon technician and stayed in a two-room rental flat. Unfortunately, a fall at work in 2006  left him with a lumbar spine injury that required surgery. Due to the risks and costs involved, Ravi is reluctant to follow through with it. He also suffers from pain in his knees and heart issues, and recently underwent a balloon angioplasty. 

Ravi’s health issues do not permit him to take on physically demanding jobs, and he understands the difficulty of being matched to suitable jobs. The halfway house is supporting him by collaborating with SPCA to provide employment opportunities to Ravi, who also has great interest in working with animals. With 3 school-going children and government assistance to get by, Ravi is determined to fulfil his duties as a father and husband once again. 

Ravi has been a very active gang member all his life, and has engaged in vice activities. He shared with the caseworkers that he turned to selling drugs, in hopes of settling his family’s immediate financial needs then. This included the outstanding bills and rental arrears that the family had, as well as the expenses needed to support his elderly mum and school-going children. 

“My kids are growing up and starting to realise my mistakes. It would be difficult for my wife to hide the reason behind my absence anymore. I fear every day that my actions might cause them to start disliking me.”

Now, he hopes to change to lead a reputable life, and focus on regaining the trust of his family.