Ray of Hope is raising $9,870 to support 5 residents’ living expenses for 3 months while they go through readjustments, work on self-improvement and attend job interviews in preparation for reintegration into society. Your support will provide Jega and Vanan, among other residents, with the opportunity to change for the better.

Upon their release from incarceration, the residents faced multiple hurdles. Beyond stigma, limited opportunities and isolation, they often grapple with feelings of guilt, shame, and uncertainty about the future. 

Supporting ex-offenders is a compassionate response that recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their previous paths and errors. It sends a message that everyone deserves an opportunity to recover from past mistakes and build a better life for themselves.

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What happened to Jega? 

After a lifetime of struggles, Jega was again arrested for drug consumption in 2022. This time, he was sentenced to 1 year in prison and 9 months in the halfway house and the sentence had hit him hard.  It reminded him that he would no longer be able to spend time with his elderly mom, who is battling dementia now.

“I am very close to my mother. I remember how angry I felt when she went into the Nursing Home and I was not there with her because I was in prison. I argued with my family to keep her home, but I knew I am not in the position to say as I did them wrong”, Jega shares.

As Jega serves the last leg of his sentence in the halfway house, he often thinks of his mother who is battling dementia and how he looks forward to spending every Sunday of his Home Leave to spend time with her. He also gets reminded of how much time he has lost as a result of his past incarceration.

Find out more/ Appeal from Jega:

“I feel tremendous stress when I meet my family now because I haven’t been able to contribute to my mom’s Nursing Home fees,” Jega told the caseworkers. 

Jega started his new employment as a Mobile Car Detailer earlier this month, with an expected gross income of approximately $2,200. With this, he would also be able to start contributing to his family after stabilizing his employment. 

Jega understands the reintegrative challenges that he will face at his workplace, coupled with his health issues but he is not prepared to give up. He suffers from Hepatitis C and Liver Cirrhosis, and is reluctant to follow through his medical appointments now as he does not wish to risk losing his job during his 3-month probation. He has a lot to look forward to and to protect, and he is determined to be different this time.

Jega plans to marry his partner next year and the couple will be collecting keys to their BTO flat in September 2024. Jega’s partner has 3 children including one in National Service and two who are schooling in ITE. Beyond his commitment to his mother and desire to reconcile with his family, Jega also hopes to be able to support his new family financially and be someone that they can count on.

Jega still has hope for the future but needs some support to get to where he wants to be.

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What happened to Vanan?

Vanan was caught for drug consumption in 2022. It landed him in prison with a sentence of 1 year in prison and 6 months in the halfway house.

Prior to his incarceration, Vanan spent a lot of his time bringing everyone together as he was the one organizing bonding activities for his family. Recalling how his incarceration had scarred his family relationships, Vanan told the caseworkers:

“I was the one holding the family together. Now, I cause my family embarrassment when people ask them about my whereabouts.”

As Vanan serves the last leg of his sentence in the halfway house, he spends his time reflecting on his mistakes and how he can make it up to his family. Vanan would spend every Sunday of his Home Leave visiting his family as well as to take care of his 11-month old nephew so that Vanan’s mother could rest. 

Find out more/ Appeal from Vanan:

The weight of his past still hangs over him, but Vanan is not giving up. 

“I realized that my actions not only destroyed my life but also theirs (his family). Yet, my family still makes time to visit me when they can”, Vanan shares.

Vanan is working towards his goal: healing and rebuilding family connections. 

Reintegrating back into society after his release can be a challenging process, but with proper support and guidance from the halfway house, Vanan hopes to have a successful transition so that he can continue supporting his family and regain their trust. Vanan will be starting to attend job interviews after he passes his 3-month probation.