Dear friends, On Monday, a 20-year-old ended a WhatsApp conversation with a thumbs up while waiting to be escorted to the reformative training centre. He initiated the conversation by thanking us for introducing him to Prison Fellowship Singapore (PFS) and requesting us to check on his mother which we assured him that we would. 2 Fridays ago, this young person’s mother reached …
Another Week Beyond – 2146
Dear friends, About 3 weeks ago, we received the sad news that 2 brothers who come to our programmes lost their mother suddenly. The social worker who is supporting them arranged for the 17-year-old to live with an aunt, and for his 11-year-old brother to stay with a friend of their late mother. But the 11-year-old’s living arrangement was soon …
Another Week Beyond – 2139
Dear friends, After 2 weeks of being dutifully at work and keeping to his curfew, an 18-year-old we shall call Ron, quit his job, and was intoxicated a large part of the day. Those who cared for him were heart-broken and angry that their efforts at supporting him to show the Court that he is worthy of being placed on probation …
Another Week Beyond – 2131
Dear friends, After saying his name, he added “I am 14 years old, and I don’t know what I am doing here!” It was not the reconciliatory opening statement others in the room were expecting but perhaps the occasion was just overwhelming. His older brother who spoke next, immediately defended him. “I am here because I damaged the RC’s door and …
Another Week Beyond – 2129
Dear friends, A mother contacted us sounding extremely troubled. She told us that a police officer had contacted her informing she had to pay $1500 for a door that her sons had damaged. He also told her that her sons may be charged for attempting to break into a premises. It sounded rather odd that a police officer would be asking …
Another Week Beyond – 2106
Dear Friends Morris was beaming. He had just completed 6 months of probation without a hitch. The electronic tag around his ankle has been removed but he still has 15 months to go. We are rooting for him to finish the probation order successfully, but he senses our apprehension. “I just got my little tattoo shop, and I am going to …
Another Week Beyond – 2029
Dear Friends, Morris (AWB – 2026) was all smiles as he got onto a WhatsApp video call with 2 volunteer mentors. One is a psychologist running his own practice and the other, an operations manager at a health and wellness business. Last week, the Court considered the supplementary report from his probation officer and he was given a 21-month probation order. …
Another week Beyond – 1930
Dear Friends, Since March this year, parents from 2 families found it extremely awkward whenever they bumped into each other. Both mothers were also involved in our baking projects, but they cooperated dutifully in the interest of finishing the work. So, it was much relief to both families that they are on speaking terms once again after attending a family …