Helping ex-convicts transition to a newer, promising future
The Industrial & Services Co-operative Society (ISCOS), established by SCORE (Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprise) in 1989, uses a multi-pronged approach to help ex-convicts reintegrate into society. This is based on three key focal areas which include “Job Placement & Employability Training”, “Support & Guidance”” and “Children’s Education & Family Support”.
Harry (not his real name), 44, was a beneficiary. In December 2010, after spending a total of 10 years of his life in jail, he decided that he needed to put his past behind him and look for help once released from prison.
ISCOS then provided him with immediate assistance through the Gift of Hope, an initial relief package that consists of $50 worth of items, such as a sponsored NETS FlashPay CEPAS Card with stored value and food and grocery vouchers, to help kick start his search for a job.
That was not all. He also benefitted form ISCOS' Skills Assistance Subsidy Scheme (SASS), a flagship programme which gives ex-convicts the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills so as to help those in low-paying jobs to raise their earning potential by upgrading their skills level. Harry enrolled in and successfully complete a Building and Construction Supervisor Safety Course.
This allowed him to move from his current work at his brother-in-law’s bicycle shop, where he earned $1,000 a month, to a higher paying one as a Site Coordinator in a scaffolding company, with a monthly income of $2,500.
Said Phang Seok Sieng, the executive director of ISCOS, “Apart from helping the ex-offender himself, we are also focused on helping the disadvantaged children of the ex-offenders. Our vision is to break the inter-generational offending cycle-a daunting but important task for the good of the families and our society.”
A local study conducted in 2007 revealed that children of incarcerated fathers were eight times more likely to offend than the rate of the general population. With this in mind, ISCOS introduced its Fairy Godparent Programme (FGP). It strived to provide educational incentives and mentoring support to its members’ children and organize enrichment activities and family events. In the last year alone, 2,600 ex-convicts and their dependants benefited from their programmes and services.
Despite having helped over 13,000 members since its inception in 1989, ISCOS is not resting on its laurels. Besides streamlining its existing programmes to better help ex-convicts and their dependants, they are now looking to extend their services beyond the current membership of ISCOS, to reach out to a wider group of ex-convicts and their children.
This will be done in co-ordination with Family Service Centres, halfway houses, CARE Network members, and other community partners.
For individuals who are interested to volunteer with ISCOS, contact Vani at 6473 7885 or email volunteer@iscos.org.sg. For collaborations, donations or sponsorships with ISCOS, contact Vida at 6471 2491 or email vida@iscos.org.sg.
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