June and her son Ulhaq, in 2020

June never imagined that she would stand at a crossroads between life and the death penalty. A series of choices led her to a moment that could have ended everything—but instead, she was given a second chance. She served a five-year prison sentence, an experience that forced her to reflect, grow, and redefine her future.

Since her release in 2019, June has been rebuilding her life with courage and determination, reconnecting with her family, and proving that transformation is possible. With the support of New Life Stories’ Family Strengthening programme, she is not only healing but also helping others find hope.

Rebuilding Families Through the Family Strengthening Programme

The Family Strengthening Programme by New Life Stories supports children and their incarcerated parents through Befriending, Incare, and Family Care initiatives.

This programme fosters parent-child connections through storytelling, emotional support, and structured guidance, helping families like June’s rebuild trust and strengthen their relationships.

A Journey of Reflection and Growth

June’s turning point began in Changi Prison, where she was introduced to New Life Stories through a roadshow led by CEO Saleemah Ismail. Initially hesitant, she recalled, “I remember Saleemah asking me what my five-year goal was. At the time, all I could say was, ‘to be a better mother.’ That night, I lay awake in my cell, wondering what that truly meant.”

That moment of self-reflection led her to join the Family Strengthening programme. She learned essential skills in self-awareness, communication, and emotional resilience. Meanwhile, dedicated volunteers visited her son, providing him with the stability and care he needed while she was away. “The programme changed the way I think. I used to blame everyone but myself. Now, I’ve learned to forgive,” June shared.

Even after her release, the staff at New Life Stories continued to walk alongside her, offering encouragement and practical support. The journey of recovery wasn’t easy, but June remained committed to rebuilding her life—one step at a time.

A Mother’s Motivation: Love Beyond Walls

For June, her son, Ulhaq, and her mother have been her greatest sources of strength. Under the Incare Programme, incarcerated parents stay connected with their children by writing stories filled with messages of love and encouragement.

Determined to reach out to her son, June wrote him a heartfelt story, later published in Love Beyond the Walls. This, along with family therapy and ongoing support, helped mend their relationship. Today, their bond is stronger than ever.

“Every day is a challenge, but I have to be strong for Ulhaq. I think about his future – where he will live, who he will become. That keeps me going.”

Now a bright student with a love for cooking and fitness, Ulhaq remains connected with the volunteers who supported him. Inspired by the kindness she received, June now gives back to her community by preparing and distributing home-cooked meals to seniors every week.

June’s Message of Hope

To those walking a similar path, June shares this message: “It’s never too late to start over. Help is out there—we just have to ask. There will always be stigma, but I believe that society cares for us, and our families love us. We’ve been strong enough to survive life inside; now, we just need to love ourselves and be honest about our journey.”

The Collective for a Stronger Society: Empowering Families Like June’s

The Collective for a Stronger Society (CSS) brings together philanthropic donors, non-profits, and organisations to uplift families facing adversity. By combining financial resources, government initiatives, and non-profit expertise, this initiative creates structured pathways for families to thrive in education, employment, health, and well-being.

Your support for the Collective for a Stronger Society can help families like June’s break cycles of hardship and build brighter futures.

Join us today. Together, we can create a stronger, more compassionate society.

Learn more about CSS: https://cf.org.sg/donors/collective-for-a-stronger-society/