SPOTLIGHT

10

HERO Wanted

HelpEx-offendersReachOutBe a SACA VOLUNTEER and make a positive di�erencein an ex-o�ender’s life. Email us at volunteer@saca.org.sg for more details now!

DONATE to SACAYour every dollar goes a long way. Help ex-o�endersand their families get back on their feet by funding our�ve dedicated welfare and rehabilitation programmes.Email donate@saca.org.sg to request for your donationform OR donate online through www.donation.org.sg.

A publication of Singapore After-Care Association

Helping ex-offenders and their families get back on their feet

MICA (P) 170/02/2009 ISSN 1793-8562 ISSUE 03 / OCT 2009

Find your Inner HeroYou don’t have to wear a costume

Not a Professional ArtistYellow Ribbon Creative Festival 2009

An Interview with the DJRosalyn Lee tells us her secrets

State of PlayAn astounding success

Our Volunteers,

Our True HeroesOur Volunteers,

Our True Heroes

Find your Inner Hero

By Christine Ng

I wanted to be a Prison Of�cer. I was curious about a human’s instincts, behaviour and nature. I wanted to know why criminals commit crimes; I wanted to tell them they are not condemned so long as they turn over a new leaf. When I told my friends and family what I wanted to be, they were surprised. They asked if I am sure that is the career path I wanted; they told me “horror stories” of a job they themselves didn’t even know about. My parents never did stop me from pursuing what I wanted, but the idea of being a Prison Of�cer faded in the minds of a �ckle teenager.

For three years after graduation, I enjoyed the perks of being with a corporate organization. Being in the fashion and then media industry, I would say I walked a glamorous career path. However, there was a nagging feeling, an emptiness that told me I could do more. Soon after, I started questioning my purpose in life and asking what de�nes job satisfaction. I realized that life is so short that I don’t want to leave this world without making a difference. So I took the plunge and joined the social service.

Though our heart-strings are tugged by media images of the unfortunate, many of us are still reluctant to step out of our comfort zone. A hero is not someone with super powers. A hero is someone who sees the need of the moment and steps forward. Like how I saw a Malay boy chasing after a snatch-thief in Geylang when no one else did. A hero is someone who is willing to take the risk to help another in need. Acting heroically doesn’t take a fortune; neither does it take a lot of time and effort. When you do a service that requires the simple skills that you already possess, it can be enjoyable rather than a chore.

Each of us has a hero within; some are just more shy than others and need to be coaxed.

There are many voices calling out for help. Whether it is next door, or across the globe. We are all being called; we all are able to answer the call to serve. Stay still and listen to your inner voice. What stirs your passion and your heart? Identify something that you care about. You need not join the social service if that’s what you think. You could volunteer your time or skills. You can give a donation or adopt a cause.

I urge you to take the plunge. You will be surprised with how you’ll feel.

Because a Hero lies in You.

3

Out And AboutState of PlayYRP Art Competition at KBCDealing with Stress

SpotlightWhy I VolunteeredAn Interview with the DJFind your Inner Hero

A Simple LifeDessert in 10 Mins Jokes only a Superhero can Understand

678

34

10

89

CONTENTS

MANAGING EDITOR CHRISTINE NG

DEPUTY EDITORS NOOR HASLINDA BTE MOHD SO`ODDON HUBER

CONTRIBUTORS TEE KAI PENGSUJATA

PHOTOGRAPHER SARASWATHI RAJA KRISHNAN

DESIGNER AGNES LIM 97 84 84 02 agnes@rainingfavor.com

PRINTERGAN OFFSET

EDITORIAL TEAM

SPARKS is published thrice yearly by the Singapore After-Care Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form in whole or part, in English or any other languages is prohibited. The views and opinions expressed or implied in SPARKS are those of the contributors or readers and do not necessarily re�ect those of the publisher. MICA (P) 170/02/2009. Singapore After-Care Association, 81 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209408. Telephone: +65 6294 2350 / +65 6294 2763. Fax: +65 6295 0095 Website: www.saca.org.sg Email: enquiries@saca.org.sg. If you are interested to receive or advertise in SPARKS, please email enquiries@saca.org.sg, with the subject: Subscribe / Advertise.

SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE

The world is full of temptation and danger. No one can escape from the sins they have committed. There is so much evil tempting us in the world nowadays. However, we should give a chance to those who have fallen but want to change for the better. I was once lost and weak but was given a second chance by my friends, family and society. With their support, I can now stand up again and lead a new life and give a second chance to others who are weak and lost. – KBC YRP Art Competition Finalist

COVER PAGE

We appreciate your views! Contribute a story, opinion, feedback

or even a commentary. Your entry may win you a Sandwich Maker,

courtesy of AKIRA! Email your contributions to: sparks@saca.org.sg,

subject: Mailbox; or post it to: Singapore After-Care Association, 81

Dunlop Street, Singapore 209408.

Mailbox

SPOTLIGHT

Why I Volunteered

Name: Tee Kai PengAge: 38Occupation: Human Resources ExecutiveYears with SACA: 4 years

“Kai Peng is a civic-minded person who is always ready to help his friends”. This was what my secondary school teacher had written on my leaving testimonial. The idea of helping people has always been in me since young.

My friend who is a volunteer with SACA brought me into volunteering. I was thankful for the introduction because it allowed me to do what I like to do, despite not being able to ful�ll my dream of being a social worker.

When my friends question my endurance in volunteering, I smile and tell them that my passion for the cause exists. I enjoy exchanging life experiences with the inmates during the Community Reintegration Programme session. Upon release, I maintain contact with them and we share about our work life and discuss future plans.

I was never tired of these roles; in fact I wished I could do more. My friends were also curious how I coped with my sessions with inmates and ex-offenders when I am going through personal bad experiences. I can con�dently say that once I step into our meeting room, I leave my problems and moods behind.

There is a personal mantra I like to share with inmates during our sessions, that is, MAKE IT HAPPEN and not “try”.

Volunteering has improved my personality and I made many new friends who are like-minded. You, can MAKE IT HAPPEN.

SPOTLIGHT

54

98.7 FM deejay Rosalyn Lee, better known as Rozz struck me as an intimidating lady due to her cool mean exterior that consists of many tattoos, dark eyeliner and a stature that towers over me. I was a bundle of nerves as I waited for her arrival. The �rst-time jitters! I had to speci�cally tell her what I was wearing and how I looked. After all, I wasn’t the celebrity whom everybody would recognise.

Just because I was early for our appointment, Rozz texted me to keep myself busy by checking out the fashion store upstairs where she can get huge discounts at. I was quite stunned that she is actually sharing her shopping secrets with someone she hasn’t met yet! That made me even MORE nervous in meeting her. Because I knew, I was going to end up liking her affable character very much.

An Interview with the DJ

I’ve always believed in the concept of second, third and fourth chances... Having been granted so many of those as I was growing up, I appreciated the people who didn’t fail to stick by me. That made me a better person and possibly also pushed me to where I am today.

I wanted to volunteer for an organisation that believes in the same things that I do.

Rozz :

What made you volunteer with SACA?1

At �rst, I felt rather ashamed that in the year I’ve been with SACA, I’ve only managed to see one person. But we're dealing with people here, not inanimate objects and people require undivided attention. The �rst client I met through SACA, was an awesome, bright and hopeful teen. Uncannily, he has also given me strength and inspired me in more ways than one. I’d say the process of befriending him was a successful one in many ways.

Rozz :

How was your experience with SACA?

2

By Christine Ng

Rozz n GAGA.

Mother and daughter.

Rozz : I would love to be able to read people's minds - no doubt it would be super noisy to hear so many thoughts at one go, and I’d lose the element of surprise if my boyfriend wants to propose to me. However, I can save lives and pre-empt possible sticky situations.

5If you were a superhero, what will be your superpower and cause?

Rozz : I know that if you don’t want the world to �nd out, the ONLY way is to KEEP IT TO YOURSELF. Tell no one about your secret - not even your most trusted friend.

What do you know about keeping SECRETS?

6

Rozz : The only thing I plan in life is what out�t to wear the following day - everything else happens pretty much on a go-with-the-�ow basis. I fell into DJ work after the GM of a radio station offered to train me after noticing me as an emcee/dancer at the SAF MDC.

There are no DJ start-up tips because it’s really the same thing with ANY job you undertake. To succeed, you need to be HUNGRY and have PASSION.

How did you become a DJ? 3

Rozz : I admire my deceased mum for her strength and street smartness

Who do you look up to?

4

I’m still working on it. I haven’t been successful and I am seeking professional help on anger management. Lest u think I’m psychotic (don’t we all have issues), I just want to stop hurting my closest ones from experiencing my angst.

Rozz :

How do you deal with anger?

7

I’m a SUPER EMO person by nature. I need to mope, wallow and hide under my blanket in total darkness. Also listening to emo music (like Schadenfreude) helps as well. Somehow listening to something sadder makes me feel slightly happier. I know this method of mine sounds extreme but I’d go at this for a maximum of two days and snap out of it after.

I’m pretty strong-willed but I believe we all grieve in our own ways and I wouldn’t recommend my method to anyone.

Rozz :

How do you get over sadness?8

I once got onto the wrong side of the law when I was much younger but I was given a second chance by the Judge to live my life honestly and purposefully - something I’ve been doing ever since.

Rozz :

Do you have a personal story

to share about second chances?9

76

OUT AND ABOUTOUT AND ABOUT

OUR ANNUAL CHARITY �lm premiere was held on the third of June this year and we saw 620 movie-goers despite the economic gloom and �u outbreak. Land of the Lost, starring Will Ferrell was the initial �lm for the premiere. However, due to the �lm not being able to arrive on our sunny shores in time, we had to screen another title.

State of Play, a political thriller starring Russell Crowe and Ben Af�eck certainly “put journalism and politics in a different perspective”, our guest-of-honor Mr. Lim Boon Heng (minister, Prime Minister’s of�ce) disclosed in the lift on his way out of Cathay Cineleisure after enjoying the movie.

Mr. Jeffrey Beh, chairman of SACA highlighted in his speech that, “due to the troubled times the economy is currently facing, voluntary welfare organisations are painfully feeling its effects. There is nothing to do other than to accept the challenge placed before us and to strive to do our best to meet the ever growing needs of those who require some assistance to get by.”

STATE OF PLAYSACA’s Annual Charity Film Premiere hits a new record!

By Christine Ng Photographer: Saraswathi Raja Krishnan

However, as the movie date loomed, we were delighted to discover that supporters had gone against the poor economic sentiment and helped us raise $111,400. We would like to thank our corporate donors and foundations namely Super Galvanising Pte Ltd, Lee Foundation, Totalisator Board & S’pore Pools, Tan Ean Kiam Foundation, NTUC Foodfare Cooperative Ltd, S’pore Co-operation of Rehabilitative Enterprises, Hong Leong Foundation, Scanbuilt, North East CDC and NTUC Fairprice Foundation. We also want to thank the personal donors who responded to our call and came forward to purchase tickets. The effects of any economic downturn amplify cries for help from marginalized sections of society.

The goodie bags and beverages that night were kindly sponsored by the Yellow Ribbon Project and Coca-cola respectively. United Pictures International and Singapore Polytechnic were much valued working partners for the event. A tea-pot hand-made by a student in the pottery workshop at Kaki Bukit Prison School was presented to our guest-of-honour.

We lovingly named it, our Pot of Hope.

Movie Goers check out goodie bags.

Everybody does the victory sign.Charity Film Premiere 2009, a success! Because of YOU.

98.7FM DJS Rozz and Shan were present.

Our guest of honour with our chairman.

By: Ms Sujatha, YRP Secretariat

The art pieces vying for the prizes at the Art Competition were not just con�ned to the auditorium at KBC. They spilled out of and into the corridors. The Yellow Ribbon Art Competition is an annual event under the Yellow Ribbon Project, which was graced this year by Guest-of-honour, Ms Jane Ittogi, Chair of the Singapore Art Museum on 1 July 2009 at the Rhapsody Performance Hall at KBC.

Depicting the theme in this year’s Art Competition, Vision of Hope, inmates and ex-offenders expressed their hope and commitment to their families and nation through their artworks based on the acronym ACORN.

- Art, - Communication, - Opportunity, - Resilience and - New beginning

ACORN

Yellow Ribbon Project

ART COMPETITIONat Kaki Bukit Centre

For most of us, art represents something beautiful or interesting to look at but for others, art symbolises an avenue for re-starting their lives. In this year’s Yellow Ribbon Creative Festival 2009, the Art Competition held at Kaki Bukit Centre (Prison School), represented this and more to the inmate participants.

Like the small acorn seed that grows into a big oak tree, inmates and ex-offenders have the potential to grow into contributing members of society.

In this year’s competition, there were three categories of art – Fine art which depicts Opportunities and Resilience, Recycled Art; which depicts Communication and New beginning and the last category, Trans-Art.

This year there were 19 Distinction and 35 Merit winners in the competition. Inmates showed their creativity using materials such as noodle containers, straw mats and copper wire in the Recycled art category. Their versatile artistic capabilities were also shown by producing various mediums of art, from pyrograph and acrylic paint on wood, oil paint on canvas, pen on paper, acrylic on canvas to colour on paper. The art works were appropriately named according to the Vision of Hope theme. “I wish I could rewind”, “Second chance @ life” to “Window of opportunity” were some of the art

works that symbolised the inmates’ and ex-offenders’ hope. One painting titled “Shattered” depicted picking oneself up and moving on. That one should not dwell on pity or despair but to �ll the empty spaces with hope and determination.

After prize giving, a Family Art Workshop was conducted for the �nalists and their family members. The inmates together with their family members painted on small plastic sheets which were then transferred onto a bigger sheet spanning across many tables. This collage created by the inmates and their families will be displayed at the Singapore Art Museum in September. Creating works of art with their families allowed the inmates to share their passion and talent with them, helping to build the �rst of many bridges between them and their families. These artworks are available for sale and proceeds will be contributed to the Yellow Ribbon Fund and a designated charitable organisation.

A SIMPLE LIFE

A SIMPLE LIFE

Red dates with White fungus

Try Eunice To’s simple but nourishing recipe.

A must in our humid weather!

Ingredients:

1 palm-sized Dried White fungus (buy from NTUC or Sheng Siong)

8-10 pieces Fresh water chestnut (peeled)

2 pieces Red dates (without seeds)

Rock sugar (to taste)

2 liters of water

Method:1. Soak white fungus in clean water until soft and expanded. Cut off

stub, rinse and cut to small pieces.

2. Boil a pot of water over high heat. Add in white fungus, water

chestnuts, red dates & rock sugar.

3. Reduce to low fire and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve warm, or chilled.

Source: http://www.ocls.info & http://www.jokes4us.com

Get Fantastic Savings Today!

By Don, Batch 17

We all need certain levels of stress and some stress can be positive. Positive effects of stress can motivate us to accomplish something good, including making necessary changes in our lives. Positive stress can help us take a new job or remove ourselves from a traumatic situation.

Positive stress is similar to what athletes feel when competing and when they �nish. You push yourself to complete a job as the result of excitement and achievement that comes from the chemicals your body produces from positive stress.

Ways to prevent stress overload may be to exercise regularly and to eat balanced meals (occasionally with a special treat) and eight hours sleep every night. Avoiding procrastination and scheduling your time so you can manage it more effectively. Avoid being a perfectionist and ask for help and accept it when it’s offered. Talk to someone you trust.

Take time for personal interests and hobbies and listen to your body. Look after your needs and learn to say No. Mentally list your physical, spiritual, and emotional strengths and how you can use them to deal with the stressors in your life.

Stress is not always bad; it’s a balance of the positives and the negatives.

NOW THAT I have your attention, let’s talk about…Stress.

On June 27, SACA volunteers attended a presentation on Stress Management by Ms Saraswathi Raja Krishnan at the SACA facility on Dunlop Street, where we not only discussed recognizing and acknowledging the contributors of stress, but also a few ways to deal with everyday tensions, strains and anxieties.

We all have stressors which we encounter everyday whether we are aware of it or not. We associate negative stress with fear, pain, anxiety, anger, and tension. Despite the negative effects of bad stress it can still have the bene�t of providing survival instincts in a time of danger.

Are there tensions on the job? Deadlines to meet? Do you have health problems? Do you stay at work rather than deal with problems at home? Are you worried over your �nances? Do you have insomnia or is your diet simply out the window?

Recognizing and dealing with our stress assists us in mitigating its impact. Understanding and identifying the sources of your stress and how it affects you helps to prevent a stress overload. Unfortunately short and long-term stress can lead to most likely preventable acute and chronic health problems.

OUT AND ABOUT

98