Friends of YRSG

📅 As of 1 August, we've made the switch to WhatsApp, bringing you the latest updates, stories and events! 🔔 This Telegram channel will be closing on 1 September. Don’t miss out – join us on WhatsApp today! 🚀 👉 Tap here to join us: https://go.gov.sg/foyrsg Let’s stay connected and continue journeying beyond second chances together! 💛🎗️

It’s official – FoYRSG is LIVE on WhatsApp! 💬 Your all-access pass to second chance stories, upcoming events, and volunteering opportunities is now just a chat away. Join the FoYRSG WhatsApp channel at https://go.gov.sg/foyrsg and be part of the very first wave shaping a community beyond second chances. ✨ #YellowRibbonSingapore #SG4SecondChances #BeyondSecondChances #Communitychannel #FoYRSG #FriendsofYRSG

What started as a chance application turned into a journey of self-discovery for "Andrew". 🧘 Looking for a change in environment, "Andrew" joined the Visual Arts Hub in Institution B4 and found his place in pottery. Drawn to working with his hands, he discovered a quiet satisfaction in shaping clay and creating something from nothing. Pottery taught him patience, focus and the value of slowing down. These are lessons that "Andrew" continues to carry with him, both in art and towards his second chance in life. Check out his ceramic artwork this August at the Yellow Ribbon Community Arts Festival 2025. 💛 📍 Arts Exhibition @ One Holland Village (2–6 Aug) 🚚 Roving Arts Truck, islandwide (2–31 Aug) https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSS6G6GmC/ #BeyondSecondChances #SG4SecondChances #YellowRibbonProject #YellowRibbonCommunityArtsFestival #SG60

🚨 1 WEEK TO GO! 🚨 Friends of Yellow Ribbon Singapore (FoYRSG) is officially making the move to WhatsApp! From 1 August 2025, stay connected with us on WhatsApp for the latest updates, volunteering opportunities, events, and inspiring stories of second chances. More than just a channel, FoYRSG is a community. Let’s continue building a nation beyond second chances together. 💛 Stay tuned, the WhatsApp link will be dropping very soon! 📲 #YellowRibbonSingapore #SG4SecondChances #BeyondSecondChances #Communitychannel #FoYRSG #FriendsofYRSG

Thank you President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Ms Jane Ittogi, for visiting the inmate artists at the Visual Arts Hub in Institution B4!✨ Your presence and encouragement meant the world to them. With dedication and guidance from the Singapore Prison Service, as well as support from Canvas ART, these inmate artists have been pouring their hearts into their craft. And it shows! 🎨 Catch their incredible art pieces this August at the Yellow Ribbon Community Arts Festival! 📍2–6 August 2025 | One Holland Village 🚛 Or check out the Roving Arts Truck from 2-31 August 2025! For more details, visit: www.go.gov.sg/yrcaf https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMNIGB5hP4c/?igsh=MWI4MWQyMmkwbjBwZg== Let's come together to show our support for these inspiring artists! #BeyondSecondChances #SG4SecondChances #YellowRibbonProject #YellowRibbonCommunityArtsFestival

🎉✨ [LIMITED RELEASE] ✨🎉 Celebrate Mid-Autumn with a mooncake set that tells a story of second chances.💛🥮 Introducing Heritage & Hope – a sweet remix of Peranakan-inspired treats, whipped up by our talented inmate-bakers. These aren't your usual flavours. They're bold, unexpected, and dreamed up entirely from scratch. 🇸🇬💫 Flavours you'll fall for: 🟣 Purple Potato and Yam with Macadamia 🔴 Red Date with Salted Egg 💚 Putri Salat 💗 Green Tea Rose with Blueberries (crowd fav is BACK!) Each set comes in a reusable tingkat featuring artwork by an inmate-artist, a beautiful blend of batik and Vanda Miss Joaquim vibes. 🌺 Orders open soon — don't miss your chance to taste hope, heritage, and heart this Mid-Autumn! https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSBo6E6NG/ #YellowRibbonProject #SG4SecondChances #BeyondSecondChances #YellowRibbonBakery #YRBMooncakes #Mooncakes #Mooncakefestival2025 #Handmadebakes

Mason Andre Lim's journey is a powerful testament to his resilience and the support from family and the community. ✨ Upon his release, Mason was awarded the Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF) STAR Bursary in November 2021 and has recently graduated from National University of Singapore 🎓 With perseverance, he has rebuilt his life and has found purpose in giving back to society through volunteering and befriending the elderly. 💛 "Being able to show my loved ones that they were right in giving me a second chance to prove that I am worth it is something that pushes me daily to become a better version of myself, one day at a time. Without the bursary, I most likely would not have continued with my university education, and I am very grateful that YRF has taken a chance on me." https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSBWybwUQ/ #YellowRibbonSingapore #YellowRibbonFund #SG4SecondChances #BeyondSecondChances

The Yellow Ribbon Community Arts Festival will be coming to your neighbourhood. Our roving truck will hit the roads this August, and here's what you can look forward to: 🎵 Live band performances by the Yellow Ribbon Performing Arts Centre (PAC) Alumni Band 🎨 Exclusive fringe activities and colouring stations 🎗️ Exclusive Yellow Ribbon Project collaterals and giveaways Mark your calendars and come say hello! 👋🏻 https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSBtHp2tW/ #BeyondSecondChances #SG4SecondChances #YellowRibbonProject #YellowRibbonCommunityArtsFestival #SG60

Sometimes, family isn't by blood — it's by choice. For Fariesha, that chosen family came in the form of Azlinda, her best friend, biggest cheerleader, and unwavering support system. 💛 They first crossed paths during incarceration in 2012. What started as a simple connection blossomed into a decade-strong bond. Through multiple relapses and setbacks, Azlinda never gave up on Fariesha, always offering a listening ear and a steady hand. 👂🏻 Today, Fariesha is chasing her dreams at LASALLE, pursuing her passion for the arts. Watch their heartfelt conversation as they reflect on their journey, the strength of their friendship, and the impact of never walking alone.👣 https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSBsWKo3Q/ #SecondChances #YellowRibbonProject #BeyondSecondChances #SG4SecondChances #MyFamilyMySecondChance #YellowRibbonCommunityArtsFestival

Artist Mentors Barry Yeow and Evangeline Ang chat with Inmate Artist 'Sarah' (not her real name) on her journey through the Arts Behind Bars programme in Institution A4. Catch Sarah's artwork, 'Hope in Rebirth,' which will be displayed on the Roving Arts Truck at this year's Yellow Ribbon Community Arts Festival (YRCAF) 2025. 🎨🖌️ Come explore stunning artworks created by other inmate artists and ex-offenders, and show your support to second chances! 🎗️ 📍 Arts Exhibition @ One Holland Village (2–6 Aug) 🚚 Roving Art Truck, islandwide (2–31 Aug) See you there! 💛 https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSBuwkHaY/ #BeyondSecondChances #SG4SecondChances #YellowRibbonProject #YellowRibbonCommunityArtsFestival

Every colour holds a story — and for 'Rafiq', it begins with a lifelong love for them. 🎨 Pursuing an interest he's had since childhood, Rafiq discovered new ways to express emotions and feelings through the Visual Arts Programme in Institution B4. Now, his batik artwork will be featured at the upcoming Yellow Ribbon Community Arts Festival (YRCAF) 2025. Hear about his journey with colours and what they represent, from second chances to the hopes and dreams of those seeking transformation. Don't miss the opportunity to view his work in person this August at YRCAF 2025! 💛 📍 Arts Exhibition @ One Holland Village (2–6 Aug) 🚚 Roving Art Truck, islandwide (2–31 Aug) https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSBuTbMKA/ #BeyondSecondChances #SG4SecondChances #YellowRibbonProject #YellowRibbonCommunityArtsFestival

At 22, Bruce Mathieu faced his first incarceration, caught in a cycle of addiction that led to five more over 24 years. During his final sentence, he found the strength to change — refusing to be an absent father and holding on to the hope of being present for his family. Now 54 and over nine years clean, Bruce shares his story to raise awareness about the struggles of addiction and the rewards of fatherhood. 🙌🏻 As Father's Day approaches, his journey reminds us that it's never too late to start anew. With love, support, and purpose, change is always possible. 🎗️ https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSkt5Wd4Q/ #SecondChances #YellowRibbonProject #BeyondSecondChances #SG4SecondChances #MyFamilyMySecondChance

At 22, Bruce Mathieu entered prison for the first time, caught in a cycle of addiction that led to five stints spanning over 24 years behind bars. 24 years in and out of prison — Bruce Mathieu knew something had to change. Who gave him the strength to do it? Listen to his story. 🙌🏻 https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSkscGDGk/ #SecondChances #YellowRibbonProject #BeyondSecondChances #SG4SecondChances #MyFamilyMySecondChance

In the lead-up to the Yellow Ribbon Community Arts Festival (YRCAF) 2025, inmate artists were given a meaningful opportunity to show their artwork, which will be featured at the Festival, to their families. 🎨 Organised by the YRCAF Committee and the Singapore Prison Service, the Family Joint Session was more than just a visit—it was a moment to reflect, create, and heal. Along with their families, they viewed artworks together, designed keepsakes, and reflected on how far their loved ones have come. 💛 Come experience these powerful stories for yourself this August at YRCAF: 📍 Static Exhibition @ One Holland Village (2–6 Aug) 🚚 Roving Art Truck, islandwide (2–31 Aug) Let's celebrate creativity that inspires change. 🎗️ https://www.instagram.com/p/DK1xbKKsfpU/?igsh=MTd6NzQyMHBueGxidg== #BeyondSecondChances #SG4SecondChances #YellowRibbonProject #YellowRibbonCommunityArtsFestival

Regardless of whether you walk or run, this is your sign to join the Unlabelled Run by 14 June!🏃‍♀️ Like the Yellow Ribbon Project, the Unlabelled RUN believes in second chances – that ex-offenders, when given the opportunity, can contribute meaningfully and give back to society. 🤝 Unlabelled run seeks to build an inclusive, cohesive, and compassionate Singapore. This also strong aligns with our mission. 💪 Let’s move forward together – Drop the Label, See the People 💛💚 https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSkgmcdPN/ #BeyondSecondChances #SG4SecondChances #YellowRibbonSingapore #YellowRibbonProject #UnlabelledRun #DroptheLabelSeethePeople

In 2011, Susanty Binte Yaakop was arrested and admitted to the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC), after 20 years of drug abuse. In 2016, her life took another turn when her husband was incarcerated. Alone but determined, she chose recovery — not just for herself, but for others like her. She founded Hijrah. Uzair. Fikir. Ikrar (HUFI) Hufi Bersatu, a ground-up initiative that supports women in recovery through holistic approaches: wellness, sports, mentoring and peer support. Susanty was referred by FITRAH, who opened up the opportunity for her to apply for a bursary from the Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF) and Singapore After-Care Association (SACA). With their support, she completed her studies and earned a Diploma in counselling. Today, she walks alongside others who are also trying to heal themselves — turning every second chance into a spark for change. https://www.instagram.com/p/DKqnVd4NjE8/?igsh=MXFweWhiamVlN3lxcQ== #YellowRibbonProject #SG4SecondChances #BeyondSecondChances #ASecondChanceToMyself

We are each other second chances. 🎗️ With the encouragement of his Correctional Unit Officer, Jonathan Pang pursued his A Levels while serving time — a decision that set him on the path to law school. Watch as he receives a surprise message from the officer who believed in him from the start. 👀 https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSkP55BLo/ #SecondChances #YellowRibbonProject #BeyondSecondChances #SG4SecondChances

Meet Blue Moon (artist pseudonym) — an inmate artist who uses art as an outlet for self-expression. 🖌️ While serving his sentence for drug-related offences, he rediscovered his passion for art through the Visual Arts Programme in Institution B4. Now, his work will be featured at the Yellow Ribbon Community Arts Festival (YRCAF) 2025. 🎨🎗️ Watch as he shares the meaning behind his artwork and what they represent — from second chances to the hopes and dreams of those on the path of transformation. Don’t miss the chance to experience his artwork in person this August at YRCAF 2025! 💛 https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSky93GJe/ #BeyondSecondChances #SG4SecondChances #YellowRibbonProject #YellowRibbonCommunityArtsFestival

Scaling new heights and seizing new opportunities 🧗 Rishi Budhrani takes on the challenge of being a façade cleaner at 800 Super Waste Management, guided by Ridhuan, a supervisor and ex-offender who found his path to rehabilitation through hard work and determination. 💪 Watch as Ridhuan teaches Rishi the ropes and shares his story of how he chose to turn his life around. 🎗️ https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSky5bx5q/ #SecondChances #YellowRibbonProject #BeyondSecondChances #SG4SecondChances

On 30 May 2025, the Yellow Ribbon Project (YRP) held our first Volunteer Engagement Session for the year — and what an incredible evening it was! ✨ There was amazing food, endless laughter, and most importantly, heartfelt conversations. Together, we reflected on how far we've come and dreamed big about where we're headed — especially as we gear up to push beyond our 20th anniversary! 🎉 Our volunteers shared inspiring ideas on how we can elevate our programme and deepen the impact of our movement. The passion in the room was undeniable — a true reminder that this journey is powered by people who care deeply. Moments like these affirm why we do what we do. We're filled with hope for what lies ahead, and we look forward to continuing this journey side by side — growing, evolving, and lifting one another up. 💛💫 Because in this community, We Are Each Other's Second Chances. 🎗️ https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSkrAhKVL/ #YellowRibbonProject #BeyondSecondChances #SecondChances #SG4SecondChances