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What does it mean to start over with the right support, understanding, and dignity? This programme offers a rare opportunity to better understand the work of HEB Ashram, one of Singapore’s halfway houses. As part of the My Birth & Rebirths series, this programme takes participants behind the scenes to see how the Ashram supports the reintegration of its Residents into society through structure, care, and community.
Led by the Ashram team, participants will tour key areas of the premises: the hardcourt where activities like yoga and basketball are held; the garden where Residents grow vegetables and tend to plants; the kitchen, where meals are prepared by an in-house cook; and shared spaces like the lounge and gym that offer time for rest and wellness. Participants will also get the chance to visit the computer lab, where Residents take part in online courses; the living quarters; and the Sikh and Hindu prayer rooms.
The tour ends with a sharing session by an ex-resident, who will speak about their experience at the Ashram — the challenges they faced, the support they received, and the journey of rebuilding their life moving forward.
This programme is for anyone interested in understanding how community-based support can make a real difference in someone’s path forward.
Joined HEB-Ashram halfway house in 2013 as a novice, Mr Ruuveen Balachanthar has grown in many ways and has touched many lives. A familiar face to all the residents of HEB-Ashram, Mr Ruuveen oversees the needs of every resident who walks through the gates of HEB-Ashram and works with them to overcome their concerns such as accommodation, employment, financial assistance and family integration.
With 12 glorious years of service as a Social Worker, with HEB-Ashram halfway house; he is a beacon of hope, source of strength and a tireless advocate for those on the path of recovery and reintegration. Mr Ruuveen has achieved several accreditations during his stint and has received trainings in several areas such as Case Management in Rehabilitation Practice, Certified Substance Abuse Therapist, Professional Certificate in Clinical Practice and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Foundations for Adults, Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Distressed Adults, Foundations in Clinical Practice, Developing Facilitation Skills, Motivating Offenders to Change & Process and Punishment.
As the Social Worker, he goes beyond the call of duty and puts in great effort and patience to understand each resident’s needs. Mr Ruuveen never fails to lend a listening ear when residents or their families need someone to talk to. His unwavering dedication and commitment in serving the residents and families throughout the 12 years has not only earned him their trust and respect but that of his colleagues and community partners too. His contribution has helped shape HEB-Ashram into a place of true healing and second chance.
Ms. Lata Devi was introduced to HEB-Ashram halfway house in 2016, whose journey started from being an intern to a part-time counsellor, and now full-time counsellor, which stands as a powerful testament to perseverance, passion, and purpose.
From her earliest days as an intern at HEB-Ashram Halfway House, Ms. Lata showed not only promise but heart. Her quiet strength, deep empathy, and eagerness to learn quickly distinguished her. She listened not just with her ears, but with her heart; a quality that soon made her a trusted presence among both residents and colleagues.
As she grew into her role as a part-time counsellor, she continued to go above and beyond. Her ability to connect with residents, understand their struggles, and help them find meaning and direction became a cornerstone of her work. Over the years, she has been a steady, reassuring guide to many who have walked through the doors of HEB-Ashram seeking hope and healing.
Now, as a full-time counsellor, Ms. Lata Devi has become an integral part of our mission. She has a Master’s in Counselling and specialises in areas such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis (TA) and XO Mentoring. Her commitment to empowering others, her professionalism, and her heartfelt dedication have inspired many within and beyond our halfway house.
Through each stage of her journey, Ms. Lata has demonstrated that change doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistency, care, and courage, it is absolutely possible. She has helped transform lives, one conversation at a time, and her impact will be felt for years to come.
Mr Vignesvara was a former resident who was convicted for substance abuse and was sentence for his offences. He was given the opportunity to serve the balance 9 months of his programme in a residential setting by going through the Community-based Programme (CBP). Throughout his stay, Mr Vignesvara was a model resident who progressed by achieving several milestones. 6 months into his CBP, Mr Vignesvara was identified to be placed on a residential scheme as a result of his exemplary conduct. Mr Vignesvara successfully completed the residential scheme programme and was officially discharged in March 2024. Since his discharge, he has shown remarkable personal and professional growth.
Mr Vignesvara has reconnected meaningfully with his family, including his two teenage children, re-establishing strong familial bonds. Demonstrating a commitment to self-improvement, he has completed a Diploma in Facilities Management and is now preparing to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the same field.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Mr Vignesvara has transitioned to a new job with better prospects and a higher salary, further strengthening his financial stability and independence.
His journey stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and the positive impact of rehabilitation and support services. He continues to keep in touch with HEB-Ashram and represents us as an ambassador for interviews and events.
Established in 1999, HEB Ashram is a drug rehabilitation centre dedicated to supporting Indian substance abusers, particularly those nearing the end of their prison sentences. The centre helps residents stabilise before reintegrating into society by mending relationships with their families and equipping the residents with new skills.
With a capacity for 30 residents, HEB Ashram primarily serves Hindu and Sikh Indian males but also welcomes Malay Muslim or Chinese men who choose to join. It is one of ten halfway houses in Singapore, alongside one government-run facility, a Christian halfway house for women, and a Muslim halfway house for women.
HEB Ashram’s programmes are designed to be roughly 80% secular and 20% religious or cultural, ensuring they benefit individuals of all faiths. A key focus is helping residents transit back into everyday life, while also mediating between them and their families, as reintegration can be a challenging process for both parties.
May Hui is an active volunteer with My Community, contributing as a heritage guide and facilitator for tours and cultural programmes. She also brings significant experience from her longstanding roles as a docent with Singapore’s heritage institutions, including the Indian Heritage Centre, Malay Heritage Centre, and Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, where she has guided diverse audiences through Singapore’s history.
May’s volunteerism extends beyond heritage work: she has spent over a decade mentoring inmates as a volunteer with the Singapore After-Care Association (SACA), helping them prepare for reintegration into society. For her, these seemingly different volunteer activities share a common thread—unlocking “prisons of the mind” by encouraging openness, curiosity, and learning.
In My Community, May’s dedication as a volunteer guide reflects her passion for engaging the public, sharing stories that connect individuals to Singapore’s past while inspiring them to explore more deeply.
Her guiding approach is meticulous and thoughtful; she is known for weaving historical details into narratives that resonate personally, ensuring that every visitor leaves not just informed but motivated to continue exploring.
Participants should be dressed respectfully in smart casual (i.e. collared shirt, long pants and covered shoes). Sleeveless attire, shorts/miniskirts or sandals are strictly not allowed.
Parking is available at carpark along Pakistan Road.
My Births and Rebirths
My Births and Rebirths
My Births and Rebirths
My Births and Rebirths
My Births and Rebirths
My Births and Rebirths
