HLAF, together with Social Work interns, visited the homes of Persons Restored to Liberty (PRLs) as part of FRED’s Panunumbalik (Post-Release) Program.
Former FRED beneficiaries Ate Monalisa and Kuya Rodel of the Class Survivors accommodated the team from the Focused Reintegration of Ex-Detainees (FRED) Program, on August 20, 2024.
The home visitation aims to gain insight into the beneficiaries’ reintegration process and how the program has contributed to their progress. The beneficiaries shared how the Panunumbalik Program allowed them to redirect their priorities, nurture their relationships and personal well-being, and empower them to take on new challenges.
They found the program to be an opportunity to lead new, enlightened lives and help others do the same.
Home visitations, for HLAF, foster a sense of emotional and social support, reinforcing the skills and strategies learned during the reintegration sessions and helping both Kuya Rodel and Ate Mona navigate the challenges of transitioning from incarceration to everyday life.
The activity also allowed HLAF to monitor each beneficiary’s progress, assess the effectiveness of the program, and gather valuable feedback that will guide FRED for its future commitments.
Moreover, HLAF thought that building trust and rapport is critical in these interactions, as it encourages open dialogue and makes beneficiaries feel valued and connected, even after the sessions.
HLAF’s FRED program already facilitates community engagement by linking individuals to local resources such as employment opportunities and counseling services, while also promoting social inclusion to mitigate the stigma of their pasts.
For HLAF, the home visitation to both Kuya Rodel and Ate Mona serves as a vital component of the reintegration process, ensuring that individuals feel supported, connected, and motivated to pursue positive changes in their lives.
