The tiny Taranaki service dedicated to helping the forgotten
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Sewing machines distributed to ex-convicts
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Grocery kits distributed to discharged prisoners
| Photo Credit: C Venkatachalapathy
When 50-year-old Ramesh (name changed) from Arcot was discharged from prison four years ago, he was at a crossroads. His family had deserted him. The Discharged Prisoners Aid Society (DPAS), Vellore, came to his rescue and he set up a tailoring shop in his locality.
“Initially I faced some stigma, but now people treat me with respect as I am working hard. However due to the lockdown, business is very dull. I am struggling to make ends meet now,” said Ramesh.
DPAS members claim to have helped 200 discharged prisoners in the last 10 years in the combined Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts.