Flagship Projects of
PRISONERS' ENHANCEMENT and SUPPORT ORGANIZATION Inc.
Better Versions Program
Helping Former PDLs Rebuild Their Lives with Dignity & Hope
For many former incarcerated persons, freedom brings not relief, but a new kind of
struggle—one defined by stark poverty, homelessness, stigma, and social isolation. Without organized and institutionalized assistance and support, most of them fall through the cracks and tragically return to the very system they were freed from.
To help address this, PRESO Inc. has developed the Better Versions Program—a holistic, phased approach to post-release reintegration that goes beyond charity. It is not just about setting people free, but helping them become better versions of themselves.
The Three Stages of Post-Release Reintegration
1. CRISIS AND SURVIVAL
2. TRANSITION
3. REINTEGRATION AND EMPOWERMENT
PRESO makes the initial and an all-important FIRST RESPONSE because the “first two weeks” after release is critical. A FIRST RESPONSE is a “welcoming” approach but it entails financial costs, competence and guidance of our workers. This includes immediate support during the following first two stages of the PDLs’ journey upon their release:
1.) “Hatid-Barangay” (Bring to Barangay)
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Pick up the released PDL from the Jail and accompany him/her to the his/her own Barangay office.
2.) Homeward Bound “Dalaw-Bahay”
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Accompany him/her back to his/her own residence.
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Facilitates interaction with immediate relatives, especially with his children.
3.) Food Subsistence for at least the first 10 days after release
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Financial aid to purchase basic commodities and provision of daily meals
4.) Check on Health Status
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Whether he needs immediate medication, not necessarily hospitalization.
5.) Temporary Shelter
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In certain cases where released PDL has no family to go home to, either refer to the government social welfare agency or a service provider who is willing to adopt him for at least two weeks.
A. Crisis
B. Transition
1.) Securing Identification Documents
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Valid accredited government IDs are very important to every form of reentry support, for employment and access to government benefits.
2.) Boosting Personality and Self-Esteem
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Provide advice for sanitation and personal cleanliness.
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Teach and allow provisions for basic grooming- haircut; clean and appropriate clothes, shoes, and other related measures.
3.) Mentoring
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Academic Literacy: Many find difficulty in reading and writing. Some are assisted to enroll in Alternative Learning School
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Basic Financial Literacy
4.) Family Counseling
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Helping former PDL on enhancing his/her life coping skills; advising family members on ways to support each other emotionally.
5.) In case of recognized drug dependents, refer to Community-Based Drug Treatment
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Programs e.g. seminars.
C. REINTEGRATION AND EMPOWERMENT
1.) Continuing Personal Advancement thru Education and other forms of Trainings
2.) Continuing Sessions and Counseling to develop and restore self- respect and sense of purpose.
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(Open Oneself to New Hope) - BUKAS-LOOB TUNGO SA BAGONG PAGASA SEMINAR
a six-month reintegration program designed to go deeper. It offers former PDL the tools to transform themselves and improve the quality of their lives.
Participants undergo:
a. Values formation and criminogenic risk assessment
b. Skills training or
c. How to Start, Manage and Sustain a Small Business
3.) Assistance in Job Search and Opportunities for Job Placement: Contact linkages and partners in business
4.) Referrals for Capital Loan for Small Business Entrepreneurship
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Assist in finalizing the client’s Business Plan which includes Profitability, Marketing outcomes and Sustainability.
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5.) Periodic assessment of released PDLs' situation: family and business or work.
This phase tackles more intensively a personal, developmental focus: not just helping someone survive, but helping them thrive—with dignity, direction, and purpose.
A Call to Action: JOIN US and PARTNER with US
The success of the Better Versions Program depends on sustained support from individuals, churches, businesses, and funding agencies. Every contribution and assistance -whether financial, technical, or in-kind—translate directly into second chances for those who need them most.
Help people not only to be free, but become better versions of themselves.
Support PRESO Inc. Help transform lives, one person at a time.
