In celebration of Prison Awareness Week this October 21 to 27, 2024, PRESO, Inc. highlights the life stories of some of our staunchest supporters. They have chosen to devote their time and resources in helping PDL while in detention and upon their release.
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." - MATTHEW 25:34-40.
Happy 80th birthday to our dearly beloved Gerry "Gene" Reyes, a man who gave his life to help those who are almost forgotten. Since he saw a poster in the late 80s, with a picture of the incarcerated Christ, Bro. Gene started his mission to help change many lives. As a prison volunteer, he provided spiritual and material support, and most important, hope to people behind bars, particularly at the Manila City Jail and the National Bilibid Prison.
But as years passed, Bro. Gene, realizing the need to help released prisoners, started his own version of a “halfway home”. Hence, he provided the much-needed, though, temporary shelter to those who had been either refused support or totally abandoned by their families.
With PRESO Inc. and its Community Bail Bond Program, Bro. Gene became an exceptional partner. He took custody and care of those bailed persons deprived of liberty giving them shelter, work and even the basic things they needed as they started new lives.
For more than three decades, Bro. Gene-- a writer, counselor, mentor and role model-- never gave up on persons in need. His Faith in the Almighty is very strong--- showing us how one person’s kindness and patience can make a big difference.
Today, we celebrate not just Bro. Gene’s birthday but also on how he contributed to helping released PDLs rebuild their lives. We wish him many, many more years of blessings- good health, peace and happiness.
So, cheers to a Brod, Lolo, Kuya and Tito---our own, GENE REYES!
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