To encourage former inmates to reintegrate into society and embark on new lives, the Ministry of Justice actively promotes the "A Pair of Shoes, A Right Path" care initiative. This program, led by the Taiwan Aftercare Association Taichung Branch in collaboration with compassionate enterprises, collects brand-new athletic shoes for economically disadvantaged individuals exiting the correctional system.

Our facility today responded to this meaningful endeavor by holding a simple yet warm shoe presentation ceremony for a former inmate about to complete his sentence, "Old Chung" (a pseudonym). We hope this warmth from society can become the driving force for his new beginning.

"Old Chung," 62 years old, was incarcerated for the first time due to a case of negligent traffic injury. With a simple family background (both parents deceased, estranged from siblings) and having lived alone for many years, he relied solely on rough labor work for a meager living before his imprisonment, resulting in a tight economic situation. Through the caring visits conducted by our facility’s counseling staff, it was understood that while Old Chung planned to return to his self-owned house in Tanzi and continue working hard after release, his financial distress meant he lacked the social resources necessary to take that crucial first step back into society.

During the ceremony, Director of the Counseling Section, Lin Shao-ting, and the Institutional Counselor, Wu Chih-hua, personally presented the brand-new athletic shoes to Old Chung. Section Chief Lin offered warm encouragement: "These shoes are not merely everyday items; they are society's encouragement and blessings for you. We hope you wear them, stand firmly on your feet, and bravely face the future." Counselor Wu also thoughtfully reminded him: "Director General Lin Hsien-ming once mentioned that many former inmates might only be wearing 'blue-and-white slippers' upon release. Now you have new shoes, symbolizing stepping onto the right path. Please firmly hold this belief and never look back."

Upon receiving the shoes, Old Chung's eyes reddened, and he choked up multiple times while expressing his gratitude. He repeatedly expressed how heartwarming it was that society and the facility could provide such substantial and warm care to former inmates. He pledged to transform this kindness into motivation, work diligently after his release, regain his footing, and not let anyone down. Furthermore, he expressed the hope that should he ever become capable enough to repay this kindness, he would like to pass a pair of shoes forward, transmitting this warmth to the next person in need.

Director Yang Yi-chang pointed out that every new pair of shoes carries society's expectation for former inmates to be brave in change and persistent in pursuing goodness. Our facility will continue to coordinate with the "A Pair of Shoes, A Right Path" initiative, integrating resources from the Aftercare Association and other social entities to provide appropriate assistance to those in need, ensuring they can return to society with dignity and warmth, walking toward a bright future.