Inspiring Limerick woman shares her journey to transformation with PALLS

IN A WORLD where second chances are often hard to come by, PALLS (Probation and Limerick Prison Linkage Scheme) stands as a beacon of hope and transformation for those who need it.

Founded in 2009, this innovative education and training centre provides a unique opportunity for men and women over the age of 23 to embark on a transformative journey towards purposeful change, and personal development.

Through a range of specialised programmes from ETB trainers, and a nurturing environment, PALLS empowers its participants to break free from the cycle of crime and addiction, opening doors to a brighter future.

Acting manager, Rachel Reilly, is supported by a determined team of nine overall, including five full-time employees, who work hard to bridge the gap between individuals seeking a second chance and employers willing to provide one.

One individual in particular, Margaret O'Grady, or Mags as she goes by with friends, spoke with the Limerick Leader about how she got into PALLS, and soon became the only female warehouse operative at the organisation.

Mags bravely admits that on her first arrival to PALLS around 2018, she was in a “bad place.” Newly sober, she found her feet at the training centre, giving her “a bit of stability.”

“They have helped me unlock a talent I didn't know I had,” Mags shares proudly.

Having taken it upon herself to begin her empowering journey, confidence is the characteristic Mags values most, which she has grown, nurtured, and maintained during her time at PALLS.

Today, as the only female spray painter in the warehouse, Mags sprays timber and assists in shipping furniture orders to all corners of the country.

Limerick man's life and death is intertwined with hurlers

As she inches even closer to the life she envisions for herself and her family, she smiles, “I have come a long way since I first came through those doors.”

Among its various initiatives, PALLS offers the Helping Women Recover Programme (HWR) to support women battling addiction.

For men and women on temporary release from Limerick Prison, PALLS offers the Community Support Scheme (CSS).

Community is a massive part of PALLS, and plays an even bigger role in the lives of the members, and through CSS, participants receive the tools and resources needed to rebuild their lives and make positive contributions to their communities.

Mags can attest to this, as she sees first hand the integration that goes on each and every day at the training centre.

Marrying strengths of each department together, warehouse staff can often be seen helping out in the therapeutic garden, or as it's affectionately called, the “urban oasis.”

Mags agrees that the work is always a team effort. “We all blend together,” she says, “there was a bit of work to be done last week in the garden, and we all did it together.”

Beyond aiding those inside the building, PALLS also lends a hand to those outside.

With professional grade carpentry and factory machinery, including a CNC machine, the crew tailor make all sorts of furniture and ship worldwide. With sustainability in mind, wastewood then goes to the Mid-West Simon Community to heat homes come winter.

Often an underused resource, PALLS holds immense potential to benefit the wider community with increased support.

“We empower people to be their own change,” said Community Employment Supervisor, Mike Guerin.

A haven for those who want to make the most of its opportunities, he adds: “Anyone of low employability or disadvantaged circumstances, PALLS coordinates the effort to take care of that person.”