In the past few years, single mother Madam Kong Siow Lin struggled to provide for her two children. Not making enough to make ends meet, she defaulted on utilities and rent payments.
Through the Getting-Out-Of-Debt (GOOD) Programme in 2015, her debts were fully cleared, liberating her from daily anxiety. She now draws a stable income and is empowered to start life anew for the sake of her young sons.
Madam Kong is one of the 13,541 beneficiaries and families served by Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), the social concerns arm of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) in the financial year 2015/16, which ended 31 March this year.
Last year, MWS commemorated the twin milestones of Singapore’s Golden Jubilee and the 130th anniversary of the MCS with the GOOD Programme, to liberate low-income families from chronic debt. 619 families were blessed with a fresh start and empowered to plan for their future.
Also in the last year:
• 1,534 children from disadvantaged backgrounds received bursaries for their education, academic help to catch up on their school work and a safe environment to go to after school, through D’Joy Children’s Centre, Daybreak Student Care Centre, MWS Bursary Programme and MWS Tutoring Programme.
• 12 at-risk youth were rehabilitated at Residence @ St. George’s structured and meaningful progamme based on the Social Emotional Learning Framework.
• 9,634 families in distress resolved personal, social and emotional difficulties through counselling and casework, were connected to relevant and complementary assistance in the community, and received financial assistance.
• 1,002 chronically ill, frail and destitute beneficiaries received critical support at their homes, shelter, and round-the-clock medical and nursing assistance.
• 740 seniors and migrant workers at risk of social isolation enjoyed a community through engaging social and learning activities, wellness and fitness programmes and paracounselling sessions.
“These data on the numbers of people who have used our services is a part of our performance measurement. The collection of this data and information has also allowed us to make decisions on ways we can improve our services and programmes. In this regard of performance management, we have taken steps to close certain programmes and develop new ones,” said Mrs Jenny Bong, Group Executive Director, MWS.
Thank you for believing in our work and making new beginnings possible for our beneficiaries.
“A generous person will be blessed.” (Proverbs 22:9, New English Translation)
Infographic courtesy of the Methodist Welfare Services
By the Methodist Welfare Services Communications Team