A few weeks ago, my friend, Jen, told me that there was a kind lady who wanted to do something to spread some love around. Together with her colleagues, she managed to raise a sum of money, and wanted to donate the cash to bring a little cheer into the lives of others. When I said I wanted to do my small bit, Jen introduced me to Tania (Ms Singapore Universe 2010!) and we formed a little group who were ready to help out.

Jen suggested a project that involved both the young and the old; Youth Reach and St Vincent Home were decided upon. The latter was chosen as the residents are ambulant elderly and rely on public assistance as they have no immediate family to care for them. They live in a home, and receive enough only for basic amenities. We thought a little outing would give them a nice break from their everyday routine. It was also important that the group we chose was mobile, as the plan was to bring them to Universal Studios in the morning, and then to Hard Rock Cafe after for a late lunch.

It was so nice spending time with the old folk, and even nicer seeing the kids interacting with them. Tania was so sweet and even put together individual goodie bags for them each to take home after the lunch.

There is this couple that stood out for me. They met at the home, and are very caring and loving towards each other. Someone managed to snap this picture, and I just had to share it. Super “awwww…” moment!

With some of the lovely kids from Youth Reach, who were so patient and good with helping the old folk that day.

Our little group; Kel, Tania, Jen.

Sadly, our big plan to bring them to Universal Studio was thwarted by the massive thunderstorm that morning, so we only managed to give them a nice lunch. We’ve planned part two (Universal will happen for them, hopefully!) for tomorrow morning – pray for good weather, please everybody!

St Vincent Home

St. Vincent Home is a sheltered home in a residential arrangement that provides basic amenities to its ambulant elderly residents, but let the residents manage their own daily activities to maintain their independence within the community. Residents at the Home are above 60 years of age, and rely on public assistance as they have no immediate family to care for them.

Regular social interactions and recreational activities are organised for the residents by staff and volunteers to keep them active.

Head of Agency:		Ms Poh Po Neo Lily
Address:		Blk 261, Waterloo St, #05-01, S180261
Telephone:		6337 6535
Fax:		6336 1513
Email:		stvincenthome@catholicwelfare.org.sg
Affiliation:		Society of St Vincent de Paul

YouthReach

YouthReach is a joint youth outreach project by Catholic Welfare Services (CWS) and Boys’ Town to serve the youths in our community. Part of the services of YouthReach includes a drop-in centre in Tampines which aims to provide a sense of purpose and direction, and to inculcate values in the lives of the youth. YouthReach also offers comprehensive services to reach out to youths at risk and help them utilise their strengths and resources to achieve their desired goals and provides services such as counselling, home visits, and life skills workshops to various schools and organizations

The drop-in centre in Tampines was set up originally in 1999 as a drop-in centre for Youths-At-Risk by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM), and was called the Poverello Teen Centre (PTC) to help youths develop their potentials and skills.

As of June 2009, Catholic Welfare Services and Boys’ Town collaborated to expand the services of the CWS youth arm and formed YouthReach. Through its various programmes, students learn values of self-worth, discipline and responsibility that prevent and reduce delinquency.

Centre Manager:		Ms Gwen Koh
Address:		Blk 166, Tampines St 12, #01-357, S521166
Telephone:		6544 2603
Email:		gwen@boystown.org.sg
Website:		www.youthreach.org.sg

Filed under: Uncategorized by jadeseah