40 years of empowering life to the full
Annual Report FY2020/21
Year at a Glance
COVID-RELATED
INITIATIVES
FEB - DEC 2020
'Donate to bless' families iN THEIR TIME OF NEED - ABOUT $1.6M RAISED FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES AFFECTED BY COVID-19
In conjunction with the 135th anniversary of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS), MWS ran the ‘Donate to Bless’ fundraising campaign. The funds raised were disbursed to 1,019 low-income families who lost jobs or saw a decline in their wages. Apart from beneficiaries referred through MWS centres, Methodist churches and schools, MWS and MCS also channelled more than $160,000 towards 12 other charity organisations.
Apr 2020 - Feb 2021
RESEARCH ON BENEFICIARIES OF BUANGKOK CRESCENT SHELTER PROJECT
The MWS FSCs surveyed 77 rough sleepers rehoused at the shelter to better understand the factors that contributed to their situation and their experience with temporary shelters. Key findings revealed that homelessness is a multi-dimensional issue that is caused by a complex interplay of individual-level factors (e.g. health and past adverse childhood experiences) and systemic factors (e.g. prevailing public housing criteria).
NOV 2020
MWS Supported rough sleepers hit by pandemic
The onset of COVID-19 forced many individuals living overseas to return to Singapore. Some who have no homes to return to wound up sleeping in the open and became highly susceptible to contracting the coronavirus. MWS Family Service Centres (FSCs) worked with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and other public agencies to rehouse these rough sleepers.
JUL - DEC 2020
MWS FAMILY SERVICE CENTRES PARTICIPATED IN ‘MIND THE GAP’ COLLECTIVE FUND
MWS FSCs and 7 other agencies established a collective monetary fund under the ‘Mind the Gap’ campaign to provide financial assistance to vulnerable families who have fallen through the gap. MWS’ partnership in the collective has deepened the FSCs’ engagement with new at-risk families, and paved the way for remedial interventions. By the end of the campaign, more than $140,000 was committed to support 129 families under the care of MWS, with each family receiving $300 to $400 for 2 to 3 months.
2020-2021
EVENTS
29.05.2020
Launch of MWS Community Portal and Timebanking Rewards Programme
The MWS Community Portal – a one-stop online platform that offers volunteers a holistic view of their volunteering journey was introduced. At the same time, MWS launched the first ever Timebanking Rewards Programme to appreciate volunteers. The programme allows volunteers to bank in their volunteering hours and redeem them for rewards such as MWS merchandise and services, as well as commercial products and services sponsored by partners.
03.06.2020
MWS TO OPERATE NEW NURSING HOME AND SENIOR CARE CENTRE LOCATED IN EUNOS
MWS won the tender from the Ministry of Health to run these new services which will enhance MWS’ continuum of eldercare services in the community. The MWS Senior Care Centre is expected to begin operations in early 2022, and the MWS Nursing Home in 2023.
01.07.2020
NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR MWS CHRISTALITE STUDENT CARE CENTRE
MWS embarked on a new partnership with Christalite Methodist Chapel to provide affordable student care services for 7 to 14 year-olds in Geylang East. Located in the heartland, the Centre provides an essential service to parents who appreciate its proximity and meaningful after-school care and engagement for their children.
08.07.2020
MWS SENIOR NURSE MANAGER RECOGNISED WITH NURSES’ MERIT AWARD
MWS Home Care & Home Hospice Senior Nurse Manager Jessie Pah was honoured with the Nurses’ Merit Award by the Ministry of Health. The award recognises committed nurses who have performed exceptionally and contributed to higher standards of nursing.
16.10.2020
MWS HOME CARE & HOME HOSPICE STAFF RECOGNISED AT THE COMMUNITY CARE MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT AWARDS
Dr Andy Lee (Principal Resident Physician) and Subramaniam s/o T Ramachandra (Staff Nurse) received the Community Care Manpower Development Awards to pursue Master of Science in Palliative Care and Advanced Diploma in Nursing (Gerontology) respectively. The awards support the desire of professional community care staff to pursue continuous learning.
30.10.2020
MWS SOCIAL WORKER HONOURED AT COMMUNITY CARE EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Eva Yeo, Social Worker at MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chua Kang, was recognised with a Silver Community Care Excellence Award from the Agency for Integrated Care. The award recognises outstanding individuals who have achieved excellent service standards and contributed significantly to the sector.
01.12.2020
LAUNCH OF NURSING HOMES’ CENTRAL KITCHEN
Located at MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chu Kang, the new Central Kitchen prepares nutritious meals for the residents of our two MWS Nursing Homes as well as generates long-term cost savings.
05.12.2020
ONLINE LAUNCH EVENT – INTRODUCING VOLUNTEER LEADERS SUPPORT GROUP AND MWS BEFRIENDER’S TOOLKIT
The MWS Befriender’s Toolkit is full of useful tips and knowledge to help MWS volunteers develop trusted and strong relationships with befriendees. More than 40 volunteers with leadership skills were identified for the Volunteer Leaders Support Group. These volunteer leaders will play an important role in supporting the staff at MWS centres in overseeing other volunteers while sharing best volunteer practices within the organisation.
08.12.2020
MWS HOME CARE & HOME HOSPICE STAFF RECOGNISED AT THE COMMUNITY CARE MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT AWARDS
Dr Jamie Phang was recognised for providing exemplary healthcare and going the extra mile to care for the needy.
21.02.2021
BHARATHI MANOGARAN REPRESENTED THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION IN SINGAPORE BUDGET 2021 DISCUSSION
Bharathi (2nd screen from left) who heads the MWS Family Service Centre – Yishun, joined other sector leaders and then-Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat in the Budget 2021 discussion.