Annual Report FY2022/23
Deeper Connections, Fuller Lives
Chairperson's Message
Chairperson’s Messsage
MRS FONG LOO FERN
Chairperson, Board of Governance
Methodist Welfare Services
MRS FONG LOO FERN
A Steadfast Commitment
Chairperson, Board of Governance Methodist Welfare Services
In 2022, Singapore entered the endemic phase of COVID-19 with restrictions being rolled back and more in-person activities returning. While normalcy resumed for many, for those who are struggling in disadvantaged and distressed situations, the pandemic’s effects continued to reverberate.
Through it all, MWS has remained steadfast to our commitment to empower people to have life to the full. Besides stepping up support for those in need, we also built upon past efforts to strengthen the integration of our services to provide a holistic care network for our beneficiaries like 48-year-old Walter (not his real name).
Holistic Care, Sustainable Change
Walter had approached MWS Family Service Centre –Tampines (TFSC) in 2021 for help after serving time for drug trafficking. Plagued by money and family problems, Walter felt alone and hopeless, and was tempted to return to his old ways. But with MWS TFSC’s support, Walter slowly but surely turned his life around. Besides receiving psychological support from his social worker, Walter was also empowered with knowledge to take charge of his life. In addition, MWS TFSC helped Walter apply for voucher assistance schemes to purchase milk and diapers for his children. Walter was also enrolled into the MWS Family Development Programme, a proprietary debt clearance and savings matching scheme, which helped him clear his debts more quickly so he could start saving for the future. Today, Walter brims with hope, as he works towards his dream of owning a food stall with his wife.
Empowered lives like Walter’s serve as the fuel that keeps us going in our mission.
A Community of Support
Many hands make light work. We are grateful for our many volunteers who have journeyed alongside us to serve the needs of our community.
One of these is Kim Shinja, a 48-year-old South Korean expatriate who has been faithfully serving the residents of MWS Bethany Nursing Home (BNH) – Choa Chu Kang for over a decade. Kim played a pivotal role in assembling a team of professional hairstylists and manicurists to groom the residents at MWS BNH, as a form of dignity care. She has also been leading a group of church volunteers to befriend residents and conduct craft activities for them. Despite the language barrier, the volunteers share a connection with the residents, as evidenced by the joy on the residents’ faces during their visits.
Kim’s sharing is just one of many wonderful testimonies we have received. Many more were heard at the inaugural MWS Volunteer Sharing Day held in July 2022. I would like to appeal for more to step forward and volunteer as MWS continues to expand to meet growing needs.
Upholding Excellence
In the past year, our efforts to provide better care for our beneficiaries have received affirmation. Our contributions to Singapore’s fight against COVID-19 saw MWS receiving the President’s Certificate of Commendation (COVID-19) during the 2022 National Awards. MWS staff were also honoured with the Community Care Excellence Awards (CCEA) by the Agency for Integrated Care. MWS BNH bagged a CCEA Team silver award for its efforts to reduce pneumonia rates among its residents with its “I Prevent Pneumonia” project, while 2 staff members from MWS Home Care & Home Hospice were lauded for their exemplary service and significant contributions to clients with a CCEA silver award. In addition, MWS received the 2022 Charity Transparency Award by the Charity Council.
This is my last message as the Chairperson of the MWS Board of Governance. In all my years on the Board, I am heartened by the unwavering commitment of many to the cause and I am proud to have been part of the team.
I would like to express my gratitude to the people who make our work possible: the charitable foundations, trusts, individual donors, corporations, Methodist churches, schools, volunteers and MWS staff. I would also like to thank fellow members of the MWS Board of Governance, Centre Governance Committees and Sub-Committees for their tireless support and the privilege of working together. May God continue to bless the work of MWS so that more may come to know of His abundant peace and goodness.