Community Stories Archives - Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities

Stories Tag: Community Stories

12/01/2026

Create a story for website for this: Finding His Words, Finding His World: A Little Boy’s Big Leap

Stories of HEART, Healing and Hope

A Journey That Started Small

In February 2025, a bright-eyed, cheerful boy named Faybien walked into the THKMC Student Clinic full of ideas but with very few words to share them. He spoke mostly in 2–3-word phrases, struggled to take turns in conversation, and concepts like “big”, “small”, “fast”, “slow”, and “loud” were still mysteries to him. His family’s quiet hope: that with the right help, Faybien would one day tell the world everything that was in his heart.

Growth That Reached Home

The real magic happened when therapy left the clinic room. During every session, Faybien’s caregiver joined in for hands-on training. They learned simple, powerful strategies:

Commenting on what Faybien does (“Wow, fast car!”)

Expanding his words (“Yes, the red car is fast!”)

Waiting expectantly so he feels safe to try more

With the same support at home, playground, and meals, Faybien’s confidence soared. He moved from requesting (“want juice”) to sharing ideas (“I see big dog outside!”) and connecting (“Mummy, listen loud music!”).

Today: A Boy Who Can Finally Tell His Stories

Now, just months later, Faybien chats with clarity, curiosity, and unstoppable joy. He describes, questions, negotiates, and laughs — most importantly — shares the wonderful world inside his head. His family says the change feels like a miracle, yet it was built on consistent, affordable, play-based therapy made possible by your donations.

Be the Reason Another Child Finds Their Voice

Every dollar you give to the THKMC Student Clinic helps children like Faybien receive timely, expert therapy when their brains are most ready to grow. Your support keeps fees low, waits short, and dreams big. Together, we are turning silence into sentences, shyness into confidence, and small steps into giant leaps.

Learn more about THKMC Student Clinic

About THKMC Student Clinic

In partnership with Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), the THKMC Student Clinic delivers high-quality, heavily subsidised speech and language therapy for children from lower-income families. Supervised student therapists provide weekly, evidence-based intervention that changes lives — one word, one turn, one confident child at a time.

Story published in 2026.

By corp_comms

13/11/2025

Peronna’s Journey: From Rebellion to Resilience in Social Services

Stories of HEART, Healing and Hope

Peronna’s Journey: From Rebellion to Resilience in Social Services

Roots of Rebellion

Peronna’s story begins in her turbulent teenage years, marked by anger and isolation. “I was just an angry teen on a mission to rebel,” she recalls. Family tensions escalated, turning the household upside down and straining relationships with her siblings and parents. Unsure of what else to do, her parents sent her to Australia, hoping that distance would help.

This period of disconnection taught Peronna the weight of unspoken pain. “I didn’t know what was with me or who to talk to,” she shares. It was a lonely chapter, but one that later fueled her empathy for those in crisis.

A Family in Crisis: Stepping Up

Everything shattered when Peronna’s father’s multi-million-dollar construction company collapsed. “It was like life just shattered before me,” she says. Seeing his pain, Peronna felt a surge of responsibility: “I had failed him for so many years — it was my turn to take care of him and the family.” With no clear plan, she approached him: “It’s time for me to take care of you.” Teaming up with her sister, Peronna salvaged a segment focused on temporary constructions. Days blurred into nights—driving 13-foot trucks to Shell Island, sleeping just two hours, managing workers and executives amid endless financial strain. They held on for nine grueling years, but burnout hit hard: constant migraines left her unable to open her eyes. “We sold off what we had and moved on,” she reflects.

From Catering to Counseling: A Passion Ignited

Pivoting to a vegetarian catering business in Tuas, Peronna packed home-cooked meals despite lacking culinary skills. “It was slow at first—the food didn’t taste good—but we improvised,” she says. Income barely kept the family afloat, especially after her sister married, leaving Peronna to manage alone. One morning at the wet market, pondering her future while picking up a pumpkin, her eyes caught an ad on newspaper lining the vegetable rack: “Are you interested in Child Psychology?”

Intrigued by her fun stint as a kindergarten teacher, she enrolled in a Certificate in Child Psychology, drawn to its counselling component. “I loved it,” she shares. Balancing studies with the business, she advanced to a Master’s in Counselling, then a PsyD—all while scraping by. “It was tough making ends meet, but the passion for helping children voice their concerns kept me going.”

Finding Her Calling at THKMC

A lecturer’s tip led to an associate counsellor role in a private practice, followed by workshops on mental health. One of such sessions was—like a talk on depression for doctors and nurses at Ang Mo Kio – Thye Hua Kwan Hospital. This caught THKMC’s HR attention: “They asked if I was keen on a job in social services.” Elated, Peronna joined the Divorce Support Specialist Agency (DSSA), facing a steep learning curve but finding deep reward in helping children express concerns and parents reconnect. As DSSA evolved into FAM@FSC, her role expanded to saving marriages. “Seeing families heal is incredibly fulfilling,” she says. Social services offer insights into Singapore’s changing landscape and policies, keeping her engaged despite the demands.

Navigating Work-Life and the Pull to Persist

Juggling priorities isn’t easy, but Peronna’s supportive parents—once disappointed, now proud—provide strength. Earning her PsyD brought tears of validation: “Mum said this is how things should be; Dad beamed with pride.” Early in DSSA, cases haunted her days off, leading to tears. To cope, she turned to cycling, now favoring walking, swimming, reading, drawing, and cello.

She’s never considered leaving: “I have so much more to learn, especially as a leader. With mentors and friends guiding me, I hope to nurture younger ones before stepping away.” For those at career crossroads, her advice: “Making a difference is rare—learn to self-care, reflect on challenges, and ask for help.”

Join Peronna’s Mission

Inspired by Peronna? Support THKMC’s family counseling programs through donations or explore careers in social services. Your contribution empowers more families to heal.Donate today or Join Us

Empower families, transform lives—be part of THKMC today.

About THKMC Family Services

Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities (THKMC), supports Singapore families through initiatives like Strengthening Families Programme (Thye Hua Kwan – Commonwealth). From counselling to crisis intervention, we nurture resilience and connection. Join our team or contribute to build stronger communities.

Story published in 2025.

By thk_admin

15/09/2025

Volunteering Sparked My Healing – Now I’m Here to Uplift Others

Stories of HEART, Healing and Hope

A Time of Struggle

Yvonne Gan, once faced some of the darkest days of her life. Family tensions and financial burdens weighed heavily, leaving her feeling isolated and overwhelmed. “I kept everything bottled inside, telling myself I had to deal with it alone,” she recalls. Unemployed, she found herself trapped in a cycle of endless thoughts, with each day stretching on without purpose. The loneliness was suffocating, and hope seemed out of reach.

Like many in Singapore facing similar challenges, Yvonne struggled to find a way forward. The weight of her circumstances—coupled with the societal pressure to “manage on her own”—made it hard to seek help. Yet, deep down, she yearned for a spark to reignite her sense of purpose.

The Turning Point: A Call to Volunteer

The turning point came unexpectedly when Yvonne was invited to volunteer at THK Family Service Centre (FSC) @ Bedok North and Chai Chee. Initially hesitant, she agreed to assist with activities for children and teens. “I wasn’t sure I had anything to offer,” she admits. “But standing in front of those young faces, I saw myself in them—lost, uncertain, but full of potential.”

The challenges of her personal life didn’t vanish overnight, but volunteering offered a new perspective. Guiding the children through activities, she found moments of connection that eased her own burdens. “It was like a mirror,” she says. “Helping them navigate their struggles helped me find my own strength.”

Rediscovering Purpose Through THKMC

Volunteering wasn’t just about helping others it’s also a learning journey. Each session at THK FSC taught her resilience, empathy, and hope. “It may have seemed like something simple, but it gave me a reason to get up each day,” she reflects. The supportive environment at THKMC, coupled with encouragement from staff, helped her rebuild her confidence. Programs like youth engagement workshops provided structure and purpose, showing her she still had something meaningful to contribute.

THKMC’s holistic approach to community support made all the difference. From client to volunteer, Yvonne found a community that believed in her potential. “THKMC didn’t just help me as a client—they gave me a chance to grow,” she says.

A New Role: Giving Back as a Programme Assistant

With newfound confidence, Yvonne transitioned from volunteer to Programme Assistant at THK Home @ Chai Chee. Guided by THKMC staff, she took on responsibilities that aligned with her passion for uplifting others. “The team at THKMC made the process seamless,” she shares. “They saw my potential and gave me the tools to succeed.”

Today, she organises activities, supports families, and shares her story to inspire others. “It’s not just a job—it’s a way to give back,” she says. Her role allows her to connect with clients facing similar struggles, offering them the same hope she once received. “THKMC lifted me up when I felt I couldn’t stand on my own. Now, I want to be that source of strength for others.”

A Heart of Gratitude

Yvonne’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of volunteering. “Giving back isn’t an obligation, it’s a joy,” she says with a smile. Her gratitude fuels her commitment, and she’s always among the first to volunteer for new initiatives. “If there’s an opportunity to help, I’ll raise my hand,” she adds.

Her story is living proof that volunteering can change lives—not just for those receiving help, but for those giving it. “Sometimes, all it takes is one open door, one caring hand, one chance to change a life,” she says.

Be Part of Someone’s Healing

Inspired by Yvonne’s journey? You, too, can make a difference. Whether you have a few hours a week or a passion for community support, THKMC welcomes volunteers to join our mission.

Volunteer with THKMC and be part of someone’s healing.

By thk_admin