Hakim's Journey with Project Rekindle
Hakim (pseudonym) was incarcerated for drug-related offences and assaulting police officers. His repeated relapses and dishonesty had deeply hurt his family. His father deliberately stopped visiting him for one and a half years, hoping the distance would teach him a lesson and motivate him to change.
Hakim described his family as everything to him and believed that family should never abandon one another. The prolonged silence caused him distress, as he repeatedly wondered whether his father had forgiven him and would still accept him.
During the family circle facilitated by LCCS workers, they spoke openly about the harm caused, their disappointment and hopes. A meaningful shift occurred when Hakim and his father realised that they shared the same belief, "family never abandons one another, no matter what." His father explained that the silence was intended to encourage change, not to reject him. Reassured that he had not lost his family, Hakim expressed renewed determination during the circle to stop using drugs and rebuild their trust after his release.
Other Stories
Lila’s* Story (From Project Up)
When LCCS first visited Lila in her 3-room HDB flat, she was hoping to secure her LTVP+ pass. A Vietnamese homemaker with limited English proficiency, she cared for her 8-year-old daughter, Belle*, while her husband was incarcerated. With no income and uncertain about her future, Lila felt anxious and afraid. Lila spoke and understood Mandarin Chinese but lacked confidence in her ability to secure employment and become financially independent. LCCS social workers started to build a trusting relationship with Lila first, addressing the family’s immediate needs, including arranging a donated refrigerator and advocating—together with Yishun Family Service Centre—for Lila’s LTVP+ to be extended to one year. Belle was enrolled in supportive programmes such as KidStart and Salvation Army’s Kids-In-Play, helping maintain stability for the family. LCCS extended support to Lila through Yishun Christian Church (Lutheran), where community members volunteered to support her practical needs and mental well-being. During sessions with LCCS, Lila was given space to share her fears and concerns, and to process her emotions with hopeful and constructive outcomes. Securing employment remained a challenge, as Lila was constrained by her need to fetch Belle to and from school. Drawing on her experience as a nail therapist, LCCS explored getting part-time work with Lila and eventually secured employment at a nail spa, while receiving childcare support through Daughters of Tomorrow. Facing financial stress from HDB arrears, Lila was supported by LCCS in negotiating a manageable repayment plan with HDB and exploring options like subletting. Although she hopes to save and eventually start her own business, her progress has been affected by unstable employment, affected by her perceptions of unhealthy work environments and unfair treatment by employers. Through LCCS’ ongoing support, Lila has become more resilient, coping better and avoiding spirals into depression. Over the past year, Lila has expressed deep gratitude for the social workers and community support that have helped her remain hopeful rather than fearful. As she said in her own words , I have “many hands helping me” .
A Family Searching for Balance
Mr Tan* and Mdm Goh* were referred to LCCS centre due to conflict overcaregiving and co-parenting for their son, Alex. Divorced and living separately, they shared custody, with the mother having care and control. However, it was his paternal grandmother, Mdm Lee, who took on the day-to-day care. She fed him, walked him to school, and watched over him with love. But beneath that care was strain and much disagreements. At the point of referral, relationships among the parents and grandmother were highly acrimonious due to differing parenting styles and disagreements over caregiving responsibilities. Alex found himself caught in the middle of a conflict bigger than he could understand. Arguments flared over parenting styles and caregiving arrangements. Should Alex attend student care? Who should pay for tuition? How should they handle his misbehaviours? Each adult believed they were acting in Alex’s best interest, but the constant conflict left relationships tense and fractured. When the family came to LCCS, we began by listening. Over weeks, we sat with each of them separately — grandmother, father, mother — creating space for them to share their hopes and frustrations. Only after thirteen of such individual conversations did they feel ready to meet together. They joined a facilitated conversation online. It wasn’t easy. Emotions ran high as each voiced their concerns. But slowly, with guidance, they managed to reach an agreement about Alex’s care. It was a fragile step, but a step forward. Meanwhile, Alex himself was not forgotten. Social work interns spent time with him in mentoring sessions, helping him to name feelings he struggled to express. He spoke of missing his parents, of feeling distant from them, of carrying behaviours he couldn’t always control. The sessions became a small but important place where Alex could be seen, not just as a child in conflict, but as a child with his own voice. As months passed, tensions resurfaced. New issues emerged — disagreements about holidays, discipline, and school arrangements. Alex’s parents struggled to work together, and his grandmother often felt alone in managing his care. Afterwards, another joint conversation was held to realign parenting approaches. His grandmother chose not to attend, saying it was time for the parents to shoulder the responsibility. The case eventually closed with Alex remaining under his grandmother’s care and visiting his parents on alternate weekends. While concerns remained, particularly around discipline, the family chose not to continue services, with the grandmother encouraged to stay connected with Alex’s school.
Mdm Lisa's Story (From Project Up)
Mdm Lisa, a widowed mother of four, returned to Singapore from Dubai during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortly after their return, her husband was diagnosed with cancer. During that period of time, Mdm Lisa was the primary caregiver for both her children and husband. The family was living in Mdm Lisa’s late father’s house as they did not have a home of their own in Singapore. Mdm Lisa supported her husband through his illness until his passing. She later also cared for her elderly father until his passing. These incidents, while emotionally and physically demanding, showed Mdm Lisa’s quiet strength and deep commitment to her family. Mdm Lisa was referred to Project Up by the Chong Pang Community Centre (CC), where she was receiving vouchers and ration support. As her family is settling down in Singapore, her goal to join Project Up was to gain employment, and work towards home ownership as she builds a future for her family here in Singapore. While exploring employment options with Mdm Lisa, she seemed hesitant initially as she was worried for her youngest son, who was struggling with poor school attendance during his PSLE year. Her concern for his academic future was a key focus. Being the main caregiver, she felt the need to address his academic issues before considering full-time employment for herself. LCCS social worker heard Mdm Lisa’s concern and provided mentoring support for her son. Over time, his attendance steadily improved, and he managed to graduate from his Primary Education. He is currently a Secondary 2 student who enjoys school and holds responsibilities assigned by his teachers. Seeing his progress gave Mdm Lisa the assurance to finally be able to focus on herself and proceed with seeking employment. She explored various job opportunities with her social worker and eventually found employment through a friend’s recommendation. The job provided her with not only financial stability but also a renewed sense of confidence and self-worth. Motivated by her long-term goal of owning a home, Mdm Lisa embarked on Project Up’s savings-matching programme. With consistent saving and planning, she is now steadily working toward that goal. Today, she is employed, empowered, and focused — building a better future for herself and her children.
