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.
Other Stories
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.
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” .
