2018-19

CONTENTS

Chairman’s Message

About Catholic Welfare Services

HQ Services

St. Joseph’s Home

St. Theresa’s Home

Villa Francis Home for the Aged

Hearts@Work

St. Vincent Home

YouthReach

Gift of Love Home

Financial Statements

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09

15

19

23

27

31

35

39

41

Tenure of Current Board Members 2018 48

Heartfelt Appreciations 53

Donation Form 51

Bequest Form 52

CHAIRMAN’SMESSAGE

From left to right:Mr. Michael Sim (Vice Chairperson), Dr. Michael Thio (Honorary Secretary), Mrs. Irene Loi (Assistant Treasurer), Mr. Thomas Tan (Chairperson), Archbishop William Goh (Patron), Ms. Florence Tan (Board Member), Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia, Ms. Cecilia Ee (Board Member), Mr. James Chew (CEO), Mr. Eugene Tan (Board Member)

CHAIRMAN’SMESSAGE

c aring for those in need is one of the greatest teachings of the Holy Bible. The very meaningful verse above emphasizes that those of us who are blessed with material comforts must give wholeheartedly to those in need. More importantly, it is not enough to simply speak about how we should help people, but to act on it in order

to truly make an impact in the lives of the less fortunate. The spirit of giving and helping those in need is embodied in everything Catholic Welfare Services stands for.

Throughout the years, CWS has evolved and kept up, as best we can, with the ever-changing needs of the poor in Singapore. CWS began in 1959 with a food relief programme, which addressed the greatest need at the time when many households could not even afford to feed themselves. As time went by and Singapore grew stronger economically, the challenges and needs of its people and families also evolved.

CWS has grown tremendously since its humble beginnings and now runs three nursing homes (St. Theresa’s Home, Villa Francis Home for the Aged, and St. Joseph’s Home); a sheltered home (St. Vincent Home); a work-focused programme for the intellectually challenged (Hearts@Work); overnight shelters (with Church of Christ the King and Church of St Mary of the Angels) and various other programmes that serve the homeless and the marginalized (CWS Hub, CWS Friday/Saturday Night Mission, CWS Night Cafe and Lunchtime Ladle). CWS is the lead case manager for social work at Agape Village which houses various Caritas member organisations with different expertise under one roof to better serve the client. In addition, CWS has some social, education and financial welfare programmes for needy families and individuals as well.

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If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. – 1 John 3:17

Dear Friends,

Chairman’s Message

Following the success of our first walkathon last year, this year’s CWS Walkathon 2018 was held at Singapore Flyer on 28 October 2018. We were honoured to have Mr. Desmond Lee, Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for National Development as our Guest-of-Honour for the event. The event brought together the residents of our three nursing homes; residents of our sheltered home; the beneficiaries of our various programmes; family members and relatives as well as community volunteers and staff of MOH/MSF agencies where they shared a morning of healthy and fun activities. The objective of the event was to demonstrate to those we serve, the less fortunate, the sick and the infirmed, that the community in Singapore continues to care and journey with them.

It was also an opportunity to let you, our volunteers, donors, sponsors and corporate partners, family and friends to know and come together to enjoy the good work we do together. A special thanks to Mr. Paul Loo and Mrs. Esther Tang-Loo of The Cocoa Trees, our main sponsor for Walkathons 2017 and 2018. What touched my heart the most that day was the smiles that I saw on the elderly residents’ faces when they took the Flyer ride for the first time. Most of them were wheelchair bound and rarely got the opportunity to view the beauty and wonders of the world in which many of us may have taken for granted.

This is my last year as Chairman of Catholic Welfare Services. Come September 2019, I will be stepping down to make way for new leadership within the Board of Governors. It has been a wonderful journey these past 6 years. I took over the role of Chairman from the late Bro. Emmanuel in

2013. Bro. Emmanuel was always a shining ray of light and was well-loved by everyone he met. He was an excellent role model and mentor, who had guided me in my early days as Chairman. Bro. Emmanuel never failed to make time for not only us Board Members, but also for the management and staff of CWS. He was one of the most down to earth, respected leaders I have had the pleasure of working with in my life and he will forever continue to live in our hearts.

One of the major challenges I faced as Chairman was the redevelopment of the new St. Joseph’s Home. It was a huge project and we had great expectations on how the new home should serve the elderly residents through the new design, facilities, services and programmes. The Board, staff members, architects, consultants and government partners worked tirelessly together throughout the project to create a cosy environment with new technologies and services such as a hydrotherapy pool, a childcare centre and the first inter-generational playground in a nursing home in Singapore. The new home allows for more spacious and personalised living space for the residents with plenty of natural light, and the children from the childcare centre never fail to bring a smile to the elderly. I would like to commend everyone involved on a job well done.

Over the recent years, CWS has expanded its services to serve a wider demographic of those in need. Notably, the CWS Night Missions, Night Cafes and Night Shelters were established with the aim of befriending the homeless and understanding their plight in order to work with them on finding gainful employment and permanent housing. Started in 2014, the Night Missions saw staff and volunteers coming together late at night

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every week in search of homeless sleeping in public spaces. Through our engagementwith them, we discovered that there are many reasons why they have to or choose to sleep on the streets. CWS social workers then step in to work with them towards alleviating their situation.

In 2016, the Night Café was started at St. Vincent Home to allow those in need to grab a night snack, a warm shower and to wash their clothes. Another two Night Cafes at two churches have sprouted from the formation of the Night Shelters in 2018. Today, Church of Christ the King and Church of St. Mary of the Angels have generously worked with us and lent us space within their premises to provide a Night Shelter for the Rough Sleepers (Homeless) to get a good night’s sleep. Recently, a new initiative – Lunchtime Ladle was formed to provide the poor and lonely elderly with a “fine dining” experience at the Church of Christ the King. The lunch is prepared by volunteers and served on nice plates with proper cutlery, to create a welcoming environment where friendships can be forged over lunch. I would like to use this opportunity to thank the staff and volunteers involved. Their unwavering dedication and commitment have touched so many lives. CWS is also blessed to have the support of the Parish Priests of Church of Christ the King, Fr. John Sim, and Church of St. Mary of the Angels, Friar Clifford Augustine OFM. Through these efforts to help the homeless, CWS is a member of the Partners Engaging and Empowering Rough Sleepers (PEERS) initiative by the Ministry of Social and Family Development. It warms my heart to know that we are making a difference, and setting a good example for other organisations in Singapore to follow.

Thank You

It’s time to take my leave. Before I do, I would like to thank Archbishop William Goh for his guidance and trust in me and the Board.

I thank my Board members for their friendship and am very grateful for the camaraderie spirit, dedication and passion we went about selflessly managing the various challenges that CWS faced along the way. Thanks also to the management and staff of CWS who carried out the Mission and Vision of CWS, “CWS is dedicated to the Preciousness and Dignity of Life. We journey with people-in-need to live life to the fullest”. It is their hard work, dedication and commitment that allow CWS to do more and more each year to help those who have fallen through the cracks.

Thank you so much, our CWS donors and volunteers – your support throughout the years is what keeps us going. Without you, CWS would not be what it is today.

I thank God for the honour to serve as the Chairman of the Catholic Welfare Services. I am humbled by the experience but am confident that my successor will take Catholic Welfare Services to greater heights. I wish everyone good health and the peace of Christ. May God bless you and your families.

Mr. Thomas TanChairmanCatholic Welfare Services Singapore13 August 2019

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ABOUT CATHOLICWELFARE SERVICES

ABOUT CATHOLICWELFARE SERVICES

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Catholic Welfare Services (CWS) was founded in 1959 on the Spirit of the Good Shepherd –leading people to love and fulfillment, and the Spirit of the Good Samaritan – helping those who have fallen along the way. The works of CWS began in 1959 with a simple food relief programme to provide food for the poor. Today, CWS has grown to be an Action Arm of the Catholic Church of Singapore, initiating, assisting, coordinating and carrying out social services to alleviate poverty and distress among the people of Singapore, regardless of race or creed.

Our Mission StatementCatholic Welfare Services is dedicated to the Preciousness and Dignity of Life. We journey with people-in-need to live Life to the fullest.

Our Aims and Objectives(a) To enhance and uphold the dignity of the human person at all times, bearing in mind how the dignity of all persons is realized and expressed in social and economic structures.

(b) To initiate, assist and organize such forms of relief and schemes of social service which would alleviate poverty and distress amongst the people of Singapore irrespective of their race or religion.

(c) To provide, with the prior written approval of the relevant authorities, high-quality direct services by initiating, operating, managing and evaluating programmes and/or institutions catering to:

• Children • Youth • Elderly

• Persons afflicted with HIV/AIDS and their families• Foreign Workers in Singapore• Any other needy persons in Singapore• the Sick and Aged-Sick

• Families • Ex-Prisoners

(d) To liaise with other Catholic, social, welfare and community organizations and Singapore government organizations in order to provide the best possible care to the marginalized.

(e) To initiate programmes that will create employment and generate income that will contribute towards the self-sufficiency of the needy.

Facts• Registered as a society in 1961 (Ref: Registrar of Societies 87/59)• Registered as a Charity on 29 June 1985 under the Charities Act of 1982 (Registration Number 0198)• Institution of Public Character (Current: For 3 Years from 1 January 2018)• UEN: S61SS0167J

Affiliations• Member of the National Council of Social Service• Member of Caritas Singapore Community Council

as at 31 Mar 2019

Patron

Most Rev. Msgr. William Goh, Archbishop of Singapore

Board of Governors

Office Held Name Date of OccupationAppointment

Chairperson Mr. Tan Aik Hong Thomas 21 Sep 2017 Managing Director

Vice Chairperson Mr. Sim Juat Quee Michael Gabriel 26 Sep 2017 Company Director

Honorary Treasurer Ms. Lim Wei Ling Elaine(Asst. Treasurer 29 Sep 2015– 26 Sep 2017)

26 Sep 2017 Chartered Accountant

Members Sr. Marilyn Lim Sock Cheng, FDCCSr. Jonafah Lawrence Lopez (Sr. Joan), RGSMs. Ee Beng Neo CeciliaMr. Cheong Cheng Bock JosephMr. Tan Kheng Boon EugeneMs. Tan Mon Ching Florence

26 Sep 201728 Nov 201726 Sep 201726 Sep 201726 Sep 201726 Sep 2017

Religious Provincial LeaderCounsellorRetireeAcademicConsultant

CWS BOARD & STAFF

Audit and Risk Management Committee

The Audit and Risk Management Committee assists the Board in fulfilling their responsibilities for financial reporting, external audit matters, risk management, internal control and audit. The committee focuses on helping CWS improve its processes and strengthens its internal controls on an on-going basis.

Chairman: Mr. Tan Kheng Boon Eugene Members: Mr. Sim Juat Quee Michael Gabriel

Ms. Grace Feng

Honorary Secretary 26 Sep 2017 ConsultantDr. Michael Thio Yauw Beng (Honorary Treasurer 13 Sep 2011 - 29 Sep 2015)

Irene Yeo Ai Ling @ Mrs. Irene Loi(Honorary Secretary 13 Sep 2011– 29 Sep 2015)

Assistant Treasurer 26 Sep 2017 Executive Director

Nomination Committee

The Nomination Committee assists the Board of Governors (BOG) in fulfilling its responsibilities for corporate governance (including compliance with relevant corporate governance requirements prescribed by regulators), and the nomination of BOG members for appointment and/or re-appointment.

Chairman: Dr. Michael Thio Yauw BengMembers: Sr. Marilyn Lim Sock Cheng FDCC Ms. Ee Beng Neo Cecilia

About Catholic Welfare Services

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Key Staff

Chief Executive Officer (HQ) Mr. James G. Chew (1 Jun 1991)Assistant Director, Finance and Admin (HQ) Ms. Joon Tow (1 Apr 2002)Assistant Director, Social Work & Community Partnerships (HQ) Mr. Jason Rodrigo (3 May 2016)Executive Director (St. Joseph’s Home) Sr. Geraldine Tan, FDCC

Executive Director (St. Theresa’s Home) Mr. Victor Seng (1 Oct 2005)Deputy Executive Director (St. Theresa’s Home) Mr. Joshua Chui (1 May 2017)Executive Director (Villa Francis Home for the Aged) Sr. Maria Sim, FDCCDeputy Executive Director (Villa Francis Home for the Aged) Ms. Ava Chong (1 Apr 2018)

CWS has a policy which seeks to minimise situations of conflict of interests. New Board members and key management staff are required to make a declaration of no conflict of interests at the time they first join our organization. Thereafter, a similar declaration is required to be made annually at the beginning of the financial year. Where it is necessary for CWS to enter into transactions with related parties, as defined in the Charities Accounting Standard, such transactions are subject to approval by an independent person in accordance with the approving authority prescribed by the Board of Governors. In addition, transactions between CWS and related parties are reported to and subject to review by the Audit and Risk ManagementCommittee.

Reserves is defined as the amount of money set aside for general operating expenses in support ofcharitable purposes and future use, which excludes capital/building fund. It does not include designated funds set aside by the Board for designated purposes, or restricted funds where donors have expressed specific usage for the funds.Financial reserves set aside provide financial stability and the means for the development and continuation of CWS principal activities. To maintain normal functioning of the CWS and to safeguard its service commitment, CWS aims to keep up to 5 times of the total operating expenditure in reserves.

For financial year ended 31 Mar 2019, taking into account liquid assets over annual expenditure, this figure stands at 1.86 times.

The Board adopts a cautious approach towards investment adopting a short-term low-risk policy. The Board regularly reviews the amount of funds that the CWS requires to ensure that they are adequate to fulfill the CWS continuing obligations. Reserves policy is disclosed in the annual report.

Policy on Conflicts of Interest

CWS Reserves Policy

The Chairperson (Mr. Thomas Tan)Vice Chairperson (Mr. Michael Sim)

Honorary Secretary (Dr. Michael Thio)Honorary Treasurer (Ms. Elaine Lim)

Main Bankers and Auditor

Main Bankers:

Trustees (as per Constitution)

Standard Chartered Bank OCBC BankCitibank Singapore Limited Union Bancaire Privée, UBP SA Singapore BranchBank of Singapore Credit Suisse AG

Auditor: HLB ATREDE LLP

The objectives of the PDPA policy is to ensure that the handling of personal data by CWS as an organisation complies with the PDPA; to put in safeguards to protect individuals’ data from misuse by regulating proper management of personal data; and to give individuals greater control over their personal data.

PDPA Policy

HEADQUARTERSSERVICES

CWS Social Work – Touching Lives Making a Difference“We are called to find Christ in them, to lend our voice to their causes, but also to be their friends, listen to them and to speak to them” – Pope Francis

The formation of Catholic Welfare Services in 1959 was driven by our Christian ethos to be of service to everyone in need, regardless of race, language or religion. Our initial mission and focus was to provide food relief and financial assistance to the people of Singapore many of whom at that time were living in relative poverty. Over the past 59 years, as the Singapore economy grows and the demographic profile of its people changes, CWS likewise, has progressively broadened its spectrum of services to meet the changing needs of the community.

Our social workers mission is to transform the lives of people and groups who are poor and vulnerable. We exist to help the most vulnerable people – people who are often struggling during the most challenging times of their lives. We also strengthen and empower the people under our care so that they achieve their fullest potential. While we have various innovative programmes and services, we provide our clients with hope and to strive for a better future.

Co-creating success stories

Central to the profession of social work is a concern with social justice. Our genuine concern for social justice means that we advocate

SOCIAL & WELFARE SERVICES

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for people and communities leading us to create innovative partnerships with parishes, government agencies and social service agencies.

People with difficulties often come to us during the most difficult times of their lives. There are times when the people we serve need help to learn new skills, becoming better parents, or finding a place to live, we are there to support them. At the end of the day, we hope that we are able to add value to their lives and make sure that each and every person is one step closer to becoming the best possible version of themselves.

One such person is John (not his real name)aged 28 who was pursuing his Polytechnic education when his parents’ constant arguments at home affected him emotionally. As a result, he left school prematurely. His parents eventually divorced, sold off the matrimonial home and pursued their own lives. John was never part of their plans after the divorce. He lost the security of a home, parents’ love and instead faced a whole new world of isolation and homelessness. He was left alone to fend for himself and spend lonely nights at void-decks and parks. Feeling lost, he made that right step to walk into the CWS Hub where our social worker conducted an assessment of his needs, and over time worked with him and community partners to finally secure rental housing for him.

Besides an increased number of individuals and families seeking assistance, we are also facing an increased number of individuals who are facing homelessness. Homelessness and poor physical health go hand in hand. We have developed a close partnership between the Ministry of Social and Family Development and other relevant communitypartners to coordinate efforts to tackle the emerging types of homelessness and rough-sleeping. Some individuals who sleep rough in public places may have homes or are unable to go home for various reasons, such as conflict with family members or co-tenants and so on. They may also be unknown to social service agencies or declined government assistance. Our social workers understand the challenges involved in helping individuals facing homelessness and intensive support is given to each individual until they are able to access stable housing and resolve issues they may have.

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HQ Services

Lead Case Manager at Agape Village

Agape Village was established by Caritas as a one stop-centre where individuals and families in need could seek assistance and support. As members of one body of Christ, we are made for God and for each other. We are called to exercise charity and use our gifts at the service of our brothers and sisters in need.

As Lead Case Manager at Agape Village, our social workers have always been the first point of contact where individuals and families in need are given the necessary support. This is done in collaboration with the other member organizations stationed at Agape Village.

Social Work Statistics

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The Night Mission

Homelessness is not about being without a roof over one’s head. A home is not just a physical space. It provides roots, identity, security and a sense of belonging and a place of emotional being. The causes of homelessness can be due to individual factors such as drug and alcohol abuse and lack of social support, including family breakdown and disputes, as well as being incarcerated. There is a rising trend in rough-sleepers. Some individuals who sleep rough in public places may have homes, but unable to go home for various reasons, such as sleeping in public places which are closer to their working places so that they could report to work early.

Over the year, we have been proactive inengaging rough sleepers. We work closely with Family Service Centres, Social Service Offices, HDB and other community groups to engage persons who sleep in public places, so that we can better coordinate and strengthen our outreach to them, understand the precise circumstances they are in and work to try to resolve the challenges that they face. Guided by CWS values, our social workers and volunteers display professionalism and compassion when attending to this group. Our intervention focuses on individual preferences for job placement, counselling and rehabilitation. Often individuals seeking employment may face barriers to employment such as lack of experience, physical or mental health challenges related to incarceration orhospitalization.

Much of our efforts to engage them have beensuccessful by admitting them to our own Night Shelters or Transitional Shelters which are temporary accommodation to support persons who need intensive support with the end-goal of securing rental flats. There are some with severe mental health issues, who will need to be admitted to welfare homes which provide long-term residential care for destitute persons who are unable to support themselves and lack family support.

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HQ Services

Health Services

The health of homeless people, are very often found to be poor. In addition, many suffer from psychiatric conditions and/or are exposed to various environmental conditions. Many suffer from poor diet, malnutrition and a lack of personal hygiene. CWS has responded to these needs by collaborating with a government hospital where weekly medical sessions are given to our clients free of charge. The services include health checks, health education, health monitoring, medication advice, nursing care and referrals for care services.

The Lunchtime Ladle

This programme was initiated to provide a hot meal for people in the streets in Ang Mo Kio as well as lonely elderly of Christ the King Church. Every Tuesday (except Public Holidays) the Church canteen is transformed into a fine dining restaurant for people to enjoy home cooked meals. Diners can choose their desired meals from a sumptuous “five-star” buffet spread. Parishioners and other volunteers and donors contribute their talents in cooking, serving and befriending from 9am to 2pm.

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Food Relief Programme

The food relief programme was started in 1959 to provide supplementary food to the needy and their families.Today, the programme reaches out to more than 20 institutions. Besides supermarket vouchers given to beneficaries every quarter, cash grants are also given out half-yearly. At our headquaters, we maintain a small stock of dry food to be given to the needy who approach us for direct assistance.

• Assisi Home • Boys’ Town • Canossaville • Canossian School • Darul Ihsan Orphange • Focolare Movement (Women) • Good Shepherd Centre • Infant Jesus Homes & Children’s Centre • Jamiyah Children’s Home • Marymount Centre – Rose Villa • Muslim Missionary Society • New Hope Community Services • Peace, Prayer Outreach • Pertapis • Ramakrishnan Mission Boy’s Home • Salvation Army Family Support Service• Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing • Home for the Aged• Singapore Chesire Home• Society for the Aged Sick• Sree Narayana Mission• SSVP-Conference of Our Lady of Fatima• SSVP-Conferene of our Lady of Lourdes• SSVP-Conference of St Michael• St Andrew’s SchoolSocial Aid Group• St Francis Xavier Major Seminary• St John’s Home for the Elderly Persons• Teen Challenge Singapore• The Salvation Army Gracehaven

ST. JOSEPH’SHOME

ST. JOSEPH’SHOME

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Monthly exercise with children There is nothing quite as refreshing as getting some Vitamin Ds and working out a sweat. What makes residents’ monthly outdoor exercises more rejuvenating is when the children from our infant and childcare centre join in.

These sessions have become our monthly staple and something that the workout buddies look forward to.

“The children’s presence really changes the mood of these exercise sessions. These sessions are more than just pushing through repetitions; they become opportunities for residents to laugh and enjoy the children’s companion.” – Feedback from Steven Khew, Gym Tonic (Head)

Who’s who?Over six weekly sessions, our Art Therapist facilitated the bonding between residents with dementia and children between ages three and four from the infant and childcare centre. Using art-based activities, our therapist got residents and children to introduce themselves and their interests.

It is heartening to notice that both groups have come to remember one another’s names. More importantly, our residents and children have come to love one another. They share art materials, encourage one another and help to clean the mess after an art-making session.

“Art is not a common media used in the past. Many of our residents did not get to go to school. When we engage residents with dementia in expressive arts (part of art therapy), their common responses are: ‘I am not educated’ or ‘I am not an artist’ so ‘don’t ask me…’

That changed when we started involving the children from our childcare. Their presence allows residents to silence their inner critics and create an environment where we all learn together. The residents redirected their focus from how well the artwork was done to the interactions with the children.” – Feedback from Tan Hsiu Li, Art Therapist

St. Joseph’s Home

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Person-Centred Dementia Care Training for Nurses, Therapists and Childcare TeachersSince May 2018, 47 of our nursing, allied health and childcare staff have undergone training so as to better relate to residents with dementia. Dr. Donald Yeo, a consultant neuropsychologist, champions a person-centred philosophy, which we want our staff to embody.

Through role-plays, observations and even staying over in the Home, our staff began to understand the psychosocial and spiritual needs of our residents. With that, they have begun to design suitable care activities.

As an integrated facility comprising of an in-house infant and childcare centre, our teachers play a vital role in teaching our young children how to understand, accept and love our residents. This training will enable our teachers to better facilitate intergenerational activities.

Service Users Statistics

Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner

Chinese New Year is a season where loved ones gather over a meal and share in one another’s lives. It is a much-treasured time, especially for those who are Chinese. Our residents share this sentiment. However, being on a wheelchair, going out to a restaurant or back to their three-room flat for a reunion dinner can be challenging.

That is why, for two years running, our Home has opened for residents to host their family members for a reunion dinner. We transform Café Verona, a daily lunching place for our staff, into a place where residents can sit at a round table with their family members and grandchildren can run around the place.

“This would be the first year our grandaunt will not be at CNY reunion dinner – if not for this initiative. We have tried to call up restaurants but the moment we mentioned ‘wheelchair,’ they rejected us. Moreover, restaurants have a time limit. With my grandaunt eating slower than usual, keeping to the time limit can be stressful for the family. We cannot be more thankful for this initiative and we want it to keep going.” – Feedback from participating family member

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“When our children get restless halfway through the CNY reunion dinner, they tend to race around the restaurant. That can be dangerous, especially with the waiters carrying hot food. Here in the Home, our children can venture out into the garden and play at the inter-generational playground. It allows us as parents to be more relaxed.” – Feedback from participating family member

From volunteer manicurists to organisations who sponsor our shopping pushcarts, every individual who walks into our Home cares for a different facet of our residents’ well-being. In the past year, we have been blessed with volunteers and donors who contributed to the running of this Home. It truly takes a community to care for an elder and we thank everyone for being part of our community. We want to thank all our volunteers, donors, corporate partners, schools, churches and many more individuals who support very unassumingly in prayers, time and kind.

- Sr. Geraldine Tan

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Contact InformationExecutive Director: Sr Geraldine Tan, FDCCAddress: 36 Jurong West St 24 S648141Telephone: 6268 0482 Email: general@stjh.org.sg Website: www.stjh.org.sg

ST. THERESA’SHOME

ST. THERESA’SHOME

St. Theresa’s Home was established in 1935 and was managed by the Little Sisters of the Poor. On July 1st 2003, Catholic Welfare Services, Singapore succeeded the Little Sisters of the Poor in the management of the Home and the care of the aged and sick residents. Pastoral care for the residents is now provided by the Missionaries of Charity Sisters.

St. Theresa’s Home is a nursing home licensed by the Ministry of Health, Singapore. It has a capacity for 200 residents.

Mission and Objectives

St Theresa's Home is a Catholic institution witnessing to Christian love and care for the disadvantaged, destitute and aged sick in our community while continually improving the care through a spectrum of comprehensive nursing, pleasant environment and well-balanced programme to enhance the quality of life in their twilight years.

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Service Users Statistics

St. Theresa’s Home

Equine Assisted TherapyThis financial year we have embarked on some projects to improve the quality of life for our seniors. Among the few, the most significant one is the Equine Assisted Therapy. This programme was a branch off from our pilot trial in 2017. During this 2017 trial at Equal Ark, 6 residents with dementia or behavioural problems, showed significant improvement in their moods after attending these sessions. Hence with the horses coming to St Theresa’s Home, more than 80 residents were able to participate in a twice weekly therapy session. Participants were engaged with the staff of Equal Ark in a variety of activities such as walking, grooming and feeding of the horses. This programme will run for 1 year to benefit the entire St Theresa’s Home.

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Thank YouOn behalf of St Theresa’s Home, we would like to thank the following individuals and organisations for their generous donations in this financial year.

• Hang Mei Balbina• Maris Stella High School (Primary)• Tan Meng Kuan Eric• Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood• Fr. Nicolas Rene Marcel Joseph• Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple• Quek Keng Seng • Catherine Kheng• Thomas Heng Teck Lim/Pacific (F.E.) Pte Ltd• Melford Pte Ltd• Lee Soon Teck• Chew How Teck Foundation• Cheah Junxiang Ignatius• Robert Kheng • Wil Harrisons (I/E) & Associates• Yee Theresa• Kok Kah Fai• Lee Kim Tah Foundation • Crossland Marketing (2000) Pte Ltd• Yee Theresa

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Contact InformationExecutive Director: Mr Victor SengAddress: 49 Upper Thomson Road, S574325Telephone: 6256 2532 Email: admin@sainttheresahome.org.sg Website: www.sainttheresahome.org.sg

VILLA FRANCISHOME FOR THE AGED

VILLA FRANCISHOME FOR THE AGED

The Franciscan Missionaries of Divine Motherhood (F.M.D.M.) Sisters set up Villa Francis Home for the Aged at Mandai Estate in 1973 to give care for the destitute poor and sick. Catholic Welfare Services took over the administration of the Home from April 2001. On 14 September 2013, Villa Francis moved to 91 Yishun Central to complement the existing day and rehabilitation services in the vicinity as well as Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) and Yishun Community Hospital (YSH).

MissionTo provide holistic care through love, kindness and understanding.

VisionA person-centred home which values human dignity.

We would like to thank our Corporate Partners, Church Groups, Religious Organisations, Educational Institutions, the Armed Forces, all our benefactors and volunteers for rendering their help and friendship to Villa Francis.

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Villa Francis Home for the Aged

At Villa Francis Home, we design activities to keep them mentally, socially , emotionally , spiritually and physically healthy.

Outings to places of interest – Board walk at Changi Sailing Club, River Safari, Garden by the Bay

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HAPPINESS IS FOR EVERYONEEveryone regardless of race, colour, religion and age deserves to be happy. As people grow older, they tend to forget to be happy and enjoy life. Slowly their cognition declines and their memories fade. Little by little they lose their self to depression and feel un-loved. Generally, this is what most of the elderly in a Nursing Home feel.

Places of worship – Toa Payoh Seu Teck Sean Tong, Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

Mini Sports DaysTeams were selected and trained to compete in different sports based on their physical abilities, eg, table-tennis, volleyball.

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5th Anniversary CelebrationOur activities have always been successful with the support of the volunteers. Various institutions and corporate groups comes together to provide food, befriend the residents and assist them in playing games during our 5th Anniversary Food & Games Carnival.

Service Users Statistics

Contact InformationExecutive Director: Sr Maria Sim, FDCCAddress: 91 Yishun Central S768829Telephone: 6269 2877 Email: admin@villafrancis.org.sg Website: www.villafrancis.org.sg

HEARTS@WORK

HEARTS@WORK

We lay the vocational foundation for our trainees, teaching and modifying skills that best suit each individual, emphasizing basic work competencies.

The actual in-house work assignments from various corporate companies give them adequate preparation for future open employment, and develop their sense of responsibility in complying with task schedules. Regular planned outdoor activities nurture their social behavior in the public inculcating appropriate ways of communication; thus complementing our programme.

We are grateful that we are embraced and supported by our close partnership with 4 corporate companies, namely Lintec Singapore Pte Ltd, Pilot Pen (S) Pte Ltd, Premo International Pte Ltd, and Sivantos Pte Ltd. Over the years, they have given the trust and encouragement to our trainees bysupplying weekly job assignments to our Centre, allowing us to set up training facilities within the premises to enable our trainees to adapt easily to an actual work environment. This helps us to realise our vision towards Open Employment for our trainees.

Hearts@Work is an initiative launched in November 2009 by Catholic Welfare Services to provide continual developmental support for persons with intellectual challenges. Our target group is the high functioning adults, aged 19 to 35 years. The training programme covers vocational skills, social skills and work attitude and social etiquette.

We aim to:• provide a work-focused programme for adults with intellectual challenges, so that they are encouraged, nurtured and given a sense of dignity and belonging in society • empower them to live and work independently to their highest potential, and be gainfully employed.

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Hearts@Work

For the CWS Walkathon 2018, trainees performed on Taiko drums for Guest-of-Honour, Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for National Development, and an enthusiastic audience at the Singapore Flyer on 28 October. Though the trainees did not have any music background, they persevered weekly during the 19 hourly sessions learning as a team with hand and listening coordination. Their self-esteem and confidence increased and they bravely faced the audience on the day of performance.

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Service Users Statistics

Trainee Maryanne Tok passed away in her sleep at home on 24 February 2019. Care team comprising the 3 staff handled the emotional wellbeing of the trainees, processing their thoughts and feelings as they learned to accept the final phase of life. Three trainees were even strong enough to attend the funeral mass and cremation service. Maryanne was with our programme for eight years - a pleasant and diligent person, and a “big sister” to her peers.

We will miss her.

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The work we do would not be possible without the generous support of our incredible volunteers and invaluable donors. Thank you for your time, dedication, and for believing in the work we do:

• Lintec Singapore Pte Ltd• Pilot Pen (S) Pte Ltd• Premo International Pte Ltd• Sivantos Pte Ltd• Rev. Fr. Kenson Koh, Church of the Nativity of the BVM

Contact InformationCentre Administrator: Ms. Lily WeeAddress: 1259 Upper Serangoon Road, c/o Church of the Nativity of the BVM, S534795Telephone: 6284 8010 Email: admin.hearts.work@catholicwelfare.org.sg

• Markus and Anne Delfosse • ITE College East – School of Engineering• Tong Sian Tng Temple• Our dedicated volunteers, including Sr Maria Doan FMM, Ms Felicity Wong, Ms Nancy Leong, Ms Patricia, Mrs Amy Lim, Mr Roland Tan, Mr P.K. Chan

ST. VINCENTHOME

ST. VINCENT HOME

St. Vincent Home provides residential care for elderly who are ambulant and who need a place to stay. All of them are on Public Assistance Scheme and stay in the Home long term. The Home was set up in 1979 by Catholic Welfare Services and the Society of St Vincent de Paul.

Residents must be at least 60 years of age, Singapore citizens or Permanent residents. They must be fit and free from infectious diseases. We provide supportive care and promote quality of life for every home resident in order to meet their emotional, physical, social and spiritual needs.

We organise suitable recreational activities and exercise programmes for our residents.

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Home-cooked food is specially prepared for our residents by staff and volunteers every Wednesday and Thursday to encourage social bonding and sense of belonging. Funand interesting stimulating games are organised to help keep the residents’ minds sharp and alert. The doctor from MW Clinic visits the Home on a regular fortnightly basis to provide consultation and medical treatment to all residents.

We aspire to:• assist residents to maintain their dignity and their freedom• render eldercare services with utmost passion and commitment• enhance their quality of life

St. Vincent Home

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Social Enterprise Lunch by APSN 9The lunch, hosted by APSN (Assocation of Persons with Special Needs), is specially prepared and served by the students for our residents. It is a great chance for the students to show off their newly acquired skill set. In this way, we hope to provide an invaluable opportunity for fostering relationships and bonding between our residents and the students with special needs. It is also a timely reminder to everyone that any person from all walks of life, including people with special needs, can be a donor or supporter to our cause. This special lunch event truly promotes better social understanding.

River Boat CruiseWith special sponsorship headed by Mr AnthonyLim of One.Golf Group and careful planning of Mr Thomas Tan, Chairman of CWS, our residentsembarked on a scenic river cruise, followed by a dinner at the Esplanade. The residents were thrilled to see some of Singapore’s most iconicsights aboard a boat that cruises along Singapore river, such as the Raffles Landing Siteand the Merlion. Everyone had a great time taking a walk down memory lane and reminiscing about the good old days during thecruise and over the sumptuous local dinner.

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The Management Committee would like to thank the Ministry of Social and Family Development, National Council of Social Service, the Conferences of St Vincent de Paul, Kampong Glam Community Centre, well – wishers who shared their time and commitment with us all these years.

Service Users Statistics

Contact InformationSupervisor: Ms Lily PohAddress: Blk 261 Waterloo Street #05-01 S180261Telephone: 6337 6535 Fax: 63361513 Email: stvincenthome@catholicwelfare.org.sg

CWS-BTYouthReach

CWS-BT YouthReach

YouthReach started in July 2010 as an outreach arm of Boy’s Town which reaches out to at-risk girls and boys between the ages of 10 to 24 in the areas of Tampines and Toa Payoh. Our team enagages about 400 new youths yearly through street outreach, interest-based programmes, and referrals for counselling and case management.

Culinary, soccer and theatre are examples of interest-based programmes that YouthReach runs. Such programmes help to integrate youths with their community and impart essential life skills through gaining self-awareness and increasing self-esteem.

Services such as casework and counselling are adapted to match the youths' different levels of readiness and needs. This programme is co-sponsored by Catholic Welfare Services and Caritas Singapore.

Our mission is to help youth-at-risk become socially integrated, responsible and contributing members of society by providing outreach programmes. The Centre upholds the mission by enabling the youths to discover their resilience, strengths, potential and talents. Adopting a youth-centered and strength-based approach, YouthReach empowers the youths in making responsible choices and find avenues for positive integration with the varied social systems, especially with their families.

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CWS-BT YouthReach

YouthReach works closely with the schools, community clubs, social service office, NorthEast CDC and corporate entities to reintegrate youths into their community resources and system. Job referrals and financial assistance are some of the support that the youths receive.

Befriending and street outreach to the youths primarily target those who are detached from their social systems such as family, school and the community. Our staff engage them through outreach programmes and interact with them at their hangout places in the neighbourhood as well as the social media platforms. We connect youths to available resources in the community and provide specialised interventions to help youths achieve their long-term goals.

YouthReach Open House YouthReach Open House 2018 was held on 19 October 2018. The YouthReach team conducted two sessions to build relationships with our community partners and to raise awareness of our services. A total of 26 participants attended the Open House, representing partners in the community – schools, community services, Family Service Centre (FSCs), and students. The Open House consisted of a mini tour of the centre with presentations of our services and programmes. We placed emphasis on four main components: Project Fireworks, Youth-At-Risk Engagement (YARE)

Service Users Statistics

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and school-based programmes, Community Soccer and Clinical services.

The YouthReach Open House 2018 concluded with our presence made amongst the community partners, as well as sparked discussion with various partners on collaboration for future projects. Moving forward, the YouthReach team may consider to hold sessions at a longer duration in the future to better digest the content, network and facilitate discussion and prospects of future partnerships with YouthReach.

Project Fireworks (The Museum of the Unlovables)

Project Fireworks was created to harness the power of the expressive arts to explore stories and issues with youths. This platform provides them with a space to share their perspectives with others who may not normally be privy to their inner thoughts and emotions. YouthReach ran Project Fireworks with 8 female youths for 10 weeks in 2018.

Applied Theatre and Movement workshops were crafted and conducted to explore themes and individual narratives with the participant groups. It culminated in a theatre production called “The Museum of the Unlovables” held at YouthReach Centre in Tampines.

There were 4 runs of the production across a weekend in June. Over a hundred audiences were given engaged in a Post- Show Dialogue with the workers and participants. The audience learnt that society should not be placing the blame on the youths whenever something bad happens, however, the society should examine how they can do better to prevent the mishap.

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Thank YouWe would like to express our deepest gratitude to the following for supporting and journeying withus in the course of our work:

Catholic Welfare Services (CWS) - for the funding of the operation of YouthReach all these years and also for the usage of the office space at Tampines.

Caritas Singapore - for funding the operations and for providing YouthReach the office facilities in Agape Village.

Mapletree - for providing on-going support for some outreach youths in terms of study sponsorship. The additional financial support helps ease their financial burden such as transport allowance, meals, books, stationeries and other daily necessities.

SHINE, Children and Youth Services- for organising the Aspiring towards Character Excellence (ACE) Football League as a youth developmental and social work intervention programme. YouthReach participated in ACE League since 2013.

All Benefactors and Volunteers who have contributed in so many ways to help make a difference to the youths we served.

Contact InformationHead of Agency: Dr Roland YeowAddress: Blk 166 Tampines St 12, #09-268, S521166Telephone: 6588 2267 Email: enquiry@youthreach.org.sg Website: www.youthreach.org.sg

GIFT OF LOVEHOME

GIFT OF LOVE HOMEThe Gift of Love Home (GOLH) was established in 1987. Itis a welfare home to take care of destitute elderly under the Destitute Act, with no family or other means of supporting themselves. It comes under the purview of the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). The GOLH has all along been managed by the Missionaries of Charity Sisters (MC Sisters) under the auspices of the Catholic Welfare Services (CWS).

Residents admitted to the Home must be referred or approved by MSF. They must be ambulant and able to take care of their own daily activities.

Over the years, the number of destitute persons sent to GOLH dwindled. Since GOLH moved to its premises in Jurong in 2012, there was not enough residents to fill all its beds (50). As of June 2018, there were only 22 residents.

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As the number of destitute persons sent by MSF continued to decline, the demands of running the Home, on the other hand, had been increasing. Some of the demands were not aligned with the MC Order’s charism and way of life, making it difficult for the Sisters to continue running GOLH. An assessment of the GOLH residents in 2018 also revealed that a majority of them were qualified for admission to nursing homes for them to receive the required medical care. The transfer of these residents would eventually leave only less than 10 residents at GOLH. It was therefore regretfully decided that it was no longer viable or meaningful to continue GOLH when there was no shortage of beds at other welfare homes in Singapore. As such, the administration of GOLH was handed over to CWS in July 2018 to help facilitate the closure.

Every effort had been made to ensure that all residents were transferred to either nursing homes or other welfare homes where they could receive the best care they needed.

Gift of Love Home eventually ceased operations on 15 Oct 2018. The MC Sisters had since taken on the role of pastoral care for residents at St. Theresa’s Home.

The Missionaries of Charity Sisters and the Catholic Welfare Services would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all benefactors and volunteers of the Gift of Love Home who brought great love and joy to the residents to its very last day. All donors and volunteers are at the heart of our work and are vital to the operations of GOLH. We are indeed very fortunate and blessed to have all of you with us in the past 30 years. From washing the laundry as early as 6am daily, bathing the residents, cooking three meals, to gardening and cleaning the premises, to cash or in-kinddonations, all of you have never failed to put our residents’ welfare and needs first. Thank you for giving us what you could freely, making a difference to the lives of our residents.

Thank you for being a part of Gift of Love Home. May God Bless you Abundantly always.

AbridgedFinancial Statements

1 April 2018 - 31 March 2019

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#06-01 Catholic Centre 55 Waterloo Street Singapore 187954Tel: (65) 63377954 Fax: (65) 63361513 Email: generalenquiries@catholicwelfare.org.sg