T o Li v - Marymount Centre
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M A R Y M O U N T C E N T R E
A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 6
C O R P O R A T E I N F O R M A T I O N A N D D E T A I L S Marymount Centre was registered under the Charities Act on 09 May 1984. On 20 January 2014, Marymount Centre was registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee and obtained Charity and Institute of Public Character (IPC) status on 01 October 2015. By a special resolution Marymount Centre Limited changed its name to Marymount Centre on 30 November 2015. Marymount Centre manages the social services under Ahuva Good Shepherd, Ahuva Good Shepherd - Interim Placement and Assessment Centre (IPAC), Good Shepherd Centre, and Good Shepherd Student Care. Unique Entity Number (UEN) 201402049Z Registered Address 9 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319253 Bankers Development Bank of Singapore Auditors Ardent Associates LLP Website www.marymountctr.org.sg
C O N T E N T S
GENERAL
O B J E CT I V E , M I S S I O N , V I S I O N , C O R E VA LU E S 2
AND POLICIES
Funding Sources
Volunteers
CHAIRPERSON’S MESSAGE 3
B O A R D O F D I R E C TO R S & K E Y S TA F F 4
KEY MILESTONES 5
PROGRAMMES
H I G H L I G H T - I PA C 8
A H U VA G O O D S H E P H E R D 11
GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE 18
GOOD SHEPHERD STUDENT CARE 23
OTHERS
OUR POLICIES, FINANCIALS & FUTURE PLANS 29
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 30
Volunteers Appreciation Night
1
O U R O B J E C T I V E
Marymount Centre is set up by the Good Shepherd Sisters to reach out to marginalized
women and children in society. Under Marymount Centre, there are two 24-hour
Residential Homes for Children (Ahuva Good Shepherd, and Ahuva Good Shepherd
- Interim Placement and Assessment Centre), one 24-hour Crisis Shelter for abused
women and their children (Good Shepherd Centre), and a Student Care Centre (Good
Shepherd Student Care).
We are committed in our mission to reach out with compassion and respect to women
and children who are experiencing injustices or problems that are too heavy to face
alone. We will journey with them in the healing of their personhood and empower them
to rebuild their lives, so that they can restore their sense of dignity and worth.
O U R M I S S I O N
Empowering lives, restoring rights, upholding dignity.
O U R V I S I O N
Touching Lives, Building Hope.
2
O U R C O R E V A L U E S
Compassion, Integrity, Empowerment, Professionalism, and Teamwork.
P O L I C I E S
F UNDI NG SOURCES
Our social services receive funding from the Ministry of Social and Family
Development (MSF), Good Shepherd Sisters and public donations.
For their stay in our residential services, residents pay nominal fees,
which are based on their family background and ability to pay.
Marymount Centre aims to keep in reserves up to five times of
total operating expenses. To ensure that there are sufficient
funds to fulfil its obligations and mission, the Board of Directors
regularly reviews the financial status of Marymount Centre.
VO LUNTE ERS
Marymount Centre welcomes volunteers to share in their mission of
“Empowering lives, restoring rights, upholding dignity”.
CHAIRPERSON’S MESSAGE
B U I L D I N G T R U ST A N D H O P E
In 2016, we had many things to be thankful for, two of which I
am especially excited to share with you.
Firstly, Marymount Centre was successful in its bid to run
Ahuva Good Shepherd - Pilot Small Group Care (PSGC) under
the auspices of the Ministry of Social and Family Development
(MSF). PSGC will care for girls between the ages of 7 and 12,
who have experienced an inordinate amount of stress and even
trauma in their lives. As I write, finishing touches are being put
to the premises and staff are being trained to receive the first
child in June 2017.
Ms Cecilia Ee
Chairperson, Marymount Centre Secondly, Good Shepherd Student Care (GSSC) which was
operating out of a holding school in Toa Payoh from 2015, moved
to its new premises in the grounds of Marymount Convent
School in December 2016. Programme participants and their
parents are delighted with the new facility, especially the
additional space for the growth and development of the
children. Study areas have been expanded and activities such
3
as dance and music can be conducted in comfort.
The above, as well as the smooth operation of Ahuva Good
Shepherd, Ahuva Good Shepherd - Interim Placement and
Assessment Centre and Good Shepherd Centre are all made
possible by the commitment and dedication of our staff and
volunteers. It is gratifying to see them live out our mission of
“empowering lives, restoring rights, upholding dignity” when the
programme participants blossom, and beam with confidence
as they feel safe and loved. It brought tears to my eyes when I
watched them sing and dance on stage during Volunteers
Appreciation Night to express their appreciation for the care
they received.
I would like to thank our Board of Directors, management and
staff for their support, dedication and commitment. You are the
pillars of Marymount Centre.
We, at Marymount Centre are also very grateful for the continued
support from our benefactors, volunteers and stakeholders.
Thank you for making it possible for our programme
participants to learn to build trust and walk into the future with
renewed hope.
May God shower you and your family with His special blessing.
Ms Cecilia Ee
Chairperson
B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S
& K E Y S T A F F
B OA R D O F D I R E CTO R S ( 2 0 1 6 )
NAME TITLE APPOINTMENT DATE
Sr Joan Marie Lopez Director / Province Leader 20/01/2014
Ms Cecilia Ee Beng Neo Director / Chairperson 20/01/2014
Mr Tang Edmund Koon Kay Director / Treasurer 20/01/2014
Dr Oon Chong-Jin Gabriel Director 20/01/2014
Dr Anne Magdaline Netto Director 20/01/2014
Mr Kiang Lai Kuong Neville Director 11/05/2015
Ms Jane Marie Ng Yin Gek Director 11/05/2015
Ms Joycelyn Ong Yueh Ling Director 30/09/2016
Mr Ho Teik Tiong Director 30/09/2016
4
K E Y STA F F
Social Services Marymount Centre
Sr Cecilia Liew Mr Ong Kwee Hong
Executive Director Operations Manager
Ahuva Good Shepherd Ahuva Good Shepherd Ahuva Good Shepherd
Ms Michelle Anne Koh Yiak Lee IPAC IPAC
Residential Manager Ms Jessica Koh Hong Wue Ms Ng Yiam Hua Dionne
Principal Case Manager Asst Residential Manager
Good Shepherd Centre Good Shepherd Student Care
Ms Koh Siew Wah Margaret Ms Chaung Lu Lu
Residential Manager Programme Supervisor
K E Y M I L E S T O N E S
1 9 3 9 - 2 0 1 6
1 9 3 9 1 9 3 9 - 1 9 4 0
The history of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Singapore began with four young Irish Sisters
1 9 4 0 from Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and Burma (Myanmar) accepting the Bishop of Malacca, Rt Rev A
Devals’ invitation to carry out their mission in Singapore. Mother Mary Ligouri Bourke, Sr
1 9 4 1 Mary of St Alphonsus Mooney, Sr Mary of St Dympna Brady and Sr Mary Columba Canon
arrived between December 1939 and January 1940. They established the first convent in
1 9 4 2
Punggol and opened their doors to women and girls who were troubled or abused, in need
of healing and reconciliation. In the first year they took care of 21 girls. Their plans to move
1 9 4 3
to a bigger house in MacPherson to accommodate more girls in need was, however,
1 9 4 4 disrupted by the war in 1941.
1 9 4 5
1 9 4 1 - 1 9 4 5
1 9 4 6 The Sisters continued to persevere in their mission during the war years. In 1942, after
taking in girls from the Po Leung Kok Home for homeless children, the total number of girls
1 9 4 7 cared by the Sisters rose to 220. In 1943, the Sisters and the girls moved into safer abodes
in the jungle of Bahau in Negri Sembilan, Malaya, where they faced several challenges
1 9 4 8 including malaria. After the war, they returned to Singapore in 1945 and established a new
5
convent in Kampong Java. They also started a kindergarten with just 6 pupils.
1 9 4 9
1 9 5 0
1 9 4 7 - 1 9 5 0
1 9 5 1 In Oct 1947, the Sisters acquired a plot of land
at 790 Thomson Road. In gratitude to their
1 9 5 2 answered prayers to Our Lady, the Sisters
named the place "Marymount". 140 girls from
1 9 5 3 Kampong Java and the Sisters moved to
Marymount three years later, on 18 October
1 9 5 4 1950.
1 9 5 5
1 9 5 4
1 9 5 6 In 1954, the Sisters set up Good Shepherd Convent Kindergarten at Nallur Road to
provide quality pre-school education to the children in Singapore. On 26 November
1 9 5 7
1954, Marymount Vocational School was gazetted as a place of safety under Section 162
1 9 5 8 of the Women's Charter.
1 9 5 9
1 9 6 3
1 9 6 0 In 1963, the Sisters established Marymount Kindergarten at Thomson Road. Both Good
Shepherd Convent Kindergarten and Marymount Kindergarten were set up as a social
1 9 6 1 enterprise to fund the social work of the Sisters.
1 9 6 2
1 9 6 3
1 9 6 4
1 9 6 5
1 9 6 6
1 9 6 5
1 9 6 7 In 1965, the Good Shepherd Sisters set up Rose Villa at Marymount to provide residential
care for teenage girls and single women in pregnancy crisis.
1 9 6 8
1 9 6 9 1 9 6 9
On 21 February 1969, Marymount Vocational School was re-gazetted as "Marymount
1 9 7 0
Vocational Centre".
1 9 7 1
1 9 7 2 1 9 8 2
In the early 80s, as women joined the workforce, more children were left without proper
1 9 7 3 supervision after school. In response to the changing social situation and to support
working mothers, the Sisters set up a before and after school care, called Marian Centre
1 9 7 4 in 1982. The centre, presently known as Good Shepherd Student Care, cared for children
who needed adult supervision, as well as those who came from single-parent and low-
1 9 7 5 income families.
1 9 7 6
1 9 8 6 - 1 9 8 8
1 9 7 7 In 1986, in collaboration with Catholic Welfare Services, the Sisters set up a Crisis Shelter
in Sembawang to provide a safe haven for women and children who had to leave home
1 9 7 8 for protection and safety. Some women who faced difficulties after they were released
6
from prison were also cared for there. In 1988 the Crisis Shelter moved to bigger premises
1 9 7 9 in the northern region of Singapore to cater to growing demand for help.
1 9 8 0
1 9 8 8
1 9 8 1 In keeping with changing form of ministries, Marymount Vocational Centre was renamed
Marymount Centre on 08 September 1988 and gazetted accordingly. The Sisters invited
1 9 8 2 lay partners who shared their zeal in mission to join them in reaching out to women and
children who were marginalised and neglected. Today, Marymount Centre is managed by
1 9 8 3 a Board of Directors, the Sisters and a team of dedicated staff and volunteers.
1 9 8 4
1 9 8 5
2 0 0 3
In 2003, Rose Villa transferred its residency to Good Shepherd Centre.
1 9 8 6
1 9 8 7 2 0 0 6
In 2006, Ahuva Good Shepherd was set up to provide a safe and nurturing residential
1 9 8 8 environment for young girls, from 4 to 16 years old who come from single-parent families
or from families in which parents are unable to cope with them due to financial or
1 9 8 9 relationship crisis.
1 9 9 0
1 9 9 1
1 9 9 2
1 9 9 3
1 9 9 4
1 9 9 5
2 0 1 1
1 9 9 6 On 19 January 2011, a large portion of the Good Shepherd Sisters’ land at Thomson Road
was acquired by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) for the construction of the new
1 9 9 7 North-South Expressway. As the Land Acquisition affected the Good Shepherd Convent
and some of Marymount Centre’s services, the Sisters had to relocate their Convent and
1 9 9 8 services to another site.
1 9 9 9
2 0 1 2
After several rounds of negotiation with SLA, a suitable site was finally found at Lorong 8
2 0 0 0
Toa Payoh. A Blessing cum Ground Breaking Ceremony was held on 24 April 2012, Feast
of St. Mary Euphrasia, to commence the development of the new premises, named Good
2 0 0 1
Shepherd Place.
2 0 0 2
2 0 0 3 2 0 1 4
On 20 January 2014, Marymount Centre was registered as a Company Limited by Guaran-
2 0 0 4 tee. Marymount Centre Limited took over the management of the social services namely,
Ahuva Good Shepherd, Ahuva Good Shepherd-IPAC, Good Shepherd Centre and Good
2 0 0 5 Shepherd Student Care.
2 0 0 6 After 2 years, Good Shepherd Place successfully obtained its Temporary Occupation
Permit (TOP) on 23 April 2014, which is the eve of Foundress Day. The blessing of Good
2 0 0 7 Shepherd Place was conducted on 01 May 2014.
7
2 0 0 8 The relocation from Marymount to Good Shepherd Place was carried out in phases to
minimise disruption to the services. The Sisters moved into their new convent on 13 May
2 0 0 9 2014, followed by Marymount Centre and its services on 30 May 2014 and 05 June 2014.
2 0 1 0
2 0 1 5
2 0 1 1 On 02 May 2015, Good Shepherd Place
was officially opened by Singapore's
2 0 1 2 Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Hsien Loong.
2 0 1 3
On 12 May 2015, Ahuva Good Shepherd -
Interim Placement and Assessment
2 0 1 4
Centre was set up as an extension of our
residential service, to provide a temporary
2 0 1 5
safe environment for vulnerable children
2 0 1 6 while plans are being made for their future
care.
By a special resolution, Marymount Centre Limited changed its name to Marymount
Centre on 30 November 2015.
A H U V A G O O D S H E P H E R D
I N T E R I M P L A C E M E N T A N D
A S S E S S M E N T C E N T R E ( I PA C )
BUILDING A SAFE HAVEN
FOR CHILDREN IN TRANSITION
Ahuva Good Shepherd - Interim Placement and
Assessment Centre (IPAC) received our first child in
June 2015. By 31 Dec 2016, 160 children, ranging from
4 to 12 years old had come under our care. Most, if not
all of these children arrived at IPAC with minimal
belongings and much sorrows on their backs. They
have experienced abuse in one form or another, and
oftentimes the abuse have taken place within their own
homes.
8
Ideally, the family unit is the safe and nurturing
environment for children to grow into unique individuals
that they are. However, for these children, this essential
place of safety has become the very source of their
pains, as multiple stressors in the family have resulted
in domestic violence and/or abuse within the home.
Such acts rupture the child’s sense of safety resulting in
the child’s experience of trauma. With concerns and
threats to their safety and wellbeing, these children are
then placed in IPAC while investigations and
assessments take place, making way for their
long-term placement arrangements to be made.
Many of these children arrive at IPAC in a state of anxiety,
with some of them displaying signs of trauma. At IPAC,
we have recognized the distress and needs of these
children, and we have sought to build a safe and
nurturing haven for these children in transition.9 “IT IS NOT ENOUGH THAT YOU LOVE THEM, THEY MUST KNOW THAT YOU LOVE THEM.” Despite the abuse or threat to safety that has taken place within their homes, these children ultimately still long to return to their families. Hence being away from home becomes a difficult experience for the children to negotiate. Some may even feel guilt and/or self-blame for causing the separation from their families. This destabilisation, along with heightened emotions due to the experience of abuse may cause the children to feel overwhelmed, and dysregulation may take place. Caring for these children meant journeying with them through their ups-and-downs. There are days when skies are clear and the waters are calm, but there are also days when raging storms seems endless. We have learnt the importance of sitting through and surviving the raging storms with the children. We have also learnt that it is having gone through these storms and seeing the carers still present by their side that helps these children feel safe again. Here, we are reminded of Mother Foundress, St Mary Euphrasia’s words, “It is not enough that you love them, they must know that you love them.” We do not often receive updates about the children after they leave IPAC. There were a few occasions when the children called us to share how they were doing. They were also keen to find out how the IPAC team and their friends were doing. Such calls warm our hearts. We believe the children had fond memories of IPAC, and on a deeper level, recognized it as a safe haven.
IT TAKES A WHOLE VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD
One can imagine the challenges of sitting through and surviving a raging storm. The behaviours of traumatized
children can sometimes push the carer’s capacity to care, love, and accept to its limits. We are truly blessed that
the team at IPAC has patiently persevered and rode through storm after storm with each child. When one carer
was tired and spent, another would step in to take over and stay by the side of the child. The team was also able
to always put the children’s needs first despite the harsh words or aggression that was thrown their way.
We are also blessed with committed volunteers who would lovingly come week after week to befriend and
spend time with the children. They are an integral part of our IPAC team. The presence of these volunteers,
especially during festive occasions, helps to distract the children from the pain of separation from their families.
As the saying goes, it takes a whole village to raise a child. Indeed, we are truly grateful to the IPAC staff team,
the volunteers, and our partners, who have made it possible for these children to feel safe again despite the
hurts that have arisen from the complexities of their home and familial environment.
P R O G R A M M E S
PHYSICAL
� Water play
10 � Playground activities
� Trampoline
� Badminton
� Ball games
� Dance
� Walks
EMOTIO NAL
� Sand play therapy
� Art therapy
� Singing & music
� Counselling
EDUCATIO NAL
� Study time
� Fun learning
� Daily living skills,
e.g. baking and cooking
SOCIAL
� Teambuilding games
� Celebration of festive events
� Social interaction through art & craftA H U V A G O O D S H E P H E R D
Set up in 2006, Ahuva Good Shepherd provides a safe and
nurturing residential environment for young girls, aged 4 to
16. They had experienced challenges in their families,
such as medical conditions, financial difficulties, domestic
violence, marital discords, parents’ incarceration and
abuse.
We welcome each girl into our warm homely
environment with respect and dignity, and care
for her with unconditional love and compassion.
We journey with each one in her healing process
and develop a care plan that recognizes her
uniqueness. We constantly seek to understand
their needs in order to better care, protect and
nurture them while supporting them in their pursuit
of their dreams, which may include reintegrating
with their families. When reintegration is not
yet possible, we facilitate alternative care 11
arrangements by helping them to establish the
best support network that every child rightly
deserves.
In 2016 Ahuva Good Shepherd served a total of 22 girls; as
at 31 Dec 2016, there were 18 girls under our shelter and
care.
P R O G R A M M E S
As we journey with the young girls who come into our care
and protection, we discover their immense pain, brokenness
and fragility. We strive to salve their physical, psychological
and emotional wounds through various programmes and
activities. The girls find their inner strengths, build
self-confidence, self-esteem and dignity, resilience, and
learn to trust and hope again. Very often, they develop
new interests through our support in education, sports and
social activities. We aim to reintegrate them into society
healed, and prepared to be contributing global citizens.With the help of individual and corporate volunteers, we were able to roll out the following programmes in
2016:-
EMOTIO NAL L I F E &
� Art therapy S O CI A L S KI L L S
� Birthday celebrations � Baking
� Individual counselling � Budgeting & grocery shopping
� Music therapy � Cooking
� Staff mentorship � Household chores & area cleaning
� Touch therapy � Internships & part-time work
� Self-care
� Sewing
ED U CATIONAL � Social interaction
� Individual / Group tuition
� Learning journeys
� Library visits CO MMUNI T Y
� Study time S E RV I CE
� Visits to St Theresa’s Home
(Nursing Home)
PHYSICAL & � Volunteering at Red SchoolHouse
RECREATIO NAL (Childcare Centre)
12
� Art & craft � Waste recycling
� Dance
� Dragon boating
� EQUAL-ARK S P I R I T UA L
(Equine-assisted learning
� Bible study
& therapy programme)
� Church attendance
� Guitar & piano lessons
� Individual quiet / prayer time
� Indoor games
� Movie / TV / Multi-media
� Nature walks
� Outdoor play in playgrounds S T R E NG T H E NI N G
and water facilities FA M I LY T I E S
� Self-defence � Counselling for parents
� Singing � Family befriending
� Sports and games � Home leave
� Outings / visits by parents & relatives
� Weekend fostering
� Weekend outings with volunteersT E ST I M O N I A L S F R O M R E S I D E N TS
Through staff mentoring, counselling and touch therapy, I
have learnt to manage my stress level. I am able to concentrate
in school and improve in my studies. From failing all school
subjects, I am now getting As! I used to think that Math was
terribly difficult and avoided doing my homework. After my
super nice tutor explained to me, I love Math. One of my
favourite activities is dancing. My friends and I were
surprised, yet happy that we could choreograph a dance for
Volunteers Appreciation Night. Sports became fun when I
learnt to control my stamina. I have grown so much taller. I
have found cooking to be relaxing; I can now make spicy
Myanmar salad and fish sambal besides different types of
curry. I know that no matter what happens in
school, the staff always welcomes me home. I may face consequences for things I have done
wrong, however I always feel safe and loved. Now I enjoy studying; believe me, I used to hate to study.
I am more confident and dare to pursue my dream to be a teacher.
Stella*, 12 years old
5 years in Ahuva Good Shepherd
13
The best thing that has happened to me after I came to Ahuva Good Shepherd is that I can go to school
regularly. My tutor makes me feel special; she comes to teach me even when she is not well. I am very grateful
that I now have A’s and B’s for all my subjects. I enjoy school and doing homework. I like sports and games
because I can make friends with the other girls, and I am stronger and have grown much taller. Being tall
helps me play basketball better in school. Doing household chores made me more independent and I can
now make scrambled eggs. When I went to visit the elderly in a home, I was very sad when they said that
their children left them there and didn’t visit them. This made me help my own grandparents more. When I
grow up I would volunteer in the old folks’ home. I enjoy my stay in Ahuva Good Shepherd. The
staff are understanding and make me feel very safe. Even though sometimes I miss the food
cooked by my family, I know that in Ahuva Good Shepherd I will never be left hungry. I cannot
make up my mind whether to be a dancer or teacher when I grow up. For now I just enjoy the freedom to
play music and dance with my friends in our free time.
Mimi*, 9 years old
2 years in Ahuva Good Shepherd
* Names have been changed to protect the identity of the residents.I want to be a singer and I am grateful that AGS is helping me by giving me singing lessons. I am not always
the easiest person; sometimes I am moody and think that the world revolves around me. The staff are
always understanding; they arrange for me to see a counsellor and I have touch therapy
and music therapy to help me to let go of my negative thoughts. I sometimes think that life
is so unfair and feel unloved. But such thoughts disappear when I am comforted by friends
and staff in AGS. As part of community outreach, I volunteered at an old folks’ home. It was scary to
think that one day I will also be old and need others to help me, but it also made me want to help others.
I have learnt to pray to God and I feel peaceful going to church. I have also learnt to look beyond my problems
and enjoy things like visiting museums, kickboxing and even my studies. I realize that I still need an education
to be a singer.
Regina*, 13 years old
4 years in Ahuva Good Shepherd
Like many teenagers, I have moods and sometimes I cannot help feeling angry and disappointed. I’m not
sure with who though; is it God? Staff are understanding; they mentor me and my counsellor patiently
hears me out. I usually feel better and I have learnt to control my emotions. When I passed PSLE, even I
couldn’t believe it, because I had never passed a single test or exam before that. I am grateful to staff of
14 Ahuva Good Shepherd who are always encouraging and they arranged for a very dedicated tutor to help
me. I am trying to improve on my studies; I take responsibility for my learning. Training in sports has helped
me to be more disciplined. My stamina has improved and I am more confident. I hope to join the Navy. I
love interacting with people and I spend time on Facebook too. When we went to churches to sell
concert tickets, I learnt that some adults were very kind and generous but many others were
grouchy and brushed us off. I hope that with the values that Ahuva Good Shepherd instils in
me I will grow up to be a good and caring person. The staff work very hard and we kids can really
test their patience. Thank you for loving us, no matter what, and giving us a safe home.
Chelsea*, 13 years old
3 years in Ahuva Good Shepherd
I am very talkative so I am happy that my counsellor lets me talk and she comforts me when I am sad. I also
talk to God in prayer every night. I get healing massages in Touch Therapy, and outings with a staff mentor
is fun. My school teachers said that I am now more responsible and I am nicer to my mummy. In Ahuva
Good Shepherd I have learnt that I should treat everyone well, even if they are not nice to me;
just ignore them. One person I really like is my tutor. She is awesome; her teaching is fun and she cheers
me up when I am sad. I like playing outdoor games and kickboxing, which helps me to be more confident
of taking care of myself. The sports activities help me have better appetite and I have gained weight. Staff
said that I am capable of getting 200 plus for PSLE, and they will buy 10-year-series for me to practise.
With their encouragement and my tutor’s help, maybe I can get A-stars.
Poppy*, 11 years old
2 years in Ahuva Good Shepherd
* Names have been changed to protect the identity of the residents.CA L E N DA R O F E V E N TS
1
January
� “I Am Made For More” workshop for
Secondary School grils
� Kite Making, Games & Lunch
� Chinese New Year Bazaar in Chinatown
2
� Chinese New Year High Tea & Lo Hei
� Movie “Long Long Time Ago”& shopping in
Plaza Singapura
� Picnic @ Punggol Promenade
� Chinese New Year Dinner & Lion Dance
� Flower Arrangement Tips
� Movie “Zootopia” & lunch at Swenson’s, Nex
February
3
� Day trip to Pulau Ubin
� Archery at Singapore Management
University
� Movie “Kung Fu Panda 3” & lunch at
Eighteen Chefs
March � Crabbing at Sembawang Park
4
� Bubble Bump Soccer
� Musical “Hanuman”
15
April
5 6
� STEM Workshop – Cosmetic Chemistry Lab
� Bowling
� Visit to ArtScience Museum
� Career Talk
� Vesak Day cum Birthday Dinner
� Camp Concordia
� Chinese Culture Programme
� Camp Global
� Cycling on car-free Sunday
� Circus workshop
May �
�
Fun at Kaboodle Kids
Awake LOVE Orchestra
� Movie “Minion” June
� Indian Heritage Tour
� Visit to Jurong Fishery Port
� Dim Sum breakfast in Chinatown
� musi/care: festival beyond
borders
� Ramadan Disbursement Ceremony
cum Iftar
� Discovering Museums
– Singapore Arts Museum,
National Museum &
Natural History Museum7
� “Being a Happy Teen” seminar
� Hari Raya Barbeque
� Doodling Programme
� YOUTHphoria 2016
�
�
STEM Workshop – Global Waste
Fun Fair at Church of St Ignatius
July
8
� Bowling
� Movie “Transformers”
� Art & Craft – drawing
� Krav Maga
� Cartoon drawing workshop
August � Dragon boat – Paddle Fest
9
� Movie “Storks”
� Mooncake making
� Playeum Children’s Centre for Creativity
� Sentosa Experience with Sentosa Gives 2016
� Visit to simpleshow production house
September � Art & Craft – Pop-up cards
� IDA Lab on Wheels
16 10
October
� KidZania
� Kids Amaze
� Cycling at East
Coast Park
11
� Halloween party
� Paddle For Life –
dragon boat � Trampoline Park � Christmas Light-up
tug-of-war � A Capella performance � Bowling Christmas Party
� Jacob Ballas � Seeds of Hope Programme
Children’s Garden & � Volunteers Appreciation Night
Terrarium workshop November
�
�
�
�
�
Christmas party at Fairmont Singapore
AGS Camp at Downtown East
Christmas shopping at Plaza Singapura
Musical “Monkey Goes West”
Christmas party at SICC
12
December
� Hope, A Christmas Concert
� Toy making workshop
� Movie “Moana” & Dinner
� Kite flying at Marina BarrageACTIVITIES/PROGRAMMES/EVENTS
F O R A H U VA G O O D S H E P H E R D
Available to all residents, based on needs and interests, some facilitated by volunteers
X ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~
X~~~~~
Daily X~~~~~~
X~~~~~~ Weekly
� Study time
� Exposure to Mother Tongue � Art Therapy
� Staff mentoring � Touch Therapy
� Indoor games � Music Therapy
� Art & Craft � Individual/Group tuition
� TV, Movies, Computer time � Sports & running
� Outdoor play
� Household chores & Area cleaning
� Self-defence
� Recycling
� Singing sessions
� Quiet Time/Reflection/Relaxation
� Dance lessons
� Church activity
17
X ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~
~~~~~~ Monthly
X~~~~~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~
~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~
~~~~~~~
Fortnightly
~~~~~~~ Monthly
� Individual counselling
� Visit to public library
� Birthday celebrations
� Cooking/baking
� Visit to St Theresa’s Home
� Budgeting/marketing
� Bible study/values formation
� Sessions with parents/relatives/
other stakeholders
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~
~~~~~~
~~~~~~~
Ad-hoc/Seasonal/Projects
~~~~~~~~ � Sewing
� Internship/part-time work
� Projects with other Homes/charity groups
� Home leave/Visits/Outings with parents/relatives/befrienders
� Guitar/piano lessons
� Kickboxing
� Zumba
� Dragon boatingG O O D S H E P H E R D C E N T R E
Good Shepherd Centre (GSC) started out in 1986 as a refuge for women who faced difficulties after their
time in prison and others who were battling drug addiction. Soon, there was outreach to abused women
and single unwed mothers. Today, GSC provides a peaceful and safe sanctuary for women, local and
foreign who have been abused, to work through their trauma and crisis. Through care and compassion
these women experience healing and are empowered to tap on their inner strength and resources to rebuild
their lives and plan a future for themselves and their children.
Good Shepherd Centre served 117 residents in 2016; as at 31 December 2016, there were 34 residents
under our shelter and care.
P R O G R A M M E S
Good Shepherd Centre supports its residents who are going through crisis and trauma to rebuild their
lives through the following programmes and activities, run by its staff and/or with the help of volunteers.
C OUNSELL ING & T HE R A P Y
� Individual and group counselling
� Trauma informed therapy
� Music, art & sand play therapy
18
EDUCATION SUP P O RT
� Tuition for children
� Learning journeys
SP IRITUAL SU P P O RT
� Reflection time
� Bible sharing for Christian residents
� Prayer time & sharing during Ramadan
� Other religious observation & celebrations
LIFE &
SOCIAL SKIL L S
� Elementary English & Mandarin
� Cooking, baking & desserts making
� Sewing
� Personal grooming
� Flower arrangement
PH YSICAL
& R ECREATIO N
� Outing to parks, cycling
� Festive/cultural celebrationsT E ST I M O N I A L S F R O M R E S I D E N TS
I was very sad and scared when I first came to the Centre. I often cried and wanted to go back home badly,
but couldn’t because of my case. As the days went by I made friends with the other residents, and
staff also taught me how to cook and encouraged me to attend various activities. I’m very
happy that my cooking has improved. I also never thought I can bake such nice cookies.
Juliana* 19
Foreign Domestic Worker
Victim of abuse
I’m very thankful that the centre gives me a place to stay after I decided to leave my violent husband. I had been
living in fear under my husband’s bullying for many years… Now, I feel safe… I see hope once again.
Mdm Felicia*
Victim of family violence
I don’t know why these bad things had to happen to me… I tried to forget them but sometimes it is
really so hard… thanks to the staff and volunteers who had helped and supported me during the most
trying times.
Kavitha*
Victim of human trafficking
* Names have been changed to protect the identity of the residents.T H E U L T I M A T E
C O O K I N G
C H A L L E N G E
There was palpable excitement in the air as
residents of Good Shepherd Centre got together to
choose names for their teams. They were gearing
up for The Ultimate Cooking Challenge 2016!
Restaurant SPIMI, made up of residents from Sri
Lanka, Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar and India
showed off their tenacity and cooking skills in
Round One held on 01 June 2016. With only 2
weeks to familiarize themselves with recipes and
prepare decorations, they wowed the audience with
their creativeness, such as crafting roses from
The third and final team consisted of residents who
crepe paper.
did not have experience participating in a cooking
competition. They took the ubiquitous name, Good
The atmosphere of friendly competitiveness was
Shepherd Café. What they lacked in experience,
evident as Hagar Restaurant strutted their culinary
this gutsy team made up with careful planning and
20 and decorative skills in Round Two. It was poignant
strategy. They searched the Internet for videos on
that the team chose the name, Hagar who is
how to make paper flowers and soon their initial
described in the Bible as the Egyptian slave of
anxiety melted into quiet confidence. It was amazing
Sarah, given to Abraham and bore his first-born,
for staff to watch this transformation, and bolstered
Ishmael. When Sarah had her own son, Isaac,
their own belief that with care and compassion,
Hagar and Ishmael were sent away (Genesis
these women will rise above their troubles to rebuild
21:8-21). Team Hagar went to great lengths to
their lives with hope.
design their menu, name tags, buy matching
clothes and on the day, they decorated the tables
Hagar Restaurant and Good Shepherd Café emerged
with fresh flowers. The pride, smiles and joy on their
as contenders in the finals held on 29 June 2016.
faces belied the tremendous pain and problems
Given 3 hours to whip up 7 dishes, including desserts
they were struggling with in their personal lives.
naturally sent every one of the 14 competitors into a
frenzy. Nerves frayed and tears flowed here and
there. However, when it was time to make their
presentations to the friendly judges, it was all bright
smiles even if a few competitors did not have time to
do their hair and put on a spot of make-up.
Team Hagar’s leader and another member were
discharged to return to their home countries so they
were left with only 5 and without a leader. A new
leader was unanimously chosen and 2 new members
joined the jittery team which did not have a common
language. Guided by dedicated staff and encouraged
by other residents, Team Hagar concentrated on their
individual tasks while focused on their collective goal.Being the final team in the preliminary rounds, Team Asked how their experience in the cooking challenge
Good Shepherd Café had a shorter time to prepare may be useful to them in the future, Tania* said that
for the finals. To add to their challenges, they had to with the budgeting and cooking skills she learnt, she
prepare their food in a tighter space with a smaller would like to open a 30-50 seat restaurant in her
stove. Their leader, who had survived horrific hometown serving Singapore fried rice, and tom yum
violence, reminded her team that this was a friendly fried bee hoon among other yummy recipes she has
competition; it was not about winning but teamwork
picked up. Betty* said that she appreciated team-
and having some fun. Sure enough, anxieties gave
work more and would like to work in a clothing retail-
way to laughter and respect, even when a nervous
er back in her hometown. Mandy*, on the other hand,
team member mistakenly threw away an essential
stock. was grateful for the opportunity given her to lead a
diversified team. She had never been to school, but
The judges were very impressed by the teams’ is now conversant in English, thanks to regular
creativeness and camaraderie. Good Shepherd lessons at Good Shepherd Centre. Mandy’s dream is
Café was declared winner of The Ultimate Cooking to return to her hometown to work in a beauty salon
Challenge 2016, which was made possible through so that her younger sisters would have an education
the staff in partnership with supportive volunteers and break out of their poverty cycle.
who contributed their time, money and their
unwavering encouragement for the staff and
residents. Through the competition some
residents forged new friendships while others
deepened existing ones. They discovered hidden
talents, inner strengths and leadership qualities * Names have been changed to protect the identity of the residents.
they were not aware of. It was truly an empowering
21
experience for everyone.CA L E N DA R O F E V E N TS
1
� Visit by Good Shepherd Sisters of Angola
� Chinese New Year celebration
� Visit by Pro-Bono Services Office of the
Law Society of Singapore
January � Visit by MSF Social Service Office
2
� Chinese New Year celebration
� Visit by staff of Mapletree
� Karaoke at Changi Beach Club
3 5
February
� Hand in Hand Greeting Card Project
� Outing to Gardens by the Bay � Gardenia Bakery Tour
� Outing to East Coast Park � Mother’s Day celebration
4 6
March May � Outing – Night Safari
� Easter celebration
� Bowling
� Outing – River Safari
� Basic Manicure
April � The Ultimate
Cooking Challenge
June
7
22 � Pizza making
� Hair band craft
� Hari Raya celebration
9
� National Day celebration
� Flower arrangement workshop
July � Hydroponics Farm Tour at Oh’ Farms
� Singapore Garden Festival 2016
� Carnival at Church of St Ignatius
8
� Art – portraits & self-expression
September
� Karaoke � Dance workshops
� Health awareness programmes � Visit by Good
Shepherd Sister’s
11
� Visit to Fairmont Hotel
Congregational Leader
August � Zumba
� Budgeting skills workshop
10
� Volunteers Appreciation Night
November � Dream Beyond Concert & visit to Merlion Park
� Visit to Tai Hua Sauce Factory
� Cycling & Barbeque at East Coast Park
� Financial skills workshop
� Deepavali celebration October
12
December
�
�
�
�
Christmas party at Thomson Reuters
Christmas celebrations
Caroling
New Year celebrationG O O D S H E P H E R D
S T U D E N T C A R E
Good Shepherd Student Care (GSSC) was set up in 1982 to serve children aged between 7 and 14 years
old, in need of adult supervision beyond school hours and/or come from single-parent and low-income
families.
Good Shepherd Student Care provides a holistic and formative environment for the child’s development
which aims to:-
� Inculcate respect, love and tolerance in the child towards self and others
� Build emotional resilience in the child to face future challenges
� Instill self-acceptance and understanding towards oneself
No. of children served in 2016: 141; as at 31 Dec 2016: 120
23P R O G R A M M E S
Good Shepherd Student Care engages the children through the following programmes and activities to
support them in their academics, growth and development:-
EM O TIONA L
� Individual counselling
� Group counselling
� Art Therapy
EDUCATIO N A L
� Supervised study time
� Enrichment classes for P1 & P2
� Current affairs assembly
� Excursions and learning journeys
SPIRITUAL
� Spiritual & values formation
� Cultural & religious celebrations
24
LIFE &
SO CIAL SKI L L S
� Character building & formation
� Social interaction
� Budgeting & grocery shopping
� Baking & cooking
� Grooming & social skills
PHYSICAL & R EC R EAT I O N
� Indoor & outdoor play
� Singing
� Speech & drama
� Music & movement
� Art & craft
� Sports & teambuilding games
� Movies
STRENGTHENING FA M I LY T I ES
� Home visits
� Counselling for parents
CO MMUNIT Y S E RV I CE
� Recycling of waste
� Community outreachT E ST I M O N I A L S F R O M PA R E N TS
I am grateful to the teachers in Good Shepherd
Student Care, who are always positive, welcoming,
caring and trustworthy. Through their feedbacks, I
know more about my children, their stressors in
school and I have forged better relationships with
both of them.
The teachers have been very supportive to me as a
parent, for example the transition from kindergarten
to primary school. Their advice was very valuable.
My elder daughter is shy and quiet and was struggling
with school work. Teachers of Good Shepherd
Student Care patiently guided her and rewarded her for putting in effort to do better. This has
made an unforgettable impression on her and she has been keeping up with her good work.
From the good experience I had, I strongly recommended Good Shepherd Student Care to my sister who
has also enrolled her daughter in the centre.
Ms Rosa Lim
Mother of 2 students, P1 & P3
25
I have two daughters who have been in student care for 4 and 5 years respectively. I am glad I chose to
send them to Good Shepherd Student Care. Their meals after school and homework are taken
care of. Each level being allocated a teacher to teach has been a good guide. The children
are in good hands and safe. GSSC has a good track record and the premises are kept very
clean. During holidays both girls refuse to take time away from activities like excursions
and carnivals. In fact, my older child loves to cook more because of the holiday cooking lessons and made
French toast at home! It was through an
ex-colleague’s recommendation that I
chose to send both girls to Marymount
Convent as there is a student care. The
staff give a lot of support to parents and
I have not regretted sending the girls
there.
Ms Pamela Sandanasamy
Mother of 2 students, P4 & P5T E ST I M O N I A L S F R O M ST U D E N T S
“ The daily study time is good because my teachers
help me with my school homework.”
Claire, P1
“ I like prayer time because I am given the opportunity
to learn about God.”
Drisana, P2
“ I have learnt to be disciplined in completing my homework
and revising for my examinations.”
Shillpa, P3
“ Care and Connect is full of fun. We can bond with our teach-
26 ers and friends by doing interesting activities together and
expressing our concerns. It is the best way for everyone to play
and learn together. ”
Tara, P3
“ The adventure in Megazip, Sentosa made me brave as I overcame my fear of heights. I also learnt teamwork
as I cooperated with my friends during the December Holiday Programmes.”
Danita, P4
“ Good Shepherd Student Care is cool and awesome!
The excursion to Sentosa last December Holiday was
very fun. Initially I was afraid to attempt Megazip
but my teachers encouraged me to be brave and I
overcame my fear of heights. I will not be afraid of
more adventures.”
Ashley, P5
“ The food in Good Shepherd Student Care is very delicious. My favourites are Ee Fu Noodles, Spaghetti,
Seaweed Soup and Minced Chicken Tofu. I cannot resist going for second helpings.”
Xue Ping, P5TESTIMONIALS FROM VOLUNTEERS
Volunteering at GSSC had been a meaningful and extremely
rewarding experience for me. Though it was physically tiring to
go to GSSC after school to meet the children, the emotional
reward was beyond my imagination. It was such an enjoyable
experience, one that I would treasure for many years to come.
Both staff and students were very accommodating and friendly,
and this helped us connect with them better. Though the
students became hyperactive at times, making it difficult
to continue the activities, seeing them respond with
such vigour gave us the motivation to continue, and
make each session a success. Ultimately, I was very glad that our team managed to help them and
bring happiness to them too.
Clarice Low
Hwa Chong Institution
The three days we spent at GSSC were enjoyable and fulfilling. The
opportunity to plan for and work with the children honed our skills
and dispositions as educators, and also provided us with a deeper
understanding and appreciation of what constitutes meaningful
service learning. We were especially impressed with the
27
children’s creativity, such as in making beautiful bottled
gardens, designing costumes using recycled materials, and
devising innovative solutions for environmental problems.
The experiences enabled us to understand children more, and in
particular, to leverage on children’s interests in bringing about impactful learning. Most importantly, it was
greatly satisfying to be able to bond with children at GSSC and see them enjoying themselves. It made our
efforts worthwhile!
Goh Si Hui
National Institute of Education
I volunteered at GSSC multiple times in December 2016. It was an extremely memorable experience, as I got
the chance to plan and interact with the children. Throughout the sessions, I learnt how to be a
better leader and to respect other’s
opinions and ideas. Although it was not
always easy handling and getting the attention
of young children, it was still a good experience
as I learnt more about patience and the
value of teamwork. It was very comforting
to see the children enjoying themselves
while playing the games that we had
planned.
Au Jun Wen Nicole
Singapore PolytechnicBeing an only child, I did not have a lot of experience in mixing with
children younger than me. This experience in volunteering with
GSSC really helped me to cultivate imperative skills such as
discipline, responsibility and patience. When we played games
with the children, getting them to respond to our instructions was
sometimes difficult because there were so many of them, but over time,
we learnt how to grab their attention and keep them interested. The
kids were really an interesting bunch and most of them were quite
lovely, often offering to share food with us and asking us questions.
Overall, this experience was enriching and invaluable to my growth as
a useful member of society, and it is one I will never forget.
Erica Leong
Singapore Polytechnic
Through volunteering at GSSC, I have gained many insights
that I could not have gained in school. It allowed me to better understand the needs of
primary school students, enabling me to communicate and teach them more effectively. This
is vastly different from the way I interact with older people, making the experience highly valuable and
unique. It also taught me how to be more patient and I am deeply thankful that the students there are very
approachable, friendly and receptive.
28
Rachael Chan
Raffles Institution
Volunteering at GSSC has been an enriching experience for me. The children there are friendly and lively,
and I always look forward to tutoring them. Volunteering has taught me that social service is not
merely providing service to others but to go the extra mile to understand who you are serving.
It is the little things like getting to know the children and interacting with them that makes volunteering
meaningful and enjoyable, and I am grateful for the experience.
Seo Shin Tien
Raffles InstitutionO U R P O L I C I E S , F I N A N C I A L S
A N D F U T U R E P L A N S
REVIEW AND CHANGES IN THE POLICY
Following the restructuring of Marymount Centre in 2015, UEN No. S84CC0054G was de-registered in May
2016. All assets and liabilities, as well as services were transferred to Marymount Centre Limited. By a
special resolution Marymount Centre Limited changed its name to Marymount Centre on 30 November
2015. Marymount Centre, which manages the social services under Ahuva Good Shepherd, Ahuva Good
Shepherd - Interim Placement and Assessment Centre, Good Shepherd Centre, and Good Shepherd
Student Care, now operates under UEN No. 201402049Z .
FINANCIALS
E X PL A N AT IO N O F TH E PU RPO SES FOR WHIC H THE C HARIT Y ’ S ASSETS ARE H EL D
The purpose of Marymount Centre’s assets is to ensure continuity of quality service delivery to the women
and children that we are serving in the various Centres.
STAT E M E N T OF ACCO U N TS
29
A full statement of accounts for the financial year that ended on 31 December 2016 is available on our website.
FUTURE PLANS AND COMMITMENTS
In 2016, Marymount Centre won a bid to operate a Pilot Small Group Care (PSGC) facility to provide
mid-term professional small group care for girls aged 7 to 12 years with higher care needs. We strongly
believe in filling in a service gap and leveraged on our wide experience of serving the girls in Ahuva Good
Shepherd and Ahuva Good Shepherd - Interim Placement and Assessment Centre. PSGC is scheduled to
receive girls from 01 June 2017; with its opening we are poised to provide a continuum of care in interim,
mid-term and long-term placements. Our Mission to serve vulnerable and abused women and children is
robustly shared by the Board of Directors and committed staff. Our purpose-built premises, up-to-date
facilities and other resources ensure that the children will benefit considerably from their stay at Marymount
Centre.A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T
“Gratitude is the Memory of the Heart”
We are deeply thankful and grateful to all our donors, volunteers, friends and benefactors.
Their unwavering support, commitment and contributions to our services throughout the year
was instrumental in helping us reach out to the community and to meet the needs
of our programme participants. We are grateful for the guidance
and support from the Ministry of Social and Family Development.
To our Board of Directors and members of our staff,
we thank them for their dedication and support in ensuring
quality care and high standards in the delivery of our services.
30A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T
VOLUNTEERS APPRECIATION NIGHT
We have been very blessed to have dedicated
volunteers who come alongside our staff to bring
comfort, healing, growth and development to our
residents in Ahuva Good Shepherd, Ahuva Good
Shepherd - Interim Placement and Assessment
Centre, Good Shepherd Centre and the students in
Good Shepherd Student Care. Some volunteers
and benefactors have been quietly helping us for
several years, while others have joined us recently.
Every year, we set aside one evening to honour and
thank these generous people, our Mission Partners.
On 26 November 2016, more than 100 guests turned
up at Good Shepherd Place to attend Volunteers
Appreciation Night, fondly referred by staff and
residents simply as VAN. So who are our volunteers
and benefactors? How and what do they contribute?
In July, staff from Ahuva Good Shepherd and Good
Rain or shine, tutors make their way to Ahuva Good
Shepherd Centre formed a committee to plan and 31
Shepherd, most of them after a hard day’s work, to
execute VAN. Besides an impressive array of
help the children with their school work. They are
home-cooked food, VAN always showcase a
elated when the children make progress. Some of
concert by the residents. The biggest challenge was
the children under our care had not passed a single
that some residents were discharged before VAN.
test or examination in their entire school life. Stories
New residents had to be quickly taught dance steps
abound of how tears of joy flow when the children
and songs, some of which in a language they had
pass an exam for the first time or make it to
never heard of. As the Homes are sited in different
honour rolls. Successes, no matter how small are
locations, residents had to practice separately and
acknowledged and celebrated. Occasionally, the
met only 3 times for combined rehearsals.
child is rewarded with a small bar of chocolate or
On-the-spot changes had to be made. Change,
a stationery item.
change, change. And why not?
Counsellors, therapists, musicians, language and
In a departure from past practice, the committee
dance teachers give their professional services
boldly decided to invite family members of volunteers
willingly. Art and craft, baking, cooking, flower
and parents of the children to VAN 2016. They
arrangement, sewing and other life skills are
crossed their fingers that the response would be
patiently taught. Some volunteers prefer to help as
good. As replies for attendance were tallied, they
a group; they organize regular outings and events
realized that they had to scrap their plans to provide
for the enjoyment and relaxation of the children and
entirely home cooked food. Caterers were called,
women under our shelter and care. Some who are
prices haggled and the menu was quickly settled.
unable to commit to regular schedules volunteer to
Then their attention was turned to making gifts for
accompany residents to medical and other
volunteers, get costumes for the concert, thank-you
appointments on an ad hoc basis. As our services
cards made and gift-bags sewn. As the date neared,
expand in response to growing needs, we are
excitement grew and everyone gave their best in
grateful for such support from volunteers, as well
spite of their personal challenges.
as donations in cash and kind.At the start of the evening, the spunky 10-year-old For the finale, the audience enthusiastically joined
emcee cheerfully announced, “As a token of our the residents in singing “Our Father” before filing
appreciation for your love and support, we have out to partake the sumptuous food, some lovingly
organized this night specially for you.” Loud applause prepared by residents of Good Shepherd Centre.
broke out as guests enjoyed one performance after Everyone mingled freely, and the buzz in the room
another. An item, “Break The Chain” by residents of and corridor was music to the ears. Parents were
Good Shepherd Centre demonstrated how, in the heard remarking on how they were surprised that
process of learning the dance, they grew in self- their daughters were so talented. Volunteers
beamed while they chatted with the residents,
confidence, determination and the belief that they
probably pleased that their effort made a difference
had the power within them to break the chain of
in someone else’s life. Residents, in their beautiful
violence. Another notable performance was an
costumes and lovely clothes, with great smiles
Indian dance, “Nagada Sang Dhol” choreographed
flitted from one place to another, serving food and
and performed by six young girls from Ahuva Good
drinks to volunteers. The mood was infectiously
Shepherd. The dance was one of celebration to happy. As the crowd drifted away into the night
express their joy and gratitude for the blessings in bidding fond farewells and calling out thanks to one
their lives. Songs, Zumba and emotional sharing by another, staff and residents packed away leftover
residents followed. The sincerity of the emcee oozed food, cleared and cleaned the premises. That night,
through the mike as she thanked volunteers for every resident went to bed, very tired but with a
planting seeds of love, peace and joy in the hearts of heart full of thanksgiving that her life had been
the residents, and promised that they will take these touched by the kindness of a volunteer or benefactor
values everywhere they go and make the volunteers who gave of his/her time and gifting without
proud. Aww… expecting anything in return.
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