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Lakesid e-News The Rekindling of Hope From the desk of the executive director Contents p1. The Rekindling Of Hope p2. Pacific Radiance Demonstrated The Heart Power p3. Dragons And Magic – A Day Of Fun With Shell! p4. Shell Lunch And Learn On Managing In-Law Relationships / Love Your Neighbours, Singapore! p5. ONE Family. ONE Team. ONE Dream p6. Beacon Of Hope / A Time To Bond p7. A Time To Let Go / A Time To Save p8. Walk Of Hope With Schneider Electric Singapore / Learning Journey With Schneider Electric Singapore p9. How To Speak So That Your Teen Will Listen / My Mother's Hands p10. Outing To RWS SEA Aquarium With Dymon Asia Capital / "Like The Rain And Snow" p11. Hope Reborn Lakeside Family Services: BASC Jurong West Blk 514 Jurong West St 52 #01-18, Singapore 640514 Tel: 6567-7270 Fax: 6896-0516 Email: [email protected] BASC Jurong East, Blk 302 Jurong East St 32 #01-22, Singapore 600302 Tel: 6564-9677 Fax: 6564-9876 Email: [email protected] BASC Hours: 7am – 7pm (Mon-Fri), 7:30am – 1:30pm (Sat) Office Hours: 9.00am to 5.30pm (Monday to Friday) Website: www.lakeside.org.sg Jurong West Centre Blk 516, Jurong West St 52, #01-73, Singapore 640516 Tel: 6567-1908 Fax: 6565-6435 Email: [email protected] Taman Jurong Centre 21 Yung Ho Road, #03-01 The Agape, Singapore 618593 Tel: 6265-6522 Fax: 6265-6523 Email: [email protected] Jurong East Centre Blk 302, Jurong East St 32, #01-22, Singapore 600302 Tel: 6564-9722 Fax: 6564-9422 Email: [email protected] I t is said that one of the most common characteristics of advanced burnout is the loss of hope. Based on the Minirth Meir Chicago Clinic’s research, hundreds of individuals, housewives, students, lawyers, businessmen, accountants, executives, and pastors going through burnout have expressed the same thing- “I just don’t feel there’s any hope in changing the situation.” People lose hope when they have been repeatedly hurt and disappointed, their dreams trampled upon by a seemingly uncaring and callous world. When this happens, they may reach a point where they feel as if they are no longer able to care for or believe in anyone, including themselves. When this happens, who can help them? Christ came at Christmas to bring hope to a dark, lost and burnt out world, to show us that there is hope in this life, and beyond. He came to bring a message of forgiveness, healing and salvation. He came to rekindle the hope that we have lost. Christmas is not just a time to think about holly and mistletoe, turkey and honey baked ham, bright lights and presents around the Christmas tree. It’s a time to hope, and to rekindle hope in others. At Lakeside, we have the privilege of seeing hope rekindled each time we see an individual overcome a personal crisis or trauma, and each time we see a broken marriage find healing and restoration. We see hope come forth when prisoners and their children are reunited and reconciled, and when youths at risk turn away from crime and delinquency. Hope is rekindled when we find that there is a solution to our problems, and when we discover that others care about us and can help us. And ultimately, hope is found when we realise that there is a God who cares and is more than able to meet all our needs. Thank you for your constant partnership, friendship and support. This Christmas, let’s continue to be a beacon of hope to those we serve in the community! Wishing you and your loved ones a very Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year! Teo Tee Loon Executive Director Dec 2014 – Christmas Edition “We have this hope as an anchor for our soul, firm and secure.” ~ Hebrews 6:19

Lakeside-News · Hope is rekindled when we find that there is a solution to our problems, and when we discover that others care about us and can help us. And ultimately, hope is found

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Page 1: Lakeside-News · Hope is rekindled when we find that there is a solution to our problems, and when we discover that others care about us and can help us. And ultimately, hope is found

Lakeside-News

The Rekindling of Hope

From the desk of the executive director

Contentsp1. The Rekindling Of Hopep2. Pacific Radiance Demonstrated The Heart Power p3. Dragons And Magic – A Day Of Fun With Shell!p4. Shell Lunch And Learn On Managing In-Law Relationships / Love Your Neighbours, Singapore!p5. ONE Family. ONE Team. ONE Dreamp6. Beacon Of Hope / A Time To Bondp7. A Time To Let Go / A Time To Savep8. Walk Of Hope With Schneider Electric Singapore / Learning Journey With Schneider Electric Singaporep9. How To Speak So That Your Teen Will Listen / My Mother's Handsp10. Outing To RWS SEA Aquarium With Dymon Asia Capital / "Like The Rain And Snow"p11. Hope Reborn

Lakeside Family Services: BASC Jurong WestBlk 514 Jurong West St 52#01-18, Singapore 640514 Tel: 6567-7270 Fax: 6896-0516 Email: [email protected]

BASC Jurong East, Blk 302 Jurong East St 32#01-22, Singapore 600302 Tel: 6564-9677 Fax: 6564-9876 Email: [email protected]

BASC Hours: 7am – 7pm (Mon-Fri), 7:30am – 1:30pm (Sat)

Office Hours: 9.00am to 5.30pm (Monday to Friday)Website: www.lakeside.org.sg

Jurong West CentreBlk 516, Jurong West St 52,#01-73, Singapore 640516Tel: 6567-1908 Fax: 6565-6435Email: [email protected]

Taman Jurong Centre21 Yung Ho Road, #03-01The Agape, Singapore 618593Tel: 6265-6522 Fax: 6265-6523Email: [email protected]

Jurong East CentreBlk 302, Jurong East St 32,#01-22, Singapore 600302Tel: 6564-9722Fax: 6564-9422Email: [email protected]

It is said that one of the most common characteristics of advanced

burnout is the loss of hope. Based on the Minirth Meir Chicago

Clinic’s research, hundreds of individuals, housewives, students,

lawyers, businessmen, accountants, executives, and pastors going

through burnout have expressed the same thing- “I just don’t feel

there’s any hope in changing the situation.”

People lose hope when they have been repeatedly hurt and

disappointed, their dreams trampled upon by a seemingly uncaring

and callous world. When this happens, they may reach a point where

they feel as if they are no longer able to care for or believe in anyone,

including themselves. When this happens, who can help them?

Christ came at Christmas to bring hope to a dark, lost and burnt out world, to show us that there is hope in this life, and beyond. He came to bring a message of forgiveness, healing and salvation. He came to rekindle the hope that we have lost.

Christmas is not just a time to think about holly and mistletoe,

turkey and honey baked ham, bright lights and presents around the

Christmas tree. It’s a time to hope, and to rekindle hope in others.

At Lakeside, we have the privilege of seeing hope rekindled each time we see an individual overcome

a personal crisis or trauma, and each time we see a broken marriage find healing and restoration. We see hope come forth when prisoners and their children are reunited and reconciled, and when youths at risk turn away from crime and delinquency.

Hope is rekindled when we find that there is a solution to our problems, and when we discover that others care about us and can help us. And ultimately, hope is found when we realise that there is a God who cares and is more than able to meet all our needs.

Thank you for your constant partnership, friendship and support. This

Christmas, let’s continue to be a beacon of hope to those we serve

in the community!

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Blessed Christmas and Happy

New Year!

Teo Tee Loon

Executive Director

Dec 2014 – Christmas Edition

“We have this hope as an anchor for our soul, firm and secure.” ~ Hebrews 6:19

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Lakeside-News

On the heel of the very first informative Singapore Maritime Gallery visit in March for Lakeside Family

Services’ at-risk youths in partnership with Pacific Radiance Ltd, children from the Lakeside Before and After School Care Centre also had the wonderful opportunity to discover the maritime scene. On a Tuesday afternoon in July, 20 children and staff of Lakeside Family Services joined the staff of Pacific Radiance in exploring the wonders of the maritime industry.

Staff of Pacific Radiance interacted spontaneously with the children after an educational guided tour, inspiring them by being ‘big brothers’ and ‘big sisters’ to the Primary 5 and 6 children.

The children were thrilled to vicariously experience

being a ‘Captain for a day’. The Gallery’s Ship Bridge Simulator gave them the chance to steer and berth different types of ships under various conditions. Squeals of delight could also be heard as they stepped into the ‘Fun at Sea!’ children’s corner, with its exciting interactive and multimedia displays.

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Pacific Radiance demonstrated the Heart Power

December 2014

The visit culminated in the handing over ceremony of a Pacific Radiance ship model by Mr James Pang, Managing Director of Commercial and Business Development, to The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

As the participants enjoyed a buffet tea at the rooftop area with its breathtaking panoramic view overlooking the open sea, the children’s eyes were similarly opened to the dazzling range of career opportunities in the maritime sector. From ship captains to maritime lawyers, to ship brokers and ship insurers, the options are as vast and varied as the seven seas.

As a sign of the growing partnership between Pacific Radiance Ltd and Lakeside Family Services, we are also privileged to have Pacific Radiance as Title Sponsor of our Charity Golf for the second year. Business partners of Pacific Radiance and Friends of Lakeside, with Guest-of-Honour Mr Lim Boon Heng (Chairman of Temasek Holdings), came together to tee off for a good cause at the Jurong Country Club on a sunny Friday morning on 25 July. The invaluable support of all has helped us raise the target sum of $300,000, which will go towards helping needy children, elderly and families, as well as the homeless, prisoners and their families, and youths-at-risk. The event would not have been a success without everyone who participated or supported and donated toward the cause. Thank you for your generosity!

By Grace Tan Community Partnerships Manager

Lexandra Ng (P5): “At first, I did not know that shipping was so important in Singaporea. After the trip to Maritime Gallery I learnt lots of amazing and interesting things!”

Angela Ang (P5): “I love the ship simulator the most. It allow us to experience how it was to be a captain. It was my first time using the telescope. It was fun! I learnt lots of amazing things. I can use it when I grow up as my occupation. I hope I can go to the Maritime Experiential Museum the next time. Thank you for everything!”

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Lakeside-News

A shy and soft “Kor kor/Jie jie (elder brother/elder sister in Mandarin), what is your name?” was the day’s main conversation

starter.

Sixty Lakeside Family Services (LFS) children aged 9 to 12, accompanied by four LFS staff and 30 Shell volunteers, were in for a memorable and exciting afternoon at Great World City on 13 June 2014. The event was organised by staff of Shell Jurong Island, Shell’s petrochemicals complex in Singapore.

“Aside from being a forum for Shell employees to be the best

ambassadors of the organisation, this movie event was envisioned with the purpose of engaging LFS kids and SJI staff in a day of fun where both parties get to know more about each other,” said Sunethra Sukumar, a volunteer from the organising committee.

The fun beginsGleefully holding popcorns and stomachs full after a buffet lunch, the children – two kids paired to one volunteer – enthusiastically made their way to the designated theatre hall for the long anticipated movie – “How to Train Your Dragon 2”! “The movie was chosen as it brought the kids both tears and laughter,” said Josephine Tay, another Shell volunteer. Other fun-filled activities included a popular

December 2014

Dragons and Magic – A Day of Fun with Shell!

Shell volunteers and LFS children bonding over lunch

Having fun at the photo booth area

Shell’s very own magician Jeffrey Wong and LFS children during the magic show

About the Lakeside Family Services - Shell Jurong Island Partnership

Shell Jurong Island, Shell’s petrochemicals complex in Singapore, has adopted LFS as one of its Social Performance activities. The partnership has the twin objectives of motivating children from disadvantaged backgrounds and for employees to be its best ambassadors in interacting with and contributing to the community in which Shell operates.

Shell Jurong Island organised a fun-filled movie event for children of Lakeside Family Services on 13 June 2014.

photo booth session during the lunch, balloon sculpting, as well as a magic show with prizes.

The eventful afternoon ended with a group phototaking session, full of new friendships and big smiles. Shell volunteer Harry Zhou agreed,

“It was such a lively and memorable event. I really enjoyed myself, and I believe all the kids loved the movie as well as the magic show.”

By Agnes LeeCommunications Assistant, Shell Jurong Island

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Lakeside-News

Shell Lunch and Learn on Managing in-law Relationships

On 23 April, Lakeside Family Services held a Lunch and Learn Session for more than 30 Shell Jurong Island staff on “Managing

in-law Relationships”. Conducted by our Director of Counselling and Family Life Mr Edwin Quek, the session included many useful tips on how to get along well with in-laws. One way is when couples get married and start their own nuclear families, they need to bear in mind that their primary loyalty needs is to each other, followed by their extended families. Setting up clear healthy boundaries may aid in protecting marriages.

Edwin also highlighted the need to maintain constant communication with parents or parents-in-law and assure them that they are not being closed off. He shared a useful key to keeping that in-law relationship healthy – treat both sets of in-laws fairly. Married couples with children should ensure equal access towards the grandchildren for both sets of parents-in-law, and agree on how to handle visitations on national holidays, festivals and family celebrations and functions, some of which may inadvertently clash. Couples should also bear in mind not to create loyalty conflicts in their spouses.

December 2014

Love your neighbours, Singapore!” is Lakeside Family Services’ community service project as part of the Jurong Spring National

Day Celebrations on 2 August 2014.

The purpose of this community outreach programme was to promote neighbourliness by encouraging residents to reach out to their own neighbours in Jurong, as well as to raise awareness of Lakeside’s services in the Jurong community.

Sixty-four volunteers specially made National Day-themed pinwheels to be given out to the 110 low-income families residing in the Jurong

Spring constituency area. They also brought with them beautifully pre-packed goodie bags. Many came to volunteer together as a family. It was a great family bonding time as they had a lot of fun making the pinwheels and decorating them. It was also very heartening that two-thirds of the volunteers are in fact beneficiaries of Lakeside. These volunteers have received help from Lakeside before, and it was now their turn to contribute back to their community. It was an empowering experience for them to knock on residents’ doors, introduce themselves and hand out goodie bags.

We would like to extend special thanks to Yuhua Secondary School, whose teachers and students volunteered for this event. We were honoured to have Mr Desmond Lee, Member of Parliament for Jurong GRC and Advisor to Jurong GRC GROs (Jurong Spring) grace the occasion. Mr Lee personally made a pinwheel and encouraged the volunteers and recipients alike.

The takeaway for all volunteers and staff who participated was that we can all be a neighbour to each other even if we have our own difficulties in life. It was a wonderfully different National Day celebration.

By Goh Guan ZhenSenior Social Worker

Edwin also gave some interesting personal experiences how he

engaged his in-laws. He makes sure he takes time to bring them for medical check-ups and have meals with them on a regular basis.

By Wendy KohAssociate Senior Counsellor

Love your Neighbours,Singapore!

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Lakeside-News

I simply love the water bomb game!” gushed a little boy, cheeks flushed and rivulets of perspiration flowing down his face.

Twenty families gathered at Lotus Desaru Beach Resort, with only one purpose – to work together as a team to create a dream for each family. In conjunction with World Cup 2014, the Family First! Camp Planning Committee decided to adopt the theme of “One Family, One Team, One Dream”, shared by the various football teams preparing for the greatest game in their lives.

The biennial event saw a total of 95 individuals, comprising families, volunteers and staff,

attending the three-day event. Through team games, craftwork and groupwork, the families experienced fun, excitement and sometimes even tears of reconciliation. Similar to football teams, participants were taught to create a

flag unique to their own families. They also went through groupwork and team games to identify their strengths and discover how to work with one another as an effective family unit. This was followed by working with the parents and the children separately to help them discover their dreams for the families. It was indeed a heart-warming sight to witness parents and children hugging each another and sharing heart-felt messages with one another.

As one participant said, “This is definitely the best camp I have ever attended!”

On this note, Lakeside Family Services would like to thank Dymon Asia Capital, Families for Life, NEWater and South West Community Development Council for their generous donation and support. We would also like to extend our appreciation to our valued volunteers who took time off from work to join and support us in this event.

By Theresa PongAssociate Senior Counsellor

ONE Family. ONE Team. ONE DreamFamily First! Camp 2014 (6–8 June 2014)

December 2014

About the Family First! Camp:Through this camp, we hope to achieve the following objectives:1. Provide a channel for family members to communicate and spend time with one another;2. Equip families with knowledge and skills in strengthening and enhancing their relationships;3. Provide an opportunity for families to create beautiful memories and spend quality time with one another.

Lakeside Family Services also firmly believes that family bonding is crucial for the healthy emotional development of children. Over the years, through our work with the community, we have witnessed many needy families struggling with not only financial issues, but also the lack of knowledge to create positive bonds with one another and build resilience in their families. Thus, the idea of holding a family retreat for these families was first conceptualised in 2011. Since then, we have received many testimonies of breakthroughs in family relationships after the camp and are constantly witnessing breakthroughs and miracles happening within the families who participated in this event.

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Lakeside-News

A Time to Bond: Alive Museum Outing

December 2014

Lakeside Family Services, with the kind sponsorship and support of Far East Organization and their team of dedicated volunteers, had a

fun day for low-income families at the Alive Museum. 53 beneficiaries enjoyed the rare opportunity to bond with one another through the 82 fun filled interactive 3D exhibits on 18 October.

Each family was attached to a Far East volunteer so that they had opportunities to be engaged in meaningful interactions. During lunch the volunteers helped to get drinks and deserts for the beneficiaries.

It was wonderful to see the heart of service from the volunteers in making sure that the families were well taken care of. Volunteer Muneera Bte Mohammad Shah

helped carry a baby to sleep on her shoulder! Some volunteers even sent the families off from the bus bay after the event, which was located quite a distance away from the museum.

The families came back from the outing with beautiful memories of time spent together. A big Thank You to the 10 Far East Organization volunteers - Noor Hayati Ridwan, Margaret Poh, Elaine Chin, Denise Wong, Zarina De Jesus Santos, Ng Su Han, Renee Yan, Jasmine Fong, Muneera Bte Mohammad Shah, and Ebel Teo - who took the time from their busy schedules to interact with the families. Without your support this event would not have been possible.

By Rich HaySenior Social Worker

Beacon of Hope:Far East Organization

Inspires LivesLakeside Family Services is proud to be one of the adopted charities of Far East Organization. Far East has collaborated with Lakeside for more than five years, with a strong partnership in extending help to the less advantaged and building strong families. Many meaningful programmes and activities benefiting low income

families have been made possible with the support. From the range of year-long developmental and enrichment programmes conducted, we highlight here some key event collaborations with Far East Organization.

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Lakeside-News

A Time to Let Go: Stress Management Workshop

December 2014

Living in the fast-paced modern society can be a very stressful experience. On 4 October, Lakeside Family Services conducted a

Stress Management Workshop to help low income families learn how to manage and reduce stresses in their lives. 18 families attended, with a total of 68 participants. We conducted 3 breakout workshop sessions for adults/youths, as well as for upper and lower primary

school children. The adults were able to identify their stress indicators and the root causes. They gained knowledge and skills to reduce stress levels. The children were engaged in hands-on activities to understand the concept of stress and coping strategies. The deep breathing technique taught proved to be very helpful – a participant gave the feedback that her son applied the technique just before his exams and it has helped him reduce his feelings of anxiety.

Far East staff volunteer Melissa Chia has been a great help to the team! She actively engaged the children during their session. Thank you!

By Rich HaySenior Social Worker

A financial literacy workshop was held for 84 beneficiaries on 20

June. 31 Adults, 20 youths and 33 children attended. Through group discussions, stories, games and craftwork, the participants at their respective age-appropriate workshops learnt the importance of budgeting and saving. More than 95% found the workshop helpful and enjoyable. After the workshop, one of the youth participants commented, “I want to start saving for my future now!”

We are thankful for the 8 dedicated Far East Organization staff who gave of their precious time helping out with the preparation work and facilitating the children’s workshops. One of the volunteers said that he was glad to be given an opportunity to help out at the children’s workshop.

Following the workshop, the volunteers brought the beneficiaries for a family outing to the SEA Aquarium on 26 June. The beneficiaries had an enjoyable time bonding as a family. For some, it was their rare family outing together in a long time.

By Rich HaySenior Social Worker

A Time to Save: Financial Literacy Workshop

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Lakeside-NewsDecember 2014

Some of Schneider Electric’s employees joined a group of very energetic kids, aged between 8-9 years old, from Lakeside Family

Services on a Learning Journey to the Singapore Science Centre on 18 November, to learn more about the Amazing Human Body and other wonders of the world. Schneider Electric sponsored a total of 118 kids and with the funds left over, the centre will be subscribing to science magazines, for the kids’ continuous learning.

By Dulcie HoInternal Communication Assistant Manager,Schneider Electric

Staff volunteers from Schneider Electric made it possible for a group of P1 and P2 children to embark on an enriching Learning

Journey. The staff provided personal attention in guiding the children through the Science Centre exhibits. The patience exhibited by the volunteers

Walk of Hope with Schneider Electric Singapore

Learning Journey with Schneider Electric Singapore

September marked the first Corporate Social Responsibility collaboration project with Schneider Electric Singapore. As part of the company’s “Use Your Legs” Global Community Day Project, a walkathon at Bishan Park was organised. The Schneider Electric Foundation under the aegis of the Fondation de France donated 0.50 euros per km clocked during the event to Lakeside. Staff of Schneider Electric Singapore clocked a whopping 810km, and the company generously donated a further S$10 for each employee participation. Thank you, Schneider Electric!

By Grace TanCommunity Partnerships Manager

26 Some words commonly associated with the elderly are: “slow”, “frail”, “lonely”; sometimes even “useless”. The 16 senior citizens from our Active Seniors’ Club who participated in the Schneider Electric Walkathon successfully debunked these common negative perceptions of the elderly. Clocking in 5.08km each in the walk around Bishan Park, they demonstrated healthy and active ageing. For some, the walkathon was symbolic of taking a big step to walk

out of loneliness. I learnt a valuable lesson from them: in our journey in life, especially during difficult times when we become weary or tired, we need to take a pit stop - rest, refuel and recharge. We need to take time to appreciate the things around us and be thankful. When we are ready to resume our journey, we move boldly on! The sun was scorching hot but in twos and threes, they walked side by side, spurring each other on until they reached the finishing line.

We are grateful to Schneider Electric for extending the invitation to our seniors to participate. They felt a wonderful sense of accomplishment knowing that Schneider would give a matching donation to Lakeside Family Services’ beneficiaries for every kilometre completed. Well done, Aunties & Uncles!

By Faith KwanAssistant Head,Lakeside Before and After School Care Centre

was commendable as most of these children require more support in their learning. We are thankful for Schneider Electric’s acts of reaching out to the community, in partnership with Lakeside Family Services.

By Violet SimHead,Lakeside Before and After School Care Centre

President & CEO of Schneider Electric Singapore (right) with an 80-year-old ASC member (left) after finishing the walk.

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Lakeside-NewsDecember 2014

May 2014 marks a meaningful day for Lakeside as we shared our love and joy with a group of 23 moms and 39 children. Together with a team of 12 volunteers from Nanyang Technological University and Anggun Wellness Consultancy, we celebrated Mother’s Day in a warm and edifying ambience.

The celebration started with a family bonding activity where mothers

guided their children to draw their favourite things. The faces of the mothers glowed with unspeakable joy as they admired the artwork of their little ones. Reflecting the theme of this year’s celebration – My Mother’s Hands, the mothers were given manicure sets, with a live demonstration on hand and nail

My Mother’s Hands

care. While the mothers were beautifying their hands that hold the family together, the children were learning to prepare an economical yet nutritious meal to appreciate their mothers.

Families further bonded as they ate together. For many mothers, it was their first time savouring the sandwiches and fruit kebabs that their children have lovingly prepared. A single mother also shared her powerful testimony of how she struggled through loss but emerged victorious. She has a stable career today and she shares her life-changing story with others, inspiring many. The finale saw the children singing and dancing to the tune of “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” to express well-deserved love and gratitude to their mothers. Truly, if it were not for mothers’ hands that bond, bridge and build, where would children be today?

Every family had a printout of their family photo to bring back as a memento. What a fitting way to round up the celebrations! Kudos to all who have made this event a momentous one!

By Fiona CheeCounsellor

“The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved.”

~ Mother Teresa10

On 16 August, Wendy and Rich from the Adult and Family Life team were invited to give a talk to the Jurong Green bursary awardees‘ parents at the Home Team

Academy. The bursary recipients were composed of students from the ITE, Polytechnic and Junior Colleges. The talk was on how parents can better communicate with their

teens. There was a fun role-play segment of common negative parent-teen communication styles. Prizes were awarded to participants who responded with the more appropriate style of communication. A short video clip of Jack

Neo’s “I Not Stupid” was shown, and many parents were able to identify their own negative and inappropriate ways of communication.

Parents were encouraged to model good communication styles. Instead of nagging at their teens, they should lead by example. A key ingredient to a healthier and stronger relationship with teens is a stable, nurturing and loving environment in the home.

By Wendy KohAssociate Senior Counsellor

How to Speak so that Your Teen will Listen

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Lakeside-NewsDecember 2014

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater…” Isaiah 55:10

There was a general consensus amongst the committee members for Volunteers’ Appreciation Day 2014 - the theme was to be refreshing for all. With this in mind was borne: “Like the Rain and Snow”.

Games centring on this theme were played during the event on 25 October at the NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House. The participants certainly saw everyday items such as marshmallows, ice-cream and chilled drinks in a different light after the games! Volunteers and guests were also treated to not one, but two special performances put together by Beatzomaticx and student volunteers from ISS International School Singapore.

As Lakeside’s Executive Director Mr Teo Tee Loon shared during the event, like the rain and snow, our volunteers:

• Refresh others• Bring life, health & growth• Carry out God’s purposes in the lives of others

We thank all volunteers who have helped in one way or another in changing lives and transforming communities!

By Alvin TeoCommunity Partnerships & Volunteer Management Executive

Dymon Asia volunteers accompanied the children from Lakeside Family Services Before and After School Care programme on

a trip to the SEA Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa on 20 June. Dymon Asia volunteers were paired up to form teams and then assigned about 6 to 7 children per team before they embarked on a

90 minute guided tour of the aquarium. It was an afternoon well spent with our young friends and a memorable one – for some of our volunteers and young friends alike, it was their first time to the SEA Aquarium!

Special thanks to our volunteers: Anthony, Dee, Kiran, Natalia, Sandra and Rodney!

By Sharmin FooDymon Asia Capital

Outing to RWS SEA Aquarium with Dymon Asia Capital

"Like the Rain and Snow": Volunteers' Appreciation Day 2014

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Lakeside-News

Hope RebornMy name is Norhidayah*; my friends call me Dayah* (*not her real name). I am 14

years old. I would like to share about my experience as a volunteer at the Lakeside FiT (Families-in-Transition) Shelter. I was once a beneficiary of Lakeside Family Services. I attended the Children Art Touch programme, school holidays enrichment activities, Family Bonding Day, outings and educational visits. The one I enjoyed most is the Youth Club. Through these, I learned more about myself more and to value my family more. I also learned about budgeting, communicating with other youths, and self-respect.

Through the interactions, encouragement, and learning from Lakeside staff and volunteers, I came to value myself and others more. It is then that I started to join the programmes and activities no longer as

a participant but as a volunteer. I wanted to give back to Lakeside and the community, and to repay the volunteers’ kindness - not in monetary terms, but through care and concern, just as they have helped me and my family unconditionally.

At first, I found it quite tough to handle young kids, especially at outings to the Port of Lost World at Sentosa for instance. It was very tiring and the kids difficult to handle as they were very active. I looked back and recalled how the volunteers during my time gave all of their patience and care to ensure our safety and to make our day fun and memorable. I began to appreciate them more. Since last year, I have also enjoyed helping out Aunty Valerie Ditzenberger, other volunteers and Lakeside staff in the

children’s programmes like Children Art Touch. I find these programmes very meaningful for the kids. Not only do they get to learn new things and make creative DIY artwork, they also get to create good and happy memories.

I could see that for the children and youths like me who face many life challenges, that we can do better in our studies even though we are not rich, that we can each become a better person…. because we are the hope for the future. What we can do is start now by helping ourselves and others.

Today, I want to thank all the volunteers who have made every effort to give back and spend time with us, and for their patience and care. Most of all, I thank them for the good and happy memories shared. To my social worker for supporting me and giving me encouragement in my studies all this while - Thank You!

I want to express my gratitude especially to my family, in particular my parents, for their unfailing support and for never giving up on me and my younger siblings. I want to thank them for sticking together even in the darkest moments of our lives, and for trying their very best to get back on their feet.

Without my family and people like you, I wouldn’t be where I am today, sharing with you my simple journey from being a recipient to becoming a volunteer. Thank you for being “like the rain and snow” in my life!

December 2014

Norhidayah* is one of the many beneficiaries who has the heart to give back to the community what she has received. She has proven herself to be very giving and responsible, not only to her family but also to her peers and the community. Since last year, despite her hectic school schedule, she has been volunteering at Lakeside, helping the staff extend care and love to the children and mentoring youths, by being a good example at the FiT Shelter.