Lakeside-NewsMay 2016Lakeside Family Services is a Member of NCSS

Charity Registration No: 1294 / IPC No: IPC000214 / UEN: S97SS0022B www.lakeside.org.sgRegistered Address:

Blk 516, Jurong West St 52, #01-73, Singapore 640516

Jurong East Centre

Blk 302, Jurong East St 32,

#01-22, Singapore 600302

Tel : 6564-9677

Fax : 6564-9876

Email : bascje@lakeside.org.sg

Jurong West Centre

Blk 514, Jurong West St 52,

#01-18, Singapore 640514

Tel : 6567-7270

Fax : 6896-0516

Email : bascjw@lakeside.org.sg

Operating hours: 9.00am to 5.30pm (Monday to Friday)Lakeside FamiLy services

Operating hours:7.00am to 7.00pm (Monday to Friday) 7.30am to 1.30pm (Saturday)

Lakeside student care

Taman Jurong Centre

21 Yung Ho Road, #03-01

The Agape, Singapore 618593

Tel : 6265-6522

Fax : 6265-6523

Email : lfstj@lakeside.org.sg

Jurong West Centre

Blk 516, Jurong West St 52,

#01-73, Singapore 640516

Tel : 6567-1908

Fax : 6565-6435

Email : lfsjw@lakeside.org.sg

Jurong East Centre

Blk 302, Jurong East St 32,

#01-22, Singapore 600302

Tel : 6564-9722

Fax : 6564-9422

Email : lfsje@lakeside.org.sg

dare to expLore, dare to Live!

priceLess treasures From voLunteering

a Beacon oF Light shining thy Way

When partners care

inspiring youths@Lakeside

in & around LFs

a neW oFFice For Lakeside’s sheLter

the ‘ride’ Way to go

a sWimmingLy good time!

turning FireFighters For a day

From sense to doLLars

prosperity For aLL FamiLies

smiLes For aLL

inspiring youths @ Lakeside

EndeavoursYouthful

What makes us reach out to “youths at risk”? Frankly, some of the youths whom we meet, at first glance, do not look very approachable. Whether it’s the tongue studs or tattoos, or simply an aura around them that seems to say “Don’t touch me, don’t mess with me!”, it can be somewhat daunting for the uninitiated. Let’s face it- The youths we meet do not always appear the most adorable people on earth. Add to that the plethora of offenses they have committed, be it loan-shark activities, extortion, rioting, sexual offences, substance abuse, and it can become even more uncomfortable for some.

But once you get to know them, it’s a different story. With the privileged few, they will share their lives- stories of abandonment and brokenness, abuse, rejection, shame. You will see in them beautiful qualities- creativity, generosity, fierce loyalty and genuine care. And if you care for them sincerely, they will realise it; and they will lay down their lives for you. On several occasions as a youth social worker, I have been threatened by youths from gangs. And on each of those occasions, youths from the same gang stood up and told them, “Back off- he’s on our side.” Such is the privilege of caring for our youths, and gaining their trust.

We know that deep down inside each youth, there is a beautiful, God-given potential, and we have had the joy of seeing many of them transformed. One of our “gangster”

youths (complete with full-body tattoo) wrote to us several years after completing the Streetwise Programme. “Thank you for caring for me and helping me to change. I’ve gone back to school. I’ve left the gang. I’ve completed my polytechnic diploma. I’ve reconciled with my parents.”

Such is the indescribable privilege of working with “youths at risk.” I refer to them as “youths with great potential”. You just need to see it in them.

Thanks for your constant support and partnership. May God bless you as you bless others!

Teo Tee LoonExecutive Director

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example… in

speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

inspiring youths @ Lakeside

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” – Gail Devers

Si Bao, a cheerful 21 year old girl, came onboard Expedition Agape in 2014. Diagnosed with congenital heart disease, Si Bao has been battling for her life from a young age, constantly being in and out of hospital. Her studies had been interrupted several times due to her medical treatment. Raised from a single-parent family, her mother left her job to look after Si Bao full-time and finances were an immense struggle for them. She did not have many friends.

Being part of Expedition Agape (EA) allowed her the opportunity to build many new friendships. She has a dream to be a chef. In the programme, she was empowered to step up to lead a mini charity fundraiser, rallying the team to design the

menu, cook and prepare a delicious meal for family and friends. As much as the process was difficult and she sometimes felt overwhelmed, she pressed on with the encouragement of her mentors and the charity fundraiser was a success.

“ea had heLped me to BuiLd up my conFidence!”, she shared. Si Bao is currently working as a training chef at Sakae Sushi, grateful for the experience that enabled her to shine.

Expedition Agape empowers teenagers facing challenges in their lives as leaders through supportive, life-transforming relationships with volunteer mentors over a journey of self-discovery, growth and service to the local and overseas communities in need.

Dare to Live! Dare to Explore, by Serene Koh Head of Agape Inspires

Sibao, all hands into planning, cooking and facilitating Expedition

Agape’s fundraising event, Dine for a Cause.

Be encouraged by how Si Bao rises above her physical condition and pursues her dream.

inspiring youths @ Lakeside

Volunteering with Lakeside Family Services started by chance as I was introduced to a project with the Active Seniors Club (ASC) through my participation in Youth Corps Singapore (YCS) in mid-2014. Having no prior experience volunteering with the elderly, it was reassuring and encouraging to see the ASC members’ cheerful smiles and laughter welcoming my team for every session and activity that were organized. Over the months, meaningful relationships were forged between my team, the elderly, and staffs, as we came together to plan and build a garden that the elderly can call their own. It heartens me to see the elderly staying active and working together maintaining the garden with tender loving care.

The passion and love for serving the community showed by the staff at Lakeside inspired me to continue volunteering in their programmes. These days I am involved in Expedition Agape, a volunteer-driven youth mentoring programme of LFS. I believe that it takes a village to raise a child, and with credible programmes such as EA, youth will be able to realize their potential and have faith in themselves. One thing that has struck me deeply after working with these two different age groups, is that learning is a two-way street. No matter the age, each of us has had our own experiences and knowledge. The resilience and love shown by those I have interacted with are the reasons to why I continue to volunteer.

“From a youth opening up to me over time… From an aunty that treats me Like her precious grandchiLd… these reLationships Forged are priceLess treasures gained during my time voLunteering With LFs.”

Though I have been actively volunteering in various projects with different VWOs since secondary school, Lakeside holds a special place in my heart. It really showed me how empowering relationships can be. From a youth opening up to me over time and sharing more about him/herself, or from an aunty that treats me like her precious grandchild whenever we meet, these relationships forged are priceless treasures gained during my time volunteering with LFS.

Youth Corps Singapore is an initiative of National Youth Council to catalyse youth volunteerism. Lakeside Family Services is a community partner of Youth Corps Singapore and has mentored more than 70 youths over 11 projects.

Nadra (blue headscarf) and team softening the ground to

create a community garden for Active Seniors Club.

(Top and bottom right)Nadra and her youths at Expedition Agape, Camp

Aspire in Malaysia.

from VolunteeringPriceless Treasuresby Murni NadraVolunteer at Lakeside’s Expedition Agape and Youth Corps Singapore

Find out how Nadra’s volunteer work made her shine from inside out.

I started volunteering at 17 years old and found my life’s passion. I realised that I no longer needed to be a bystander. Against the tide of hopelessness and brokenness that I witnessed, I could act. Then, I rallied my schoolmates in my class and in the Arts Faculty to contribute to low-income and underprivileged children through “I can read” camps and activities. More than 10 years on, and the unfailing vision and purpose that I continue to embrace, is to invest in the next generation, particularly in the children and youths who may be deemed “at risk” by society.

One of the main themes I explore with the young people that I work with is “dreams and goals”. So many of the teenagers have been hurt so badly by the people around them, telling them that they are stupid, useless, lazy, naughty, and “good for nothing” that they have forgotten how to dream. They turn to other ways to find their fulfilment, and their choices drive them down a path that is risky and dangerous and the cycle of poverty, of violence, of pain just gets perpetuated as they grow up and start their own families.

Shining Thy Way

Helping them to discover their dreams, and helping them to know with absolute certainty that no matter their background, no matter where they come from, no matter what shape or size they are, they are worthy to be loved and to love. They are worthy to dream, to dare to dream. This is what I am giving my life to do. I found my dream and calling in working with young people.

“When you see the Light shine in the teenager’s eyes again, and you see him Being WiLLing to hope, to have Faith in the goodness oF peopLe again, it is magicaL.”

As I encourage them to dream, I remind myself too constantly that I want to be living my dreams, and not to be caught up in the rat race. Truly, the best soul-satisfying dreams are dreams that God gives us, to bring love and light into the lives of people around us.

A Beacon of Light

Serene, inspiring her audience at Expedition

Agape, Be An Idea.

(Top and bottom right)Sharing the “takeaways” of Youth Corps @

LFS with our potential aspirants.

by Serene KohHead of Agape Inspires

inspiring youths @ Lakeside

Discover how Serene affirmed her calling to help Youths under her programme achieve their dreams.

It was a sunny morning on 19 March 2016 as cyclists from Shell and Lakeside Family Services (LFS) gathered at East Coast, raring to go in the name of charity.

Jointly organised by Shell Jurong Island (SJI) and Lakeside Family Services (LFS), the event took ten months of dedicated planning and saw over 100 people participating enthusiastically on that day. The miniature Shell Traffic Games was another highlight of the day and gave young beneficiaries of LFS the opportunity to learn about the importance of road safety.

Executive Director of Lakeside Family Services Teo Tee Loon said, “For the last 24 years, Lakeside has been serving the disadvantaged in the Jurong Community, as well as other parts of Singapore and each year, we have served 5,000 individuals and their families.”

General Manager of SJI Stephen Fowler, who also rode alongside other participants that day, thanked everyone for participating in the event. Stephen acknowledged the partnership with LFS, saying, “Since the start of our partnership in 2011, SJI has been consistently engaging our communities in Jurong with outreach activities and providing support for the less privileged families, including today’s cycling event. We will continue to synergise with LFS to help build a brighter future for our children.”

The event surpassed its target of raising $100,000 for youth programmes organised by LFS. This event is also part of Shell’s commitment to achieve 125 volunteering hours in 2016, as Shell celebrates 125 years of presence in Singapore.

The ‘Ride’ Way to Goby Joanna SiahShell

Mr Stephen Fowler, SJI General Manager leads team of cyclists

on a scenic 15km route.

Children from Lakeside Student Care enjoyed real-life road simulation under

Shell Road Safety Games.

The grand flag-off by our Guest-of-Honour, Member of Parliament (MP) Mr Ang Wei Neng, Jurong GRC and

Ms Goh Swee Chen, Chairman of Shell Companies, Singapore.

When partners care

In December last year, we saw some 12 volunteers from Shell Jurong Island (SJI) accompanied elderly residents from Lakeside Family Services (LFS) to the SEA Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa.

Taking a leisurely walk through the Aquarium, the elderly residents marvelled at the ocean creatures swimming gracefully around them. The seniors and volunteers also had the opportunity to interact and share life stories, encouraging and spurring each other on through life challenges.

A SwimminglyGood Time!

by Joanna SiahShell

(Top and bottom right)An eye-opening experience for the elderly

residents as they walked under the sea.

When partners care

First time volunteer and Senior Technologist Jagdish Rao shared,

“i enjoyed spending part oF the Weekend With the LFs eLders. What struck me most Was the enthusiasm and energy oF the senior citizens to see aLL the attractions on oFFer. the WhoLe experience Was truLy energising.”

Turning for a Day

Firefighters

Some 30 LFS families and SJI volunteers got a taste of how it felt like to be a firefighter when they paid a visit to the Alexandra Fire Station on 12 March 2016. There, they attended basic first aid and household fire training courses, and even shadowed firefighters on the job! Participants learnt how to operate the firefighting hose and extinguisher, much to their enjoyment.

SJI Technologist Wang Yifan said, “This is an enriching activity and I hope the participants learnt a thing or two from the visit because these takeaways could be applied to real-life situations.”

Jointly organised with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), this experimental learning created an increased awareness of fire safety in school, at work and our home.

by Joanna SiahShell

(Right middle and bottom)LFS children learning how to handle

firefighting equipment properly.

(Left and top right)Participants getting a

tour of the fire station.

When partners care

From Sense to Dollarsby Constance LimCommunity Partnerships Executive

Singapore is one of the most expensive places in the world to live in. With rising costs of living, lower-income families feel more than just a pinch. While others take up financial management to grow their wealth, these families rely on it for survival.

Far East Organization is a champion of helping low-income families become financially savvy. On top of providing financial aid, Far East supported their financial management workshops. Volunteers from Far East sat down with needy families to tackle this challenge: How do you stretch your dollar, when every cent counts?

Record, Budget, Save: Parents learned the principles of managing money through worksheets, discussions and games. An adult participant acknowledged the importance of “saving for the future”. Children and youths enjoyed the fun and age-appropriate activities on reducing expenses and increasing savings. The youths reflected on the importance to prioritise money.

“money is precious. easy to Lose than to gain.”

To encourage these families in their paths towards financial independence, Far East generously sponsored Back-to-School Popular and Bata vouchers for the children and youths.

Everyone in the family plays a part in managing money and overcoming financial difficulties. Today, our social workers and counsellors continue to work with these families on applying what they learnt. The road to financial stability might be tough, but support from friends like Far East can pave the way.

Separate programmes were arranged for parents and children to learn to maximise every dollar.

When partners care

As the Chinese proverb goes, “a family in harmony will prosper in everything.” The hallmark of every Chinese New Year is the reunion dinner. Evidently, the Chinese believe in ushering in a prosperous New Year, surrounded by family. No one should miss out.

True to the spirit of the occasion, Far East Organization brought low-income families together for a round of Chinese New Year festivities. Families were treated to an abundant buffet spread. Far East volunteers gamely entertained them with singing and table games.

The children had fun with the bowling, darts and balloon sculpting, no doubt delighting the parents as well. The Treasure Hunt was a big hit because

parents and chiLdren had a chance to pLay together as a FamiLy – a rare opportunity For FamiLies trying to make ends meet.

All FamiliesProsperity forby Constance LimCommunity Partnerships Executive

Our underprivileged families finally getting a good head start of Eat,

Laugh and Love this Lunar New Year.

When partners care

Traditionally, ang pows (red packets) are given to heap prosperity upon the receiver. Far East blessed 46 families with ang pows, worth $100 each.

One grateful participant mentioned, “Well done. Hope this event will bring more people to attend.” Thank you Far East, for giving everyone the opportunity to celebrate an unforgettable Chinese New Year!

On 18 September 2015, WD Media Singapore Operation organized an Appreciation Day to give employees the opportunity to say “Thank you” to their fellow colleagues and the unsung heroes such as the cleaners and security guards.Flowers and gift cards were sold at the canteen for employees to purchase and give to their fellow colleagues.

All flowers and cards were sold out in just 2 hours and proceeds from the sale were donated to Lakeside Family Services.

This event fostered better relationships amongst the employees and improved the camaraderie and morale in the plant. Employees, cleaners and guards were all smiles when they received the flowers and cards.

Smiles for Allby Zeng ShujuanWD Media Singapore

A little reminder to colleagues of WD Media to

pay the kind gesture forward.

When partners care

300 days of quiet anticipation for this day, 9 April 2016. Members and friends of Lakeside Family Centre gathered to share this joyous opening of our Families-in-Transition (FiT) Shelter Office, located in the heart of Bukit Merah.

The office may not be able to support immediate walk-ins but our colleagues are ready to put our best foot forward for homeless families who require a roof over their head. Our Lakeside Family Service (Bukit Merah) was officiated by our GOH, Ms Indranee Thurai Rajah, Senior Minister of State

for Lakeside’s Shelter!A New Office

for Finance and Law and Minister of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC, together with our community partners from Police Force, Social Service Office, Bukit Merah Secondary School concert band and Ministry of Social and Family Development.

A community carnival was held concurrently and residents are treated to a morning full of goodies, snacks, and games for all ages.

by Queenie QuekCommunity Partnerships Senior Executive

(Right)Our community, young and old giving their

best throw to knock down the “pins”.

A sweet treat for all from our friendly ice-cream uncle.

in & around LFs