Stories of
Hope
Beneficiary
Testimonies
“It’s been a blessing to know the HCSA SPIN support network”
Hannah first connected with HCSA SPIN in 2017.
She was assigned to a social worker and several befrienders, who supported her at different times, such as during the pandemic as she looked after her children and continued her job search. When schools implemented home-based learning (HBL), HCSA SPIN provided grocery support to the family, so Hannah could focus most of her energy on the HBL arrangement.
Resolute in challenging the stereotypes about single mothers, Hannah desires to live her life with dignity and give her best to her children. She has also become increasingly compelled to give back by helping other women facing similar situations.
Through the Social Service Institute, she signed up for an online course on befriending skills. She also completed a confidence curriculum course with local charity Daughters of Tomorrow (DOT), which assists low-income women.
Today, Hannah is a befriender in the HCSA SPIN network. Through DOT and HCSA SPIN, she also offers support to two young women in her neighbourhood. In addition, she has started a fellowship with the Ministry of Social and Family Development.
“It has been a blessing to know the HCSA SPIN support network,” she says. “It’s also a great way for single parents to build up peer support amongst each other.”
“Like every mother, I want to see my kids grow up to be happy, independent, good people and successful in their unique ways.”
Yeni Zulaika, single mother of four children, is a shining example of smiling through life’s ups and downs. Following the divorce from her then-husband, Yeni channelled all her energy into giving her kids a better life. “This crisis was not going to be the end of my life,” she said with full conviction. “No, it would be the beginning of my life for me and my kids.”
A social worker who attended to her case introduced her to HCSA SPIN, where its volunteer-driven network offered Yeni emotional, social, and practical support. Yeni also expresses her appreciation for the outings and workshops the programme organises for the children to take part in and have fun.
During Yeni’s journey with HCSA SPIN, she was matched with Jennifer, a volunteer. The latter helped watch out for Yeni’s family, and even celebrated festive occasions like Christmas with them. “It brought me joy to see the smiles on my children’s faces as they played with their new friends and eagerly opened presents,” Yeni recalls.
Since her case closed in 2019, Yeni has become an alumni member of HCSA SPIN. She has participated in various events the programme has organised and shares her life story with others. She is grateful to HCSA SPIN for extending care to her even after the closure of her case.
“Like every mother, I want to see my kids grow up to be happy, independent, good people and successful in their unique ways. I hope my life shows them that it is possible to overcome struggles with tenacity and a positive attitude.”
