Community Work Provided By CHCSA
1. Services For The Children
2. Services For The Youths
3. Services For The Elderly
4. Services For The Intellectually Challenged
5. Services For Rehabilitation
6. Services For The Terminally-ill
7. Services For The Hearing-impaired
8. Services For The Family
 
A total of 20,932 service users, which comprised of 8,599 regular and 12,333 non-regular service users, benefited from programs or services provided by CHCSA from the period of January to December 2008.

A Regular Service User is one who receives services rendered by CHCSA staff or volunteers at least once a month, or attends at least 80% of the programs organized or facilitated by CHCSA for a particular service. Such services include visitations, counseling, workshops, welfare assistance, educational/training programs and medical escort.

A Non-regular Service User is one who only takes part in events such as excursions, training or outreaches, but is not consistent in any of our services or programs.

Breakdown Of Regular Service Users In 2008
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City Harvest Community Services Association
Regular Service Users
1996 – 2008
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Average Weekly Visitations
Regular Service Users
1996 – 2008
 
Every 2¼ minutes, one needy person in Singapore is being served by a CHCSA staff or volunteer.
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Services For The Children
KITE Services (Kids In Total Embrace)
Regular Service Users
1996 – 2008
1.1 Total regular service users in 2008: 3,134.
1.2 Total non-regular service users in 2008: 6,559.
1.3 Total number of distinct, unique individuals assisted in 2008: 7,071.
1.4 Weekly home visitations by befrienders in 2008 to 2,515 children.
1.5
Weekly low-cost tuition programs conducted for an average of 153 children in 2008.
1.6
Family-centered counseling and parents' support group for 232 children and their families. The counseling focused on issues such as general child behavioral and truancy problems.
1.7
Welfare subsidies and bursaries amounting to $32,630 granted to 205 children and their families.
1.8
Organized excursions and recreational activities for 4,152 children in 2008.
1.9 Goals for 2007/8 & follow-up:
a. To befriend 2,400 children through regular weekly visitations by the end of 2008.

By the end of 2008, more than 2,500 children were befriended.
b. To start a new program called "YoungTalents". This initiative aims to cultivate positive self-esteem and confidence in the children while widening their experiences in performances in song, dance, and drama.

At the end of 2007, YoungTalents was established and since then, had two musical productions: "When I Grow Up" in 2007 & "Special" in 2008. More than 200 children were involved in both productions.
1.10 Goals for 2009:
a. To befriend 2,600 children through weekly home visitations.
b. By end 2009, to put up a third musical production under YoungTalents.
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Services For The Youths
POD Services (People of Destiny)
Regular Service Users
1996 – 2008
2.1 Total regular service users in 2008: 1,663.
2.2 Total non-regular service users in 2008: 2,422.
2.3
Total number of distinct, unique individuals assisted in 2008: 4,025.
2.4 In-depth counseling was provided for 44 youths.
2.5
"Friends Connection" was started as a channel in cyberspace where troubled individuals can find a listening ear and address their concerns with our trained in-house counselors. In 2008, a total of 55 individuals were helped.
2.6
CHCSA embarked on the 'STEP UP' Program, a school social work program aimed at youths-at-risk, and includes prevention, intervention and remedial work.The three schools that we are involved in are Fajar Secondary School, Mayflower Secondary School and Blangah Rise Primary School. In 2008, 1,022 students were reached.
2.7 Conducted life skills and youth enrichment workshops for 1,623 students.
2.8 Conducted one "STEP UP" camp for 55 youths-at-risk from 30 October to 1 November 2008:
2.9
CHCSA provided opportunities for 440 students from Ngee Ann Secondary School, Fajar Secondary School, East Spring Secondary School and Poi Ching School to be involved in community projects.
2.10 CHCSA also conducted the Achiever Employability Camp, which is supported by NTUC Learning Hub, to train early school leavers to find meaningful employment. In 2008, we had a total of 13 youths
2.11
The POD Centre offers youth enrichment, outreach and leadership programs on top of a drop-in centre. In 2008, an average of 37 youths visited the Centre on a daily basis. As at December 2008, POD reached out to 2,987 youths.
2.12 Goal for 2007/8 & follow-up:
a. To conduct the 'Step-Up' program in at least one more school by 2008.
b. CHCSA embarked on the "STEP UP" Program in Mayflower Secondary School in 2008.
2.13 Goals for 2009:
a. To start a volunteer leadership training program to empower youths to be leaders.
b. To conduct new youth initiatives in two schools in 2009.
2.14 Goal for 2006 & follow-up:
CHCSA targeted to work with community partners to provide more alternatives for youths-at-risk. CHCSA collaborated with WDA on the NEXSTEP program in 2006.
2.15 Goals for 2007/8:
a. To conduct the ‘Step-Up’ program in at least one more school by 2008.
b. To expand the tuition program to reach out to more than 375 students on a regular basis, and more than 950 students through the crash courses.
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Services For The Elderly
老朋友Services (Old Friends)
Regular Service Users
1996 – 2008
3.1 Total regular service users in 2008: 1,753.
3.2 Total non-regular service users in 2008: 2,190.
3.3
Total number of distinct, unique individuals assisted in 2008: 2,073.
3.4
Weekly home visitations by befrienders to 1,151 elderly, most of whom come from low-income families.
3.5 Partnering with South East Community Development Council (SECDC) for the Community Outreach Project for the Elderly (COPE) which serves 600 elderly every week.
3.6 Welfare support to distribute groceries and meals to 101 needy elderly in 2008.
3.7 Regular medical check-up escort services for 65 elderly in 2008.
3.8
Recreational excursions were conducted for 770 elderly. Trips to Kukup and Pengarang were conducted as overseas field trips to allow elderly to interact with a bigger social circle and also to promote lifelong learning.
3.9 Goals for 2007/8 & follow-up:
a. a. To organize more programs focusing on lifelong learning and active aging amongst the elderly that we are serving. In 2007 and 2008, programs such as overseas field trips, elder pageants and an elder dance group was set up to promote lifelong learning and active aging.
b. To promote mutual care and support among the elderly by tapping into the artistic skills of ambulant elders to raise funds for others in need.

An elder art and craft group was set up in 2008 to hone the artistic talents of elders. However, this has yet to be tapped for fundraising purposes as the quantity of viable art works are still insufficient.
c. To partner with St. Luke's Hospital to open an Eldercare Centre in Clementi in 2008, providing a range of daycare services for the elderly patients.

St. Luke's Eldercare Centre was set up on 26 July 2008. We continued to serve clients through regular enrichment program at the centre.
3.10 Goals for 2009:
a. To launch a Cultural Dialect Book focusing on key aspects of major dialect groups in Singapore to improve inter-generational ties and communications between the youth and elderly.
b. To help at least 20 needy elderly or low-income families who are living in abject conditions to repaint and refurbish their living quarters (1 to 3 room flats).
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Services For The Intellectually Challenged
RAYZ Services
Regular Service Users
1996 – 2008
4.1 Total regular service users in 2008: 875.
4.2 Total non-regular service users in 2008: 768.
4.3 Total number of distinct, unique individuals assisted in 2008: 1,238.
4.4 Conducted monthly enrichment programs which benefited 556 intellectually challenged individuals. The programs included excursions to the fire stations, airport and Hort Park as well as music, art, drama, dance, fitness and physical therapy classes
4.5 Weekly home visitations by befrienders to 288 intellectually challenged individuals.
4.6 In-depth counseling provided for 20 intellectually challenged individuals and their families.
4.7 Conducted outreach activities to 378 residents from Sunlove, Mindsville and Suria Homes.
4.8 Provided medical escort services to 11 needy families.
4.9 Conducted assembly program focusing on successful living in Chaoyang and Tanglin School. RAYZ also worked on special projects with Lee Kong Chian Gardens and Guillemard Gardens School.
4.10 Collaborated with YoungTalents in the production of SPECIAL – a musical presented to a live audience at Raffles Jubilee Hall and Singapore Expo. The lead cast included intellectually challenged individuals.
4.11 Partnered with Shineon! School on Stage to present a fashion show at Wisma Atria. The models were both children and intellectually challenged individuals.
4.12 Goals for 2007/8 & follow-up:
a. To increase the total number of regular service users by 8% by December 2007.

The number of regular service users increased by 14.1% from December 2006 (707) to December 2007 (807). RAYZ saw a further increase of 6.5% in 2008 (860).
b. b. To promote creativity and learning through organizing at least three competitions by the end of 2007.

RAYZ conducted 3 competitions in 2007 (Talent – singing, poetry recital, instrumental and dance; Spell Champ and Art Competitions) to promote creativity and learning.
c. c. To conduct an educational activity program for the special schools in 2008, organizing exercise and dance lessons for the students.

RAYZ conducted programs and activities in a total of 4 schools in 2008, comprising of health based(dance) and enrichment activities.
4.13 Goals for 2009:
a. To put up a concert showcasing the variety of talents possessed by our clients.
b. To increase the number of regular service users by 6%.
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Services For Rehabilitation
M3 Services (Mighty Men In The Making)
Regular Service Users
1996 – 2008
5.1 Total regular service users in 2008: 453.
5.2 Total non-regular service users in 2008: 28.
5.3 Total number of distinct, unique individuals assisted in 2008: 366.
5.4 Conducted weekly chapel services at Changi Prison Complex for 337 inmates.
5.5 Conducted regular visitations to 338 inmates and ex-inmates.
5.6 Conducted weekly small group workshops to inspire and rebuild the self-esteem of the inmates at Changi Prison Complex.
5.7 Provided information and referral services for 59 ex-inmates, and linking them to external organizations such as Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE) to empower them to integrate smoothly into mainstream society.
5.8 Goal for 2007/8 & follow-up:
a. To help 50 youth inmates and ex-mates from the Reformative Training Centre to rebuild their self-esteem and aspirations through weekly workshops by the end of 2007.
b. In 2007 and 2008, M3 helped a total of 83 youth inmates and ex-offenders from the Reformative Training Centre to rebuild their self esteem. This was done through weekly workshops and close mentorship upon release.
5.9 Goals for 2009:
a. To start new workshops for youth inmates in a new housing unit in the Reformative Training Centre to rebuild their self-esteem and aspirations
b. To start a Community Reintegration program for 50 inmates in Changi Prison Complex to help them prepare for release back into mainstream society.
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Services For The Terminally-ill
FIRST Hand & M.S. Care Services (Friends In Reaching And Serving The Terminally-ill & Multiple Sclerosis Care)
Regular Service Users
1996 – 2008
6.1 Total regular service users in 2008: 297 (First Hand) / 127 (M.S. Care).
6.2 Total non-regular service users in 2008: 142 (First Hand) / 33 (M.S. Care).
6.3 Total number of distinct, unique individuals assisted in 2008:168 (First Hand) / 76 (M.S. Care).
6.4 Provided welfare support for 168 terminally-ill patients.
6.5 In-depth counseling and care provided for 97 terminally-ill patients.
6.6 35 volunteers attended a five-week training course at the Communicable Disease Centre from April to May 2008, to enable them to provide proper care for the terminally-ill patients.
6.7 Regular ward visitations to 168 terminally-ill patients at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
6.8 In May 2008, FIRST Hand collaborated with Action for Aids Singapore to organize the annual International Candle Light Memorial Day.
6.9 Regular home visitations by volunteers to 76 M.S. patients in 2008.
6.10 In-depth counseling and care provided for 2 M.S. patients in 2008.
6.11 25 volunteers attended 6 training sessions in 2008 on medical/patient care updates to better care for M.S. patients
6.12 Goals for 2007/8 & follow-up:
a. To jointly organize an outing for patients and their families together with other voluntary organizations (Buddhist Volunteer Group, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Patient Care Centre and United World College) by the end of 2007.

First Hand organized 3 outings for patients and family on our own as the rest of the NGOs were unable to commit.
b. To continue to collaborate with Action For Aids Singapore to organize the annual International Candle Light Memorial Day event in 2008. We plan to involve other NGOs in 2008 as well and to have a larger scale event.

First Hand collaborated instead with Tan Tock Seng Hospital, MATRIPAL (Buddhist Group), FRIENDS (NUS) and World Vision to organize the annual International Candle Light Memorial Day event in 2008.
c. To increase the awareness of CHCSA's M.S. Care programs by distributing flyers to National Health Group's neurological clinics and hospitals. This will greatly increase awareness of M.S. Care.

M.S. Care conducted a fund raising cum awareness campaign through the sales and distribution of specially printed M.S. calendars. This campaign helped M.S. Care raised $19,375.20 and heightened the profile of M.S. Care nation-wide.
6.13 Goals for 2009:
a. To collaborate with other NGOs in organizing the annual International Candle Light Memorial Day event in May 2009.
b. To collaborate with other NGOs in organizing a HIV/AIDS Conference. The purpose of this conference is to bring an awareness of the development of HIV/AIDS among youths to educators, youth counselors and the young people themselves.
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Services For The Hearing-impaired
Talking Hands Services
Regular Service Users
1996 – 2008
7.1 Total regular service users in 2008: 122.
7.2 Total non-regular service users in 2008: 84.
7.3 Total number of distinct, unique individuals assisted in 2008: 130.
7.4 Regular visitations and contact were made with 21 hearing-impaired individuals in 2008.
7.5 In-depth counseling and care provided for 11 hearing-impaired individuals in 2008.
7.6 Conducted a 10-session basic sign language training course for 20 new volunteers from November to December 2008.
7.7 Conducted intermediate and advanced sign language training courses for 6 volunteers from January to December 2008.
7.8 Conducted various excursions such as a Chinese New Year Lunch, Movie Marathon and an Amazing Race at Sentosa for 121 hearing-impaired individuals.
7.9 Goals for 2007/8 & follow-up:
a. To work with schools for the hearing-impaired to organize excursions and mentorship opportunities for the hearing-impaired.

Talking Hands volunteers prepared exam packs for the students during the examination period and went down to school to encourage them.
b. To increase the regular client base by 10% through recreational activities and outreaches by the end of 2007. Increased by 10% through outreaches and membership recruitment.
7.10 Goals for 2009:
a. To increase the regular client base by 10% through recreational activities, membership recruitment and school mentorship.
b. To organize enrichment courses for hearing impaired to enhance your skills.
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Services For The Family
STAR Services
Regular Service Users
1996 – 2008
8.1 Total regular service users in 2008: 175.
8.2 Total non-regular service users in 2008: 107.
8.3 Total number of distinct, unique individuals assisted in 2008: 92.
8.4 Comprehensive case management by social workers for 66 families in 2008. This included advocacy work, financial counseling, home visitations, as well as networking with different service providers.
8.5 In-depth family-centered counseling provided for 11 families and individuals in 2008.
8.6 Regular home visitations by social workers to 66 families in 2008.
8.7 Information and referral services provided to link 53 families up with other community resources in 2008.
8.8 Collaborated with Southwest Community Development Council to organize a Mother's Day celebration for 86 individuals and families.
8.9 Goals for 2007/8 & follow-up:
a. To increase the total number of regular service users by 3% by December 2008.

We had a total of 175 regular service users in 2008, a 19% increase compared to 2007.
b. To conduct a Parenting Program in the POD Youth Centre by the end of 2008.

We did not conduct a Parenting Program in our Youth Centre but we conducted 2 Parenting Talks in Blangah Rise Primary School for the parents to be equipped with better parenting skills.
8.10 Goals for 2009:
a. To start a new family assistance program (SEED: Single-parent Empowerment, Enrichment and Development Program) to help single families.
b. To start “Bridge Program” to help families cope with retrenchment and job placement.
c. To start “Brand New Smile Program'' to provide resources to restore broken and damage teeth and introduce proper dental care for individuals who went through domestic violence or from low income backgrounds, helping them to rebuild their confidence.
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Other Community Projects In 2008

Since 2000, CHCSA has participated in the annual Joo Chiat Blood Donation Drive, jointly organized by Joo Chiat Citizens' Consultative Committee, Joo Chiat Civil Defence Executive Committee, The Blood Bank of Singapore and The Red Cross Society of Singapore.

Over the last nine years, a total of 13,400 donors have participated in the drives.
Blood Donation Drives
2000 – 2008
9.1
CHCSA is also involved in the academic and professional development of social workers in Singapore. Since 2000, our staff have served as Field Supervisors for 11 student social workers on attachment from the tertiary institutions such as the National University of Singapore.
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2007 – 2008 Media Reports of CHCSA
  1. With Some Help, They Now Have Furniture - V.Hive's director Michael Song furnished the houses of 70 families, under a V.Hive charity project, aimed at bettering the living conditions of needy families. (Weekend Today, Page 6, June 16 – 17, 2007)

  2. No Feeling In His Hands - City Harvest Community Services Association and NUH Patientcare Charity Fund, launched MS Care Group, a program to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis, and to raise funds to aid patients. (The New Paper, Page 9, October 17, 2007)

  3. 1,230 Kids Take Part In Record-Breaking Easter Egg Hunt - Over 1,200 children spent Saturday looking for Easter eggs at West Coast Park as part of a record-breaking event. With the mission to pick up as many of the 10,000 plastic eggs as they could find. (Channel NewsAsia, March 15, 2008)

  4. Singapore Woman Award 2008 - Eileen Toh, fuelled by her belief in the next generation and her Christian faith, is committed to helping children on the fringe so they may live lives of purpose and contribute to society. (Vanilla – Live The Extraordinary Life, Page 27, April 2008)
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© 2004 - 2009 City Harvest Community Services Association