annual report - viriya · 2017-07-12 · viriya mediassist fund is a collaboration with potong...
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Our Profile General Information
Viriya Community Services (VCS) was established in 2001 as a voluntary welfare organisation, registered under the Societies Act (UEN: T01SS0059B).
It is also a charity under the Charities Act as well as an Institution of a Public Character (IPC) under the supervision of the Ministry of Social and Family Development, which acts as the Central Fund Administrator. Objectives
Our Society's principal charitable activities are aimed at bringing joy and enhancing the quality of life by providing care and assistance to families and individuals in need of support regardless of race and religion.
These were rendered through our community projects including the following:
Dreams LHCST-NKF Dialysis Centre Viriya MediAssist Fund My Centre @ Moulmein Viriya Children’s Education Fund Viriya Gap Fund Viriya Children’s Medical Fund Viriya-KK Children’s Hospital HomeCare Programme Viriya Elderly Medical Fund Viriya Family Service Centre Whispering Hearts Family Service Centre Whispering Hearts Infant & Child Care Centre Whispering Hearts Student Care Centre
Whispering Hearts Family Service Centre, including Whispering Hearts Student Care Centre, was a separate society until 31 December 2014, during which period, it prepared separate sets of financials and report.
Viriya MediAssist Fund is a collaboration with Potong Pasir CCC. Like our other medical funds, the Viriya MediAssist Fund helps individuals with chronic medical conditions, however, it is used to benefit only residents from Potong Pasir Constituency. The Viriya Gap Fund is intended to support individuals or families where assistance is unavailable from existing funds including funding of children's enrichment programmes.
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VCS is governed by a management committee comprising individuals with varied skills, in particular, individuals
who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of the individuals in the community. The management
committee oversees and approves the formulation of the Society’s strategic objectives and directions and sets
values and standards of the organisation. It also reviews the Society’s activities, adequacy of internal controls,
financial reporting and compliance and management and operational performance.
Management Committee Members
Management Committee
Corporate Governance The management committee and the management staff are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and abiding to the Code of Governance for Charities and IPCs. The management committee endeavours to enhance its governance practices throughout the financial year. The committee also assessed its compliance with the code of governance for the evaluation period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2014. It will be filed with the Commissioner of Charities after the annual general meeting and a set will also be uploaded on our website. As at date of this report, the Society had complied with the various areas required in the governance evaluation.
Conflicts of Interest The Society maintains a Conflict of Interest policy, requiring management committee and staff to disclose areas of conflict and abstention from discussion and decision-making on the matter. During the year under review, there were no such conflicts that required disclosure and action.
Tay Han Ching Alvin
Senior Manager, Business Development Service Quality Centre Pte Ltd
First Appointed on 20 March 2013
Tay Hong Beng
Head of Tax
KPMG Services Pte Ltd
First Appointed on 20 March 2013
Tham Khuan Heng
Retired Partner Big 4 Accounting Firm
First Appointed on 29 March 2006
President Vice-President
Ho-Kok Pooi Han, Rosalind
Director FS Asia Management
First Appointed on 24 March 2008
Honorary Secretary
Teoh Eong Kow
Head of Business Support KPMG
First Appointed on 22 March 2013
Honorary Treasurer
Cho Yew Siang
Director of Finance & Accounting Raffles Institution
First Appointed on 20 March 2014
Member
Koh Ming Feng, Abner
Tax Manager KPMG Services Pte Ltd
First Appointed on 23 March 2004
Member
Member
Member Member
Lim Yin Nee, Jenny
Retired Partner Big 4 Accounting Firm
First Appointed on 28 March 2002
Chia Eng Soon
Venerable Leong Hwa Monastery
First Appointed on 28 March 2002
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Finance and Funding The Society receives funding from the government and the public in the form of
donations. The public includes corporates, foundations and individuals. In addition, two of its centres
collect school fees from the provision of child or student care services but the families receive
subsidies from the government depending on their household income. The Society also collects
nominal fees for some of its programmes and services.
The two bankers of the Society are United Overseas Bank Limited and DBS Limited.
Financial results: Restricted Unrestricted Total
$ $ $
Income from generating funds
Voluntary income
- Donations - tax exempt 734,000 120,000 854,000
- non tax exempt 247,000 36,000 283,000
- Investment income 32,000 34,000 66,000
Income from charitable activities
Voluntary income
- Government funding 674,000 326,000 1,000,000
- Tote Board funding 687,000 0 687,000
Counselling and programme fee 9,000 17,000 26,000
School fee 0 202,000 202,000
Other income 57,000 169,000 226,000
Total income 2,440,000 904,000 3,344,000
Expenditure
Cost of charitable expenses 1,097,000 704,000 1,801,000
Governance and other admin costs 31,000 13,000 44,000
Total expenditure 1,128,000 717,000 1,845,000
Surplus for the year 1,312,000 187,000 1,499,000
Reserves
Restricted funds
- Endowment 3,583,000
- Others 11,000
- Designated 2,579,000
Total restricted funds 6,173,000
Unrestricted funds 1,624,000
Total reserves as at 31 December 2014 7,797,000
Unrestricted funds/total operating expenditure 0.88 years
Further details can be found in our audited financial statements, audited by Fiducia LLP. The Society
has adopted the Charity Accounting Standard from 1 January 2013.
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Reserve policy It is the Society’s desire to build up its reserve of unrestricted funds to meet two years’
operating expenditure and any surplus will be transferred in the following year.
Endowment Fund The Fund was established to receive bequests, gifts and donations and transfer
from unrestricted fund that is in excess of two years’ operating expenditure, to strengthen the
financial position of the Society and to enable the Society to use the return from investment of the
Fund to launch sustainable community projects.
It is the Society’s intention to build up an endowment fund of $10 million.
While the capital is not available for general use, the investment returns from the Fund and or part of
the capital, can be used to fund community projects and initiatives where the Society can make a
significant contribution and which are truly important, meaningful and in keeping with the Society’s
mission.
Since 1 January 2012, the return from investment has been credited to the Endowment Fund.
Society’s Assets The Society does not own any properties. It is the Society’s intention to use the Lights
of Hope Centre (which is owned by Leong Hwa Monastery) for charitable purposes consistent with its
mission. In the meanwhile, the place is being rented out by Leong Hwa Monastery and the Society
receives a share of the rental income.
The Society owns a van used largely to provide transport to our chronically ill children under the Viriya-
KK Children’s Hospital HomeCare Programme.
Future Capital Commitments In the next twelve months, with approval from the Early Childhood
Development Agency, we will re-configure the existing Whispering Hearts Infant & Child Care Centre
into a full-fledged child care centre to cater to the high demand for child care services in the vicinity
where we operate. We will also be exploring with Pioneer Constituency to set up a new student care
centre, again to meet unmet demand of the residents. We will continue to source for projects as well
as respond to tenders called by MSF for new projects, subject to having sustainable financial and
human capital.
From 1 January 2015, the operations of Whispering Hearts Family Service Centre and Whispering
Hearts Student Care Centre have been subsumed under the Society to better leverage on our human
resources to achieve operational efficiency and effectiveness. The Society will continue with the
remaining cyclical maintenance and extension works of the family service centre.
The Road Ahead We remain committed to our vision and mission of caring for the community with
compassion and concern. We will invest the matching grant received from the government under the
Care and Share Movement in building capability and capacity as well as in new or enhanced existing
programmes to meet the future needs of the community.
More importantly, we will remain guided by the teachings of Lord Buddha, in particular in embracing
and practising compassion and loving kindness for the less fortunate in society. Our hope for a better
society for all humanity remains.
Management The Executive Director is given the responsibilities of implementing policies and
directions set out by the management committee. Ms Evelyn Lai has held this position since 1 April
2009.
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Viriya Community Services (VCS) was founded by Leong Hwa Monastery.
Whispering Hearts Family Service Centre (WHFSC) opened its doors to serve the residents in Jurong West.
Whispering Hearts Student Care Centre (WHSCC) began taking care of school-going children aged 7 to 14 while their parents are at work.
Sharing & Caring for You was initiated to provide monthly food rations to needy families.
LHCST – NKF Dialysis Centre was set up and provides dialysis treatment for patients through 18 dialysis stations.
2001
2002 2003
2005 Whispering Hearts Infant & Child Care Centre
(WHICC) began providing infant and child care
services, focusing on children from low income
families.
My Centre @ Moulmein (MCM) serves residents
and senior citizens residing in Moulmein-Kallang
GRC and promotes a positive image on aging,
intergenerational and family bonding.
Lilies on the River (LOTR) was VCS’ flagship fund raising event from 2003 to 2006. Donors adopted hundreds of thousands of lilies which were then floated down the Singapore River.
Viriya Children’s Education Fund (VCEF) was launched to motivate children in VCS programmes to achieve academic excellence through scholarships. The fund was later expanded to include bursaries to recognise good improvements of our children.
Viriya Children’s Medical Fund (VCMF) was set up to
help low income families with children who require
long term medical care with financial and emotional
support.
2013 Viriya Elderly Medical Fund (VEMF) was modelled
after the successful VCMF and extends care and
concern through financial and socio-emotional
support to elderly patients.
Viriya Family Service Centre (VFSC) is VCS’ second
family service centre, serving residents of Potong
Pasir and Joo Seng.
VCS Milestones
Viriya – KK Children’s Hospital HomeCare Programme is a partnership between VCS and KK Children's Hospital to provide chronically ill children with required medical equipment and financial assistance for them to receive medical treatment and care in their homes.
Dreams began operations as a youth drop-in centre providing programmes and services for youths through preventive, developmental and remedial interventions.
2004
2010
Since VCS was founded in 2001, the Society has kept true to its mission to bring joy and enhance the quality of
life by providing care and assistance to families and individuals in need of support regardless of race and
religion. We trace our growth below, introducing the significant projects that have been developed through
the various centres to reach out to the young and old alike.
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2014 Highlights
VCS Community Day
(8 March 2014)
VCS staff set their green thumbs a-twiddling as
they made terrariums on VCS Community Day.
Funds raised from the adoption of the terrariums
went towards supporting VCS’ programmes.
Viriya Family Service Centre Official Opening
(7 September 2014)
Staff and beneficiaries worked hand in hand to
make the official opening of VFSC a memorable
event. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was our
guest of honour and together with the Patron of
VFSC, Mr Sitoh Yih Pin, officiated the official
opening ceremony.
Code of Social Work Practice (CSWP)
(February 2014)
WHFSC was one of four agencies selected to pilot
CSWP. WHFSC will assist to test out the proposed
code and provide ground inputs to MSF. CSWP will
progressively be introduced to all family service
centres to standardise and improve their services.
VCS Website Revamp
(August 2014)
VCS’ website, www.viriya.org.sg, received a
facelift. Apart from a brand new user-interface,
navigation of the website has been simplified.
Users should find the website more informative
and user-friendly.
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Lantern of Hope
(7 September 2014)
In conjunction with the official opening of VFSC,
members of the public adopted lanterns in
support of the Viriya MediAssist Fund and the
other medical funds by VCS. 30 large red lanterns
were adopted with a minimum donation of $5,000
each in support of the event. 4,800 small lanterns
were also adopted and displayed during the
official opening of VFSC, forming a brilliant display
across the ceiling and around the neighbourhood.
Extension and Cyclical Maintenance of WHFSC
(November 2014)
Extension and cyclical maintenance works began at
WHFSC. With the extension and cyclical
maintenance, WHFSC will be able to accommodate
more staff and thus provide better services to
more clients.
VCS Corporate Video
(7 September 2014)
VCS unveiled its corporate video during the official
opening of VFSC. The corporate video introduces
the various programmes and services of VCS. It can
be viewed on VCS’ website.
VCS Community Song “Sing Happy”
(7 September 2014)
Composed and written by Mr Derrick Tham, 2012
COMPASS Young Composer of the Year recipient,
“Sing Happy” made its debut at the official opening
of VFSC. The song aims to bring joy and bond the
community.
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Viriya-KK Children’s Hospital HomeCare Programme
“My child is fully dependent on me for every aspect of his daily life. Even feeding is a tedious
process that takes place through a feeding tube in his stomach. The Viriya-KK Children’s Hospital
HomeCare Programme provides us with breathing apparatus and medicines so that I can take
care of him at home.”
– Mother of beneficiary who was born with a hole in his heart, fingers fused together, different
sized kidneys and Down syndrome.
VCS started the Viriya-KK Children’s Hospital
HomeCare Programme in February 2004.
Marrying the medical expertise and care from KK
Women’s and Children’s Hospital with our
financial, community and emotional support, the
programme allows chronically ill children to
receive quality medical care in the comfort and
warmth of their own homes.
The programme provides the children with medical
equipment, allowing them to receive essential
medical assistance and treatment at home instead
of the hospital. This also helps families better
handle their financial stress.
“My son is prone to infections and had to be admitted to hospital every 10 days for the first
two years of his life. Thanks to the Viriya-KK Children’s Hospital HomeCare Programme, we
now have the essential medical machines at home. His hospital visits have now been reduced
to once every three months.”
– Mother of beneficiary who was diagnosed at birth with MCEP2 Duplication Syndrome,
Epilepsy, Autism, Mental Disability and breathing issues.
As of December 2014
VCS has contributed
$1.82 million to the programme and assisted more
than 500 medically ill children from
low income families
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Viriya Children’s Medical Fund
VCMF outing to Gardens by the Bay
Since December 2010, surplus from operations of
Whispering Hearts Student Care Centre (WHSCC)
has been channelled to Viriya Children’s Medical
Fund (VCMF) to help families with children
requiring long term medical attention cope with
the greater financial and caregiving challenges.
In the last four years, VCS has been working closely
with the 2 main paediatric hospitals, KK Women’s
and Children’s Hospital and the National University
Hospital to identify and offer help to children and
their caregivers. Our beneficiaries include children
suffering from chronic conditions such as global
developmental delay, epilepsy and muscular
dystrophy, as well as shorter term conditions
arising from accidents or injuries.
VCMF recipients attended
2 support group sessions
2 workshops
2 outings
4 disbursement sessions
VCMF recipients also received
back to school packs to prepare them for
the new school year
In 2014, the programme was enhanced to better
meet the needs of the families. The financial
disbursements were given out regularly in
conjunction with fun and meaningful activities for
the beneficiaries and their caregivers. Outings
were also organised to Gardens by the Bay and
Labrador Park. Our social workers continue to work
closely with the families throughout the year,
providing case management support to holistically
address their challenges. The caregivers’ support
group also provides the caregivers with a support
network that they can turn to.
VCMF clients
In 2014
104 children and their families received
financial and case management support
$103,840 were disbursed
$245,000 of surplus from the operations of
WHSCC was channelled to VCMF
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Viriya Children’s Education Fund
20
16
0
5
10
15
20
25
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
No
. of
Rec
ipie
nts
Year
Number of VCEF Recipients since Inception
Scholarships Education Fund (Only established in 2013)
VCEF recipients receiving their awards during
Whispering Hearts Year End Concert – Together as One
Viriya Children’s Education Fund (VCEF) was set up
to motivate and support children under our care in
striving for greater academic success.
Recipients of VCEF achieved significant
improvements in their results, reflective of their
drive and determination towards their academic
pursuits. The recipients of Viriya-Sunray Education
Fund achieved notable improvements in their core
subjects whereas recipients of the Viriya-KPMG
Scholarship Fund and Viriya-Ong Kim Long
Scholarship scored ‘A’ for all core subjects.
We are indeed very pleased that the number of
recipients has increased over the years.
In 2014
20 children and youths were awarded
scholarships worth
$20,000
16 children and youths received education
funds worth
$8,000
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Whispering Hearts Infant & Child Care Centre
Whispering Hearts Infant & Child Care Centre (WHICC) provides children from 2 months old to 6 years old with a safe and conducive environment and stimulation to grow holistically to their fullest potential.
WHICC works closely with WHFSC to provide care and further financial assistance to children from low income families. The centre provides priority enrolment for disadvantaged children assessed to require care from the centre. In 2014, 12% of the children we cared for were from disadvantaged families.
In 2014
WHICC maintained average enrolment of
51 children and attained the
Healthy Eating in Child Care Centre Award 2014
100% of the teachers were trained and
qualified as early childhood practitioners
Fortnightly internal consultations and training were conducted to ensure quality of services
provided by teachers
Integrated Academic Lessons WHICC ensures children have a proper foundation in their academics. Enhanced language and literacy classes, conducted in English and Mandarin, take place bi-weekly. Numeracy classes provide children with a head start in Mathematics while Science and Discovery introduces the children to the wonders of Science.
Lessons in WHICC are also structured around themes, with other activities, outings and excursions revolving around the same theme so as to present a comprehensive learning package for the children.
Outings and Excursions WHICC regularly brings the children for outings and excursions. In 2014, the children went to:
- HealthZone @ Health Promotion Board - NTUC Supermarket - Pizza Hut Kitchen Tour - Singapore Zoological Gardens - “Out of a Box” Play @ Esplanade - Civil Defence Heritage Museum
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Outdoor and Indoor Activities Mindful that the children are in their developmental years, WHICC includes plenty of activities which enhance their gross and fine motor skills. Children are encouraged to nurture adequate self-help skills, taking on simple tasks such as feeding themselves or clearing up after meals.
WHICC frequently involves parents in its programmes. Parents have helped to contribute fruits for a fruit salad making session by the children, gather and share articles on current affairs for class discussions and provide materials for a family photograph sharing session.
Additional Curriculum Children in WHICC benefit from a host of educational activities such as reading programmes, show and tell, as well as discussions on current issues.
Story Telling
Story telling sessions are conducted with the use of books and electronic devices such as laptops and tablets. The sessions are designed to stimulate the children mentally, socially and emotionally.
Personal Hygiene
Good hygiene skills are cultivated in the children through mandatory daily habits such as brushing teeth and washing hands.
Music & Movement
The language of music evokes movement, which is essential for children’s development and growth. Through rhymes and songs, musical games, and musical instruments, the children in WHICC have fun and engaging sessions weekly.
Creative Arts
Fine motor skills are cultivated through art sessions that involve painting, printing, making of collages, and other artistic ventures. Children are also encouraged to express their creativity as well as develop a sense of responsibility by taking part in the decorating and setting up of a fish tank for WHICC’s new pet fishes!
Festivals and Celebrations Apart from being valuable opportunities to teach the children about the multiple festivals celebrated in Singapore, the fun-filled celebrations are enjoyable activities for both teachers and children.
- Children’s Day cum Mini Sports Day - Chinese New Year - Christmas - Deepavali - Father’s Day - Hari Raya Puasa - Intergenerational Bonding with Elderly from My Centre @ Moulmein - Mid-Autumn Festival - Mother’s Day - National Day
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Whispering Hearts Student Care Centre
17.1%
5.4%
9.9%
8.1%
14.4%
45.0%
Household Income of WHSCC Students
$0.00 to $1,000 $1,001 to $2,000 $2,001 to $3,000
$3,001 to $4,000 $4,001 to $5,000 Above $5,000
I want to thank the teachers for taking care of
us and bringing us out for learning journeys. I
also want to thank them for helping our
parents not worry about us. I hope that my
friends will come and join me here.
– WHSCC student
Whispering Hearts Student Care Centre (WHSCC)
provides before and after school care for children
aged 7 to 14 years. Beyond academic excellence,
WHSCC strives to inculcate activities and learning
experiences to mould the children’s characters.
In line with VCS’ mission to help those in need,
WHSCC reserves 10% of the vacancies to give
priority enrolment to children from
disadvantaged backgrounds served by
Whispering Hearts Family Service Centre.
WHSCC students enjoyed the following outings and festival celebrations in 2014.
- Chinese Drumming Workshop @ Esplanade
- Chinese New Year
- Christmas Party @ Singapore Discovery Centre
- Currencies Around the World @ National Technological University
- Deepavali
- Good Friday
- Hari Raya Puasa
- Kite Flying @ the park
- Learning Journey to NEWater Visitor Centre
- Mid-Autumn Festival - National Day Celebrations
- Octoburst Children Festival 'Something Very Far Away'@ Esplanade
In 2014
WHSCC maintained an average enrolment of
111 students
92% of the students passed the internal
diagnostic tests
84% scored a minimum of 80 marks by the
end of the year
18% of students achieved distinctions for all
core subjects in their schools' examinations
and qualified for the VCEF scholarships
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Keyboard lessons and life-skills workshops
conducted by volunteers
Fund raising jumble sale and CANtribute for SPCA
Whispering Hearts Student Care Centre
Aside from academic, WHSCC structures its programmes around the following domains:
Aesthetics and Crafts
Apart from craft work during the school
holidays, interested students also take
calligraphy lessons taught by students from
River Valley High School.
Music
Musically inclined students can participate in
weekly keyboard classes. Volunteers from
National Junior College conduct the lessons
with patience and expertise, fuelling the
students’ enthusiasm in the musical field.
Social Awareness
To ensure that they are kept abreast of current
affairs, the students at WHSCC are actively
engaged through project work on current
affairs. Students are split into groups to
research on topics such as “Compare
Electronic Games with Real Life Games”, and
thereafter, present their findings to the class.
The students also take part in community
involvement projects, and in year 2014, they
did a jumble sale and collected canned food
for SPCA. Educational trips were also
organised.
Personal Development
Well-rounded development is highly
encouraged at WHSCC through life skills
workshops and buddy support groups. After
learning journeys, volunteers also help to
conduct workshops to help students reinforce
and recap their learnings.
Physical Education
Adding innovative elements to the
conventional physical activity sessions, WHSCC
students had the opportunity to learn basic
techniques of playing table tennis from
National Junior College volunteers. The boys
were also delighted to be taught basic wushu
steps, giving them a taster of traditional
Chinese martial arts.
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Dreams
TAP activities and outings
After a few laser sessions
to remove stigmatising
tattoos
Established in 2004 initially as a youth drop in centre, Dreams continues engaging the youths in the community
through Project New Leaf and Teens Action Project.
Project New Leaf
Project New Leaf (PNL) helps wayward youths who face
difficulties in their educational or vocational pursuits due
to the presence of stigmatising tattoos on their bodies.
Apart from providing professional laser tattoo removal
services, our social workers also conduct casework and
counselling with the youths and involve them in the
community.
Teens Action Project
Established in 2013, Teens Action Project (TAP) reaches out
to youths aged 13 to 18 in Jurong West. Through weekly
outreach sessions, youth workers patrol the streets
regularly to engage youths loitering around and introduce
them to TAP.
TAP youth workers work closely with NTU volunteers to
conduct weekly mentoring sessions. The volunteers tutor
the youths in their academic studies while youth workers
guide the youths through their individual challenges.
In year 2014, the NTU volunteers also organised an
educational trip to Kent Ridge Park, Reflections at Bukit
Chandu, a kite-making session followed by kite-flying
outing to Marina Barrage as well as the NEWater Visitor
Centre. The year ended with a trekking expedition in
Labrador Nature Reserve and a barbeque at the Park.
In 2014
8 youths went through
32 sessions of tattoo removals and
36 counselling sessions
Through 88 hours of community services, the
youths were also guided towards positive
engagements
In 2014
Youth workers had 130 sessions of outreach
to engage youths on the streets
52 youths were engaged in 37 weekly
mentoring sessions
The youths also participated in
3 outings and 6 discussion sessions
60% of TAP youths qualified for Viriya
Children’s Education Fund
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WHFC training sessions and matches
Dance Shuffles practice sessions and
debut performance
In 2014
7 youths joined Dance Shuffles and
participated in 20 training sessions
Dance Shuffles made its debut performance at
Whispering Hearts Year End Concert
2014
TAP’s football interest group, Whispering
Hearts Football Club (WHFC), continues to
flourish and grow in strength and skills in its
second year. At the weekly Friday training
sessions at Boon Lay Secondary School,
volunteer coaches from Nanyang Police
Division work together with TAP youth
workers to ensure that the training also
focuses on character development and
teamwork.
Dance Shuffles, TAP’s dance interest group
was kick-started in August 2014 to nurture
the interest of the TAP youths in dance. A
volunteer dance instructor helped to train
the youths in the basics of hip hop dance
before their debut performance during the
Whispering Hearts Year End Concert on 29
November 2014.
Teens Action Project
In 2014
WHFC trained
26 youths during 28 training sessions and
participated in 12 Delta League and Ace
League matches
1 youth won the Character Excellence
Award and 1 youth was nominated for the
Promising Character Award at the
Ace Football Awards Night
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My Centre @ Moulmein
154
10093 93
73
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
Mind Games Foot Reflexology Karaoke Stepping Out Learn My Dialect
Top 5 Activities
No. of Sessions
Talks Conducted in 2014
- General Awareness of Cancer
- Grief Management
- Low Vision and Coping with Low Vision
- Nutrition and Hydration
- Osteoporosis
- Table Manners
- Stepping Out Health Talk
- Urinary Incontinence Intergenerational activity
and pot luck party
My Centre @ Moulmein (MCM) organises
meaningful activities and programmes to engage
the elderly in Moulmein and Whampoa South
Constituencies.
Through the activities, MCM encourages its
members to maintain active hearts and active
minds as they age.
In 2014
353 elderly were engaged through MCM
activities
On a monthly basis, an average of 108
elderly were actively involved in MCM
programmes
782 sessions of regular activities amounting
to 1,744 hours were organised
Apart from fun activities, such as pot luck parties,
and celebrations of festivals such as Lunar New
Year, Mid-Autumn festival and Christmas, MCM
organises various talks of interest to the elderly.
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Stepping Out exercise session and fall prevention
talk
LMD lesson and volunteer focus group
discussion
Stepping Out into Active Life Programme
The Stepping Out into Active Life programme, a collaboration between MCM and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, is an exercise programme aimed at helping the elderly prevent falls. Nurses, physiotherapists and doctors first screen participants to assess their health conditions and gauge their suitability for the exercise. They also advise elderly participants on actions to be taken to prevent falls.
Learn My Dialect
Learn My Dialect (LMD) aims to reduce language
barriers and enhance intergenerational
communication between the younger generations
and elderly Singaporeans who can only
understand dialects.
Elderly volunteers are recruited and trained to
teach dialect lessons to LMD students, who are
healthcare students from educational institutions,
healthcare workers from day care centres and
nursing homes as well as working adults from
public services.
In 2014 93 sessions of Stepping Out related activities
were conducted, averaging 1 ¾ hours per
session
166 hours of fall prevention related
assistance were given to the elderly
In 2014
33 volunteers conducted
136 sessions of LMD for
569 students from
13 organisations
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Viriya Elderly Medical Fund
VEMF disbursement gatherings and
lunch outing to Dignity Kitchen
Top 3 Medical Conditions Afflicting VEMF Clients 1 Diabetes
2 High Cholesterol
3 High Blood Pressure
Viriya Elderly Medical Fund (VEMF) helps elderly
inflicted with various medical conditions and
lacking in social and financial support.
Financial assistance helps the elderly cope with
medical expenses including transport, TCM
treatment and other consumables.
Social workers help to work with eldercare
agencies and hospitals to provide community care
for the elderly. Case management services are
also provided to the beneficiaries.
In 2014
65 elderly received
$41,550 for their medical needs
4 disbursement gatherings were held at
MCM
Staff and volunteers conduct activities tailored to
the preference of the elderly during the
disbursement gatherings. In 2014, one such
activity was the memory game which encouraged
the elderly to identify and share memories of
prominent old landmarks as presented through
old photographs. Our beneficiaries also went to
Dignity Kitchen for lunch. Furthermore, our
volunteers also helped the elderly to understand
the Pioneer Generation Package.
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Viriya Family Service Centre
1% 4%
12%
4%
9%
70%
Presenting Issues of Cases in 2014
Violence(Family/Partner)
Housing/Shelter
Family Issues
Health & Medical
Children & Youth
Financial Matters
In 2014
245 clients approached VFSC for help
560 families were supported through
casework and counselling
$7,835 worth of School Pocket Money
Fund was administered
Viriya Family Service Centre (VFSC) provides social
support relating to the family through the
provision of a suite of services, predominantly
through casework and counselling services, aimed
at achieving independence, resilience and stability
for the families at Potong Pasir and Joo Seng.
VFSC also organises activities suitable for both the
young and the old. Children can participate in
programmes such as Character First, Citi-South
East MoneyWise Savings Programme, Financial
Literacy workshops and holiday drop-in
programmes while parenting workshops,
Enhancing Positive Changes workshops and
elderly parties are organised for the adults and
elderly.
100% of referred clients were successfully matched with appropriate services
97% of clients indicated satisfaction with VFSC through client feedback form
97% of clients reported an improved ability to manage issues on their own
98% of clients achieved enhanced relationship/network that improves their situation
91% of clients saw an improvement in their problem solving/coping skills
VFSC reached out to 1,829 participants
through 75 hours of activities and events
organised with the help of 182 volunteers
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Ribbon cutting ceremony and mooncake
making during VFSC official opening
Character First activities and workshops
VFSC received a makeover for its official
opening on 7 September 2014. A 50-foot long
display board was set up along the corridor,
proudly displaying a timeline of the
milestones and achievements of VCS since its
founding in 2001.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was officiated by
our guest of honour, Prime Minister Lee Hsien
Loong, and VFSC Patron Mr Sitoh Yih Pin. As
the event fell on the weekend of the Mid-
Autumn Festival, PM Lee and Mr Sitoh made
mooncakes with two of our beneficiaries and
their families.
Character First
Character First is conducted by trained volunteers
from City Developments Limited (CDL). Character
First aims to teach and share positive character
traits with children. These values are imparted
through stories, applications, art and craft as well
as games, with the objective of motivating and
guiding the children to become responsible adults
in future. The programme started in April 2014
and an average of 16 children attended each
session.
25 children registered for Character First
Besides character building, the children also
attended:
- Financial Literacy Workshop
- Mind-Mapping Workshop
- June School Holidays Programme
- Learn My Dialect Sessions
- Pancake/ Sandwich Making Sessions
VFSC Official Opening
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Whispering Hearts Family Service Centre
3%
14%
17%
6%
1%35%
10%
6%
8%
Presenting Issues of Cases in 2014
Youth Issues/Child Behaviour
Health & Medical
Family Violence
Psycho-emotional
Others
Financial Issues
Family/Marital Issues
Housing/Shelter
Parenting/ Child Management
Whispering Hearts Family Service Centre
(WHFSC) continues providing enhanced
Information and Referral and Casework and
Counselling as its core services to the
residents in Boon Lay, Nanyang and Pioneer
Constituencies.
WHFSC engages residents through
community support programmes such as
Bright Owl Project, Women Inc. and
Enhancing Positive Changes and activities
such as CANtribute.
In 2014
739 clients approached WHFSC for help
2,208 families were supported through
casework and counselling
$121,335 worth of School Pocket Money
Fund was administered
100% of referred clients were successfully matched with appropriate services
91% of clients indicated satisfaction with VFSC through client feedback form
83% of clients reported an improved ability to manage issues on their own
98% of clients achieved enhanced relationship/network that improves their situation
92% of clients saw an improvement in their problem solving/coping skills
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Women Inc. activities
BOP activities
Canned food collection for CANtribute 2014
Bright Owl Project
Bright Owl Project (BOP) mentors and supports primary school children academically. Both parents and children are actively engaged via family outings, field trips, life-skills workshops, literacy and numeracy workshops, parenting workshops, parent-mentor meetings and focus group discussions to support the children holistically.
In 2014
39 children were enrolled
64 mentoring sessions were conducted
$14,000 was channelled into the
programme
Women Inc. Women Inc. supports women in the programme by building their capabilities through enhancing social network, mutual emotional support, skills training and income generating opportunities. Through the programme, our women generate income to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.
In 2014
56 women registered
49 activity sessions were organised
CANtribute 2014 CANtribute 2014, WHFSC’s annual canned food collection event, was held in May 2014. Volunteers collected canned food donations for distribution to needy families in Jurong West.
In 2014
70 student volunteers from Jurong Junior
College and River Valley High School
4,300 families were engaged
11,420 cans of food were collected
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LHCST-NKF Dialysis Centre
LHCST-NKF Dialysis Centre provides haemodialysis treatment to kidney patients and promotes maintenance of their physical well-being through rehabilitative facilities. Patients from the centre joined VCS staff on VCS Community Day 2014 in making terrariums.
LHCST-NKF Dialysis Centre
EPC outing to The Escape Artist
EPC Topics for 2014 January One Team, One Family
February Parenting Teens
March My Child is a Star
April Managing Conflicts
May Me and My Habit vs the World
June Health Screening
July Financial Literacy
August Secrets of Happy Marriage
September How to Help Your Child Prepare for Exams
October Worldwide Web at Your Fingertips
November How to be Happy
December Family Bonding @ The Escape Artist
In 2014
$20,000 was contributed and
106 patients received treatment
Enhancing Positive Changes
Enhancing Positive Changes (EPC) helps participants discover their inner strengths to better manage their daily stressors and life challenges through a series of talks and workshops each month.
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Acknowledgement: We are very grateful to many of you, including our dedicated staff, for your true spirit of giving to
benefit others. We also appreciate the support and guidance from Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Patron of My Centre @ Moulmein,
Mr Sitoh Yih Pin, Patron of Viriya Family Service Centre, and Mr Cedric Foo, Patron of Whispering Hearts Family Service
Centre.
Reported by: Ms Jenny Lim
President
20 March 2015
Our Mission: Viriya Community Services aims to bring joy and enhance the quality of life by providing care and assistance
to families and individuals in need of support regardless of race and religion.
Registered office:
72 Shrewsbury Road Singapore 307837
Tel: 6256 1311 Fax: 6251 7797
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.viriya.org.sg
Online donation: www.sggives.org/vcs