Mdm Rosilah, 40-year-old single mother, was in debt, had an unstable job, and carried the responsibility of raising her two young daughters alone. Despite her circumstances, she was motivated to gain financial independence and own a flat one day so that her daughters could have their own rooms. 

Seeking assistance, she found support through TOUCH Community Services' Home Ownership Plus Education (HOPE) scheme. With TOUCH's guidance, Mdm Rosilah learnt to manage her stressors, improve her parenting skills and grow in self-confidence. Her hard work and determination paid off when she found a full-time job as a teacher for students with special educational needs at a social service agency. With stable employment, Mdm Rosilah slowly paid her debts and saved enough in her Central Provident Fund (CPF) to buy a flat – a dream she has had for many years. 

As an active member of TOUCHpoint@Geylang Bahru, Mr Ng spends his days building meaningful friendships and engages in lively conversations with his peers and staff at the centre.

While Mr Ng appears jovial and carefree, life had not always been smooth sailing for him. Before he retired, Mr Ng worked hard as a hawker and market stall holder to support his family. He was also the sole caregiver to his bedridden wife until she passed on more than a decade ago. Shortly, his health deteriorated, and he was hospitalised. Fortunately, with help and support from TOUCH, he soon regained his strength and independence, and got back up on his feet.
Today, Mr Ng cherishes the simplicity of life and imparts his wisdom to youth volunteers visiting the centre, encouraging them to embrace life and the joy of connecting with others. 

A Journey of Love and Resilience 

Mr Chua Kian Seng's journey with his daughter, Yi Ting, who was born with hearing impairment and intellectual disability, embodies a parent’s love and determination. Mr Chua and his wife started learning simple sign language to bridge the communication barrier and communicate with Yi Ting better. 

With the help of friends and medical professionals, Mr Chua and his wife learnt about the Singapore School for the Deaf (SSD) and enrolled Yi Ting there. At SSD, Yi Ting learnt sign language, English, and simple Mathematics that she could use when buying food or groceries outside. Yi Ting also joined TOUCH Silent Club (TSC)’s mentorship programme and TOUCH Centre for Independent Living (TCIL), where she honed essential life skills and gained self-confidence through the weekly mobility training. Yi Ting was even given the opportunity to explore different jobs like meal delivery and cleaning through ad hoc job training. Proud of her growth, Mr Chua hopes to see his daughter, Yi Ting, become independent and eventually take up a job one day.

Felicia was under the care of a family friend before she moved back home to live with her parents at the age of 7. She soon found herself in a turbulent home environment where she had to step in as a mediator during her parents’ frequent fights. Coupled by academic stress and social comparison with her peers, Felicia’ negative thoughts spiralled out of control, leading to suicidal thoughts. Her aunty took notice of her self-harm behaviour and sent her to Institute of Mental Health. Felicia was subsequently enrolled into TOUCH Mental Wellness' SYiNC programme to receive counselling.

Felicia found solace in having a safe space to share her struggles and learn healthier coping mechanisms during the fortnightly counselling sessions. The active involvement of her father and the support of her counsellor, Ms Savrina Shahi, were pivotal in her recovery. Today, Felicia’s suicidal thoughts have greatly reduced and she has a stronger relationship with her father. Felicia aspires to live happier and healthier and to fulfil her dream of becoming a Forensic Psychologist one day.