Highlights In 2019
WINNER’s GRADUATION
During the first quarter of 2019, we were proud to witness the successful graduation of 3 WINners in our program.
Sherry
Sherry* who came into our residential program under State Court order, has gained confidence to converse in English, a language which she finds herself incompetent in at first and even discovered her flair for beauty skills that she acquired during her stay at the home.
Kelly
Kelly*, who faced rejection by her own family found acceptance in GEM and was glad to have mentors to guide and affirm her.
Isabelle
When Isabelle* first joined GEM in Sep 2018, she was apprehensive about adapting to the life at the home as she missed her family very much. She was eventually moved by the love, patience and acceptance shown to her by the staff and even learnt how to accept and respect people with differing opinions.
*names have been changed to protect their identities
KICKBOXING WORKOUTS
The Health Promotion Board (HPB) is a government organisation committed to promoting healthy living in Singapore. HPB partners with various organisation to bring free physical activity programs to the general public, one of which is kickboxing workouts. GEM took the opportunity to enrol the WINners in a 6-months kickboxing workout program, commencing Oct 2019, at Smyrna Assembly every Saturday afternoon. Although the WINners found the workouts physically demanding at times, they enjoyed the sessions as this is indeed a great way for them to sweat out and to give their body and mind that much-needed boost!
FUNDRAISING PROJECTS 2019
To help subsidise some of the operating costs in the running of our centre, we are constantly thinking up new ideas and projects to raise fund. One such project was a garage sale held at our premise on 30 Nov 2019. It was quite unfortunate that it should rained that afternoon which somewhat hampered the public turnout that day. However, we were not disheartened as part of the purpose of the project was to give the WINners an opportunity to be a part in contributing to the work of GEM so that they are able to appreciate the efforts put in to get the centre running.
Riding on the festive season, we also embarked on a handicrafts sale at a Christmas Carnival organised by Gek Poh CC on 15 Dec 2019 and at Blessed Grace Church on 22 &23 Dec 2019.
The WINNers put their creativity to work by mixing essential oils to create one of a kind perfume and handmade handicrafts. Their hard work paid off when to their amazement and delight, the perfume was a sold-out!
We are grateful to our community partners for graciously allowing us to use their premises to sell our crafts which help made our fundraising project a success!
