Timid and shy, Fun did not seek immediate help after being sexually assaulted by her supervisor. Being afraid of facing the reality by disclosing the painful nightmare to her husband and friends, she chose to keep silent, and only write it down in her diary.

Her husband eventually found out the case and reported it to the police. However, the traumatised Fun could not express herself clearly. "With the help of RainLily’s counselors, I managed to talk about my own feelings and thoughts more clearly. The counselors were thoughtful and considerate, and understood the anxiety and distress I felt towards the judicial process." After several counseling sessions, Fun gradually built up her confidence. Regardless of the repeated interrogation in the court, she was brave enough to stand up for herself.

The prosecution failed and Fun blamed herself for the bad performance in court. She felt she disappointed all people who had supported her, and afraid that people might consider her a liar. RainLily’s counselors come to her rescue and encouraged her to participate in the therapeutic group. "I felt the trust and acceptance of others. I rediscovered my value and much more relieved.”

Extract from “Lucky To Have You” (March 2012) published by Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women, the member social welfare agency of The Community Chest of Hong Kong.

Suffering from dementia, Yee-ling’s mother used to eat all the time and claimed she was still hungry after taking in her 8th bowl of rice. This made the 60-year-old daughter feeling very frustrated and helpless. “We have tried almost everything. Taking pictures and videos, showing her the used utensils etc. But nothing worked. If I refuse to give her food, she will wail and shout and accuse me of not respecting her who gave life to me and raised me up.” Yee-ling felt deeply hurt.

Subvented by The Community Chest, “Brain Care Octopus” is a tailor-made service operated by Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service for the community–dwelling elderly with early dementia. By adopting case management approach, “Brain Care Octopus” provides multi-disciplinary services to the elderly, including medical diagnosis, cognitive training, home modification and long term care planning. In addition, the programme also offers training, counseling and stress relief activities to caregivers and helps them improve their confidence.

Yee-ling said that her mother had made significant progress after participating in the scheme. She could finally remember Yee-ling’s phone number, identify the various buttons to be more focus and become much happier than before. Moreover, Yee-ling had joined a peer support group. "We understand each other since we all take care of elderly who suffer from dementia. I feel glad because I am not alone." Yee-ling said.

Despite her dementia condition, Yee-ling’s mother once mentioned to the social worker her appreciation towards the loving daughter. Facing the many difficulties, Yee-ling is still determined to do her utmost to take care of her mother.

Extract from “Faith” (January 2012) published by Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service-Hong Kong, the member social welfare agency of The Community Chest of Hong Kong

The active and energetic little girl Karen suddenly became paralyzed and wheelchair-bound. Her parents became very miserable, “We couldn’t accept the doctor's diagnosis.” Mrs Chan recalled the heart-wrenching moment when she and her husband nearly collapsed.

The tragedy did not break Karen’s will. She started to learn using her wheelchair and take care of her own needs. "My little girl became more mature and independent." This also helped the Chans face their challenges with more courage. With the help of "Care for the Carers" service provided by Hong Kong PHAB Association, the Chans were more equipped in creating a more wheelchair-friendly environment at home and overcoming the obstacles in Karen’s school campus. Their quality of life was also effectively enhanced.

“I must thank the social worker for reminding me to encourage Karen stay in touch with the community and regain her confidence. Her self-esteem was re-established when she started to offer voluntary tutorial to another disabled child.” To focus on taking care of Karen, Mrs Chan gave up her career and social life. The centre’s interest groups, volunteer programmes and social activities have helped Mrs Chan rebuild her community networks and a positive outlook.

Extract from “Togetherness-Stories of 8 Care-givers of People with Physical Disability” (May 2012) published by Hong Kong PHAB Association, the member social welfare agency of The Community Chest of Hong Kong

In the past, Mui’s life was a total chaos. She often considered herself a victim of the cruel reality, and that life was meaningless. Unemployed and divorced, “life seems without any direction”, the single mother said.

In the “Psychological Health Project for Single Parents”, Mui participated in a wide range of activities and workshops. With the support from peer and social workers, she regained her confidence and self-esteem. “I believe in my capability and my dancing skills.” Though she has not fully recovered from the painful past, she has become stronger and realized that happiness can be found everywhere in her life.

Like a small boat in the ocean, Mui has determined to go with her son to a destination of hope and happiness. She hopes to find a safe haven and build a positive future.

Extract from “Share the Beautiful Life” (December 2011) published by Hong Kong Single Parents Association, the member social welfare agency of The Community Chest of Hong Kong.

For Kai Cheung, mobile phone was probably the greatest invention as he could always call his father for help whenever he is lost.

Despite his mild mental disability, Kai Cheung is a cheerful and optimistic person. However, he is afraid of strangers and has a poor sense of direction. “Once he was lost in the MTR. He was very frightened, and his fear of strangers was an impediment that prevented him from communicating with others,” said Kai Cheung’s father. “He could not seek help from others, could not identify where he was. In the end, I had to visit every single station along the MTR line to look for him. I was so sacred that I almost cried myself!”

Kai Cheung enrolled in the TREATS Integrated Youth Ambassadors Training Scheme and participated in their camping, charity flag selling activities, public performances and integration activities with students from mainstream schools. The experience reinforced his confidence in communicating with strangers and his ability to cope with new environment.

After months of training, he had successfully overcome his psychological obstacle. Eagerly embracing his new life, he wanted to meet more new friends and become connected with the society. “I won’t be afraid if I were bullied. I am ready. I want to be a part of the community.”

Extract from “Bringing Everyone Together – 30 Stories of TREATS” (November 2009) published by TREATS, the member social welfare agency of The Community Chest of Hong Kong.