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PPIS Newsletter January ’22

2022 is going to be a very special year.

 

PPIS will celebrate 70 wonderful years of heart and hard work – and we look forward to dedicating many more years to the women we serve.

 

We have come a long way in charting women’s progress for the past decades, and we are excited to see more women soar to even greater heights.

 

To the male allies who joined us in celebrating SG Women all of 2021, thank you. In 2022, we hope to see more of you.

 

As we ring out the old, let’s not forget the highs and lows of 2021 and draw the lessons from the experience so we can become better versions of ourselves in the future.

 

Here are my Top 3 PPIS highlights for 2021, which I proudly share with you:

 

1. Rise Above Halfway House is counting down the days until we welcome our first residents. This collaboration with Singapore Prison Service to establish Singapore’s first, secular halfway house for women is one that will remain top of our minds. Read more here.

 

2. PPIS submitted seven recommendations for Singapore’s review of women’s Issues in the hope of a gradual shift of mindsets on gender roles and norms. We also launched a RecovHER campaign to raise awareness for mental health and to support women who are on a journey to improve their mental wellness. Read about it on Straits Times or Berita Mediacorp.

 

3. New Name, New Identity, Same Commitment. PPIS Child Development Centre and PPIS Student Care Centre is now known as 7oaks Preschool and 7oaks Student Care. The refreshed image reflects our vision for the future. Check out our new look here.

 

COVID-19 brought with it challenges that we never thought would exist, but it also brought out the best in us, as well as a slew of opportunities we would have never dared to seize.

 

2022, it looks like we’ve got quite a list to beat! With the opening of the Rise Above Halfway House and Women’s Space, the wheels are certainly in motion.

 

PPIS has grown so much, and we appreciate your dedicated support for all these years. We will continue to root for the women we serve, and we look forward to celebrating our 70th anniversary throughout this year with you.

 

Here’s wishing you and yours the Happiest New Year and may 2022 always be on the up and up.

– President Hazlina Abdul Halim

 

Watch PPIS President’s New Year Message here:

 

2022 – started on a cool rainy note. It is the kind of weather which I appreciate. Away from the crowd and within my own space, it sets me reflecting. What a year 2021 had been. It was a year of uncertain normal. No longer the new normal or the next normal, but uncertain normal.

 

To survive the uncertain normal, we learn to be adaptive. That was how PPIS survived and thrived. Over the last two years, we developed new capabilities and strategies to address changes in the socio-educational landscape.

 

We adapt to circumstances, make necessary changes but at the same time stay focused to our core values. We could not have done this without the support of everyone who journeyed with us this past one year.

 

It was an opportunity for me and the Senior Management to practise adaptive leadership – one where we are quick to respond to changes.

 

The country may not be out of the woods, but we are grateful for positive signs of recovery and reaching the state of endemic.

 

We look forward to returning to office although on half-strength. We could now meet each other face-to-face in masks and keeping safe measures.

 

This year we look forward to new partnerships and collaborations. We look forward to celebrating the women who had journeyed with us as PPIS turns 70. May we continue to stay safe and healthy in 2022.

– Mdm Tuminah Sapawi, CEO

In conjunction with SG Cares Giving Week 2021, Shaping Futures with PPIS aims to raise $150,000 for our 7oaks Student Care centres which provided before and after school care services for school going children between 7 to 14 years old. At least 60% of these students require financial support. At our 7oaks Student Care centres, an array of programmes and enrichment activities are provided to supplement the children’s educational needs.

 

This campaign aims to provide children with the opportunity to obtain the enrichment classes, tuition programmes and holiday camps they deserve, allowing them to build a brighter future for themselves.

 

Let’s meet our young ambassador!

 

 

Meet Shan Ehan, our young Campaign Ambassador! 12-year-old Shan is the son of TV personality, Nurul Aini and husband, Sofian. In November, it was revealed that Shan had done a good deed in school by sharing his pocket money with his classmate who could not afford to get food. This January, he furthered his efforts in helping others by joining us as a Campaign Ambassador to raise funds for 7oaks Student Care.

 

“I decided to set up my own giving.sg page because I want my friends at the Student Care to continue receiving care before and after school’’ – Shan Ehan

 

From now till 31 Jan, you can support the campaign by clicking here to make a donation!

Scan this QR code to donate now!

 

To receive a tax deduction for PayNow donations, kindly email your name, NRIC no., and address together with a screenshot of your transaction number to donations@ppis.sg

 

For more information on the campaign, visit www.ppis.sg/shapingfutures

PPIS_1

“Wrinkles will only go where smiles have been.” – Jimmy Buffett

 

On 26 November, our Student Care Centres celebrated Grandparents’ Day virtually with 50 seniors from SPD@Toa Payoh. This virtual celebration was a collaboration between PPIS Student Care Centres and SportCares Youth Instructors, focusing on encouraging the seniors towards an active and healthy lifestyle.

 

Both Bedok and Jurong Student Care Centres came together for a fun-filled and active celebration, with PPIS CEO Mdm Tuminah Sapawi as Guest of Honour for the event. The event commenced with an inspiring speech by Mdm Tuminah who emphasised the importance of a healthy lifestyle, staying active and being socially engaged.

 

The participants then took part in hands-on activities and performances by the 7oaks students. The young children assembled creative videos showcasing dance performances, craftwork and participated avidly in the Fan decorating activity along with the seniors.

 

 

It was heart-warming and inspiring to see the effort and creativity shown by the children for this celebration. The activities developed the children’s level of compassion – a vital trait in their growth and development. Both children and the seniors thoroughly enjoyed the event.

 

We cannot heal the world for our children, but we can teach them to begin with a voice of compassion, a heart of love and an act of kindness.

 

Moving forward, PPIS will strive to continue working with other community partners and stakeholders to nurture compassionate and kind children and advocate active living for all ages.

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Rise Above – a safe space for women.

 

PPIS is partnering with the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) to set up Singapore’s first secular all-women residential halfway house, the Rise Above Halfway House (RAHWH). We aspire for this to be an inclusive space for women to live life with dignity and purpose, as they reintegrate back into society. Read more about it here.

 

On 6 Dec 2021, Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development, Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, had visited the premise together with PPIS President Mdm Hazlina Halim and SPS Commissioner Ms Shie Yong Lee.

 

 

The RAHWH aims to provide targeted intervention which is individualised, to strengthen the women’s resolution to lead a socially responsible lifestyle. By providing these women with gender-responsive and women-centric programmes, such as educational talks on women’s wellness, parenting, financial literacy and relationship support, we hope they will be able to focus on building connections, restoring relationships and strengthen their sense of self and social capital.

 

 

 

The event highlight which had MOS, PPIS President and SPS Commissioner putting on the finishing touches of a Kintsugi art piece, marked the start of the building’s upgrading works. It also symbolised the commitment between community partners towards strengthening the aftercare support and rehabilitation and social reintegration of women offenders.

From 8 October 2021 to 14 November 2021, PPIS held its second iteration of RecovHER to raise funds in support of women’s mental health. We are deeply grateful for the support of like-minded individuals who have come forward to stand in solidarity for this cause by raising over $70,000! We would also like to thank our sponsors and partners for their support of the campaign. We are moved by the show of support and together we will be able to do more for women’s mental health!

 

Shout out to our Major Cash Sponsors for the generous support!

 

 

Thank you MES Group!

“Uplifting and supporting the women in our society in dealing with unseen challenges is uplifting and heartwarming. Knowing that you have made a difference in a person’s life gives us satisfaction” – MES Group

 

 

 

Thank you TAQ Wealth Associates (TAQWA)!

“TAQWA believes in women as strong pillars of our society and remains proactive in creating a supportive platform for women to build their voices and build circles of trust. When we continue to raise each other up and channel the power of collaboration, we will develop a stronger community with the power to impact.” – TAQWA

 

Thank you for partnering us!

 

SHRI award

On 19 November 2021, the 15th Singapore Human Resources Awards Presentation Gala took place virtually. Singapore Human Resources Institute awarded Standards to participating organisations to recognise and celebrate their human resource’s efforts, agility and resilience in 2020.

 

PPIS is honoured and proud to be the recipient of the Bronze Standard for the Business Continuity Plan. This award displays the dedication of #OnePPIS to ensure a safe operating environment for staff and clients. We strive to sustain and improve as we transition into a new year with new challenges.

In this series, we share stories of PPIS staff who are driving a positive impact in our community as we strive in our mission to inspire women and strengthen families. This edition of the newsletter features five individuals who, in small, little ways every day, leave a positive impact on the lives of others. Read about them below!

Senior Director of PPIS Social Services, Mdm Azita Abdul Aziz was recognised as the longest serving staff (30 years) at the Long Service Award presentation in November. Her journey with PPIS began as a social worker. Today, she oversees the Social Services Division and SYM Academy.

 

When asked about her motivation for joining PPIS, Mdm Azita shared pull factors which include PPIS’ service model which centres on social work, as well as the opportunity for supervision and training, which has allowed her to grow professionally in both social work and leadership.

 

Mdm Azita hopes and aspires for women to feel safe and supported as though someone is journeying with them as they go through the process of sense-making, healing, empowering and arriving at that point that will give them peace.

 

“Finding what fits and works for them is essential as each woman is different.”

 

– Mdm Azita Abdul Aziz

Mdm Kalthom Kassim, Centre Supervisor at 7oaks Student Care Centre and recipient of PPIS Long Service Award 2021 has been with PPIS for over 20 years. Her dedication and commitment to shaping resilient children has touched the lives of many students over the years.

 

She manages the 7oaks Student Care Centre at Jurong in areas of operations and overall planning. Mdm Kalthom cares deeply about nurturing the students in self-expression, conflict resolution and to have compassion at a young age. This motivates her to organise activities to develop these traits.

 

“The key to being happy is accepting who you were, who you are and who you are going to be.”

 

– Mdm Kalthom Kassim

Ms Haslinna Kansani, INSPIRASI PPIS Senior Executive Assistant joined the organisation in 2011. The recipient of the 10-year Long Service Award in 2021, has been assisting young couples as they embark on the next phase of their lives. She spends her time at the centre providing support in the strengthening and reinforcing of relationships between young couples towards building a strong foundation in their marriage.

 

“I am grateful for the role I am in as it keeps me grounded and humble. As someone who has been in the social service for 10 years, I find the job meaningful as I get to serve the community and contribute to a better society.”

 

– Ms Haslinna Kansani

Ms Ain Raduan, 28, has been with PPIS Family Service Centre (East) for nearly 2 years after spending three years at PPIS As-Salaam. Ms Ain focuses on casework and counselling and occasionally conducts group work and client liaison to create a safe platform for clients to share their struggles.

 

A dedicated and empathetic staff, watching her journey with her clients through their trials and tribulations is a testament to her passion in social work.

 

“I hope that our clients would be able to grow with resilience and develop their own strengths through their own set of challenges. With each challenge, they are able to blossom and in turn able to enable the people around them as well.”

 

–  Ms Ain Riduan

Last but definitely not least, we have Mr Faiz Zulkiffley, a 28-year-old Social worker at Family Service Centre (East).

 

Mr Faiz provides counselling support to clients, links them and collaborates with other agencies to support his clients holistically. With a bright and outgoing personality and his love for interacting with people, he exudes a welcoming aura to his clients.

 

“Being able to provide a service to the community and helping to uncover and build on to the strengths of the community is what drives me in my work! The need to serve and protect others has always been ingrained in me since young. I have modelled myself after my father who works with the elderly. He is someone I look up to and was a key reason to why I decided to embark on this journey as a social work professional.”

 

– Mr Faiz Zulkiffley

PPIS announced as part of the network of 25 MMOs and 11 M³@Bandar

PPIS was announced as part of the network comprising 25 Malay/Muslim bodies (MMOs) and 11 M³@Bandar networks launched on 30 November 2021 in an effort to better protect the fate of at-risk individuals and families. Read about it here.

PPIS announces the first secular women’s halfway house

On 6 December 2021, PPIS hosted Minister of State (Home Affairs) A/P Dr Faishal Ibrahim at the newly-acquired premise for the Rise Above Halfway House, the first secular halfway house for women.  The halfway house is expected to open its doors to about 30 offenders in the second half of 2022. Read about it here.

President Hazlina’s sentiments on the Berita Harian Anugerah Jauhari 2021 recipients

PPIS President Mdm Hazlina emphasised on the importance of supporting women’s aspirations for women’s development and success, as well as how women are now excelling in diverse professions and fields. Read her quote here on Berita Harian.

PPIS as part of Alliance for Action (AfA) launched by MSF

PPIS will be working alongside other community partners as part of the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)’s Alliance for Action (AfA) to Strengthen Marriages and Family Relationships, an effort to motivate families, community partners and Singaporeans to work together towards strengthening family and marital ties. Read more about it here on Berita Harian.

PPIS’ New Year Resolutions

PPIS President Mdm Hazlina was interviewed by Berita MediaCorp for a new year’s special regarding PPIS plans and aspirations in 2022. Watch it on meWATCH.