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Dear
Residents,
A letter arrived in my in-tray today. It was from a resident who had
approached the CDC for help recently. I read it, and it really made
my day. Let me tell you why.
The resident had fallen into financial difficulties because she became
unemployed. She had hoped that the CDC could offer some assistance.
And this was her experience:
"I am glad to inform you that the fast and prompt help
from your staff had given me the help I needed to start with my employment
and part-time business...Your Social Service Officer visited my home,
knowing of my urgency to get help and your Employment Assistance Officer
helped in finding me a placement for interview with a hotel, which
I was lucky enough to get selected.
Your officers also helped me get a push cart booth at Junction 8 Bishan,
as I had spoken of my interest in selling my handicraft work...I had
received the $200 financial assistance to start work and the assistance
for power supply...To you all, I thank you. I hope this will be the
break I need to get me out of my financial difficulties. And if I
succeed, I owe my new beginning to the help I got".
I was elated when I read the letter. I am grateful to this resident
for taking the time to write the letter. This kind gesture means a
lot to my officers, who labour tirelessly each day to try and help
as best as they can.
I am glad that my officers at the CDC had done their work not only
professionally but caringly. They had gone the extra mile to understand
the needs of those who come to seek help, and had helped in ways that
strengthen the person rather than commit her to a life of dependency.
I am proud of them.
Most of all, I am encouraged by the spirit that this resident showed.
She did not allow life's setbacks to overwhelm her. She did not wallow
in self-pity or blame others for her circumstances. She knew that
would be a complete waste of time. She took the most productive of
approaches, which was to take stock of her situation, seek help and
be eager to seize opportunities that came her way. As a result, she
is now well on her way to overcoming her various problems. By choosing
this attitude to life's challenges, she has helped herself more than
anyone could have helped her.
I wish this resident, and all others who are bravely tackling obstacles
like her, the very best in life. |
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