First Befrienders for Families Introduction Session - Experienced Befriender Lee Hwa's Sharing
This weekend was an exciting one as we (Home For Good - SG, The Salvation Army Singapore) had our very first Befrienders For Families (BFF) Introduction Session at The Salvation Army's Youth Development Centre (Youth Development Centre)
BFF is a programme which we co-developed with the Children and Youth Group of @The Salvation Army to support foster (and children’s home) children and their families when they reunfiy. HFG foster parents have seen this need as their foster children go back home. The natural families are safe and many are doing what they can but still need support for the children to reach their potential.
Our very experienced Befriender, Lee Hwa shared inspiring stories about her journey with vulnerable children and families. When she was young, her family didn’t have much but her mother always opened their home to help those in need.
One of the children she befriended, Chris (not his real name), a 4 year old boy, was said to have challenging behaviours. However, as she brought him out, she was amazed that he was well behaved and enjoyed their little trips together. She reflected that it was because she was able to give that special attention to him as a Befriender. Chris one day drew her a picture showing that she is like his rainbow in his days. She was so moved that she has touched Chris’ life this way! This also helped her to see that she should not “write off” a child. She continued to befriend Chris’s family and helped them as Chris reunified. Chris’s mother appreciated the practical help Lee Hwa gave when she was struggling to make ends meet and she became that additional “auntie” and helper to the family. 
Lee Hwa went to befriend more children and their families and provided practical help to many. For some, she became such good friends that she was invited for family birthdays and got to know their grandparents and relatives. It has indeed not been an easy journey for her and her family but she could see how befriending had helped these children and families.
We are so inspired! We hope that BFF can bring many more in to help these vulnerable children as they return home! Special thank you to those who came to attend this session!
If anyone is interested to join us for future sessions and hear more, please register your interest at tinyurl.com/TSABFFvol
