HELP Family Service Centre

New volunteers required for playgroup and organizing recreation activities. Click here to find out more. Thanks for visiting!

We have both regular and ad hoc programmes that require volunteers. It will be great if you are able to commit on a regular basis, but on the other hand if you are not sure of your schedule but would still like to contribute your services, you are still welcome to do that.

Here are the opportunities for you to JOIN US.

For Individual Volunteers, we have programmes such as:

1. RAINBOWS
2. BBBS – currently recruiting for 2010
3. Ambassador
4. Tuition
5. Playgroup & Recreation Activities – currently recruiting for 2010
6. Ad-hoc Programmes – currently recruiting for 2010

For Group Volunteers (including Corporate sponsors), we have:

Please visit faqs for group volunteers and sponsors

•1. RAINBOWS Programme - If you are keen about helping hurting children & adolescent and is 21 yrs of age and above, has worked closely with children and has a profound respect for youth. If you are someone who is able to keep in confidence, and is emotionally healthy, you are the person we are looking for! - next recruitment will be opened in November 2010.

•2. Big Brother Big Sister (BBBS) Programme – If you desire to make a difference in someone’s life and you are aged 17 and above, apply as a volunteer.

•3. Ambassador Programme – If you want to bring awareness of our services and programmes to schools and are able to go to schools during office hours on weekday, do apply now.

•4. Tuition – Do you have a passion to teach children who are facing difficulties academically? Venue at HELP. Join us!

•5. Playgroup & Organizing Recreational Activities

-Playgroup – Supervise children at play and maintain general order of the library

-Organizing Recreational Activities – Volunteers with experience in organizing events and games can assist in organizing the centre’s activities such as Family days, Children’s day etc.

**Volunteers who signed up for Playgroup will be also be required to help organize recreational activities as and when required.

• 6. Ad-hoc Programmes

>Editorial Work – Volunteers with an interest in writing or has editorial experience can contribute to the in-house newsletter.

>Translation of written materials – Volunteers are required to translate in house newspaper articles and workshops materials from English to Chinese.

>Clerical support – Volunteers may be required to provide admin support or assist in short term projects such as exhibition etc.

How to apply!

For individual volunteers, please reply the follow questions and you can send a copy to the following email address
>>> jhongren @ helpfsc.org.sg <<<

* * *
1. Gender:
2. Name:
3. Interested programme(s):
4. NRIC/ FIN/ Student Pass Number:
5. Ethnicity:
6. Marital Status:
7. Email:
8. Contact number:
9. Current Profession:
10. Interests, Hobbies, Special Skills:
11. What are five things that your friends and family say about you?
12. Have you done any voluntary service on a regular basis before?
13. Why did you want to volunteer in our center?
14. What are the school/ work programmes that you foresee may
disrupt your commitment while volunteering in HELP FSC?
15. Are there any other questions that you may have?

Declaration:

In submitting this online form:

1. I wish to serve as a volunteer in HELP FSC
2. I have never been convicted of any civil or military offences in any country

I understand that as a volunteer I am expected to:

1. Set aside the required amount of time during term time to fulfil the programme requirements.
2. Participate, to the best of my ability, in orientation and all activities organised by HELP FSC.
3. Regard with strict confidence all information pertaining to children and/ or their families obtained in the course of volunteering in HELP FSC.

All the information in this form is correct and true to the best of my knowledge.

**Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an Interview by e-mail only.

Testimonials

“I became a volunteer at HELP FSC two years ago, and have since been involved in Big Brother Big Sister programme. I have always wanted to get myself involved with volunteerism and HELP definitely help start the way. In fact, it goes a long way; I can see myself in this for a long time too.

Being part of HELP has certainly made me learn a lot. Not only was I able to learn how to communicate with kids and youths from single-parent families, but also understand better in terms of their emotional being as well as the other aspects. It is truly a very rewarding experience; I cherish all the moments I spent with the kids, the families and of course, the volunteers.

Having gone through a handful of external camps, to me, Kinship Camp 2008 and Camp Kaleidoscope 2009 were of total different dynamics and different objectives. The meaning of HELP camps holds important meanings and strong objectives. The experiences I gained were invaluable. Like for instance, Kinship Camp really touched my heart when I see how the parent and the kids work together; it was very heart-warming.

While, for Camp Kaleidoscope, I had fun working together and playing with the kids. They are all unique individuals, and I truly hope they will grow up to be the best of what they can be. We, at HELP, are helping hands for them while they grow and nurture. I hope we can be the friends of the kids, youths and parents for as long as we can.

Whatever activities I took part back at HELP are always learning points for me. I am glad and thankful to have HELP to be part of me and my life. It makes me learn a great deal about myself and the people around. All in all, I treasure those moments and hope the positive energies from the volunteers would keep going! ”

Iris Goh – BBBS & Children Camp Volunteer
Has been volunteering since 2007

“I joined HELP as part of my school’s Interact Club last year, in the Tuition Programme. Every Saturday spent tutoring the children gave me a sense of satisfaction and I felt good after each session. As time passed, I no longer considered volunteering at HELP as part of my CCA, but as something I want to do of my own accord, and something I enjoy. It has been fun interacting with the staff, volunteers and children at HELP and in a way it is a family on its own.

It was also a fantastic experience helping to organize the 2009 Children’s Camp. I learnt so much more about interacting with the children, I know I had a fun time at the camp this year. Volunteering at HELP has been a truly wonderful experience and I’m glad to have had the opportunity to participate in the activities and I’ll continue to do so too!”

Saradha – Tuition & Children Camp Volunteer
Has been volunteering since 2008

“I joined HELP at the end of 2008 under the recommendation of a friend. With the professional attitude of the staffs, the wonderful volunteers and of cause the exuberant kids, it is a very pleasant experience.

Joining HELP made me realized that everyone can do a part for another person. Be it a friend, a listener or even just a simple high-five for accomplishing tasks together, we can provide support for one-another. The journey of volunteering has been a breathe of fresh air to me. It is a process where one finds out more about others and also ultimately oneself.

I had the chance of joining up with the kids during one Chinatown trip and the Kaleidoscope Camp 2009 and I have to admit that the kids gave me more impetus to carry on with this. The camp was good as many fond memories and bonds were created and brought back home for everyone.

Kids running amok and changes were the norm(haha) but everyone coped well with it, very apt with the camp objective. I would have to say I’ve gained more insights to children’s feeling and their way of expressing themselves through their behaviors in this camp. I am glad to be part of all these!

Kudos to everyone! (esp. to the people working in HELP!)”

Joe Aw – BBBS & Children Camp Volunteer
Has been volunteering since 2008

“What started as a Co-Curricular Activity back in Junior College times evolved into a 4 year long passion, and it is still going on strong.

Volunteering in HELP has become a big part of my life. From a weekly volunteer in tuition to an ad-hoc volunteer taking part in different events and activities, I have never lost that sense of belonging to HELP. Even during my busiest army life, I’ve always been kept updated about the happenings in HELP, and the various activities which I am always welcomed to participate in.

There is this special power in HELP that really keeps its volunteers attached to it. I would attribute this to the staff and the people there. More than being staff, they are actually friends who play an important part of our lives. We learn together, play together and grow together. This is perhaps why even volunteers who could be missing in action for periods of time could still blend in and remain attached to HELP.

HELP FSC is not just a normal family service centre. To me, it is a big family. It is a big family with big brothers, big sisters as well as young siblings. It is a family which I’ll always return to.”

Goh Si Hui – Ad Hoc & Children Camp Volunteer
Has been volunteering since 2005

“Sorry for not being able to be involved as much. But from the observations I saw the children and Student Leaders benefited alot from the camp. It’s a wonderful camp and it’s very meangingful.

Thank you so much for giving me and the students this chance to experience such a unique camp.

Thank you for all he hard work put in planning and executing it. It’s a great camp! Looking forwardto more camps and working together with HELP. ”

Rui Yi – Children Camp Volunteer
Has been volunteering since 2008

“My volunteer experience in HELP FSC has been a fruitful one for me since the first day I joined. I was given an opportunity to befriend the children/youth and engage them in various activities.

Not only do I have the chance to make an impact in other people’s life but I have benefited greatly from it too. For me, I have learnt a great deal of things which is far beyond what I can learn from school or daily life.

Communication skill is something I have greatly improves on since I started volunteering. For now, I am a much confident person who is more outspoken and thinks differently now. ”

Clement Sim – BBBS & Children Camp Volunteer
Has been volunteering since 2005

“It was in the year 2003 that I approached AMK Help FSC offering to volunteer my services as a tutor to the children of single parents. After chatting with the Programme Manager, Theresa, she made me realise that I could do more. Why?

Because I’m a single parent and survived the journey of a divorcee since my daughter was 7 mths old. That time, my daughter was already 19 and I felt compelled to bring hope and support to other single parents. As a result, I was sent for training as a Rainbows facilitator and started as an understudy in the PRISM programme the following year.

I ‘graduated’ at the end of that year and started facilitating a small group of 4 members in 2004. I was rather jittery and nervous initially. Not because that I was afraid to share my personal life openly with the group but my concern was my inadequacy in my given role.

However I’ve always believed that honesty is the best policy. I even told them in jest that they were my ‘guinea pigs’ being my very first group! To my surprise, they were very receptive and I discovered that my ‘inexperience’ did not matter. Since then, it has been a joy for ”

Evelyn Sng – RAINBOWS
Has been volunteering since 2002

“I guess I’ve benefited more from my volunteering experiences at HELP FSC, than it has from me. HELP FSC is like a family, made up of the parents, children, the staff and volunteers. I need not elaborate on the efforts of the centre in making the life of single parenthood more manageable. These can be observed from the various programs they have for the kids and adults.

I am very fortunate to have taken part in some of them for example the weekly tuition scheme and the annual camp for the kids. Through the activities, I’ve witness the patience and proficiency of the staff members while handling the children and their kindness towards every volunteer.

Even though we were supposed to be there to help but there is really so much to learn from the staff. They would ensure that we were briefed about the centre and different kinds of situations we might encounter before we start volunteering there. All these are efforts to enable us to quickly and comfortably adapt to the centre and the tasks we were given. Though I’ve volunteered at various VWOs, I would say I’ve never felt so appreciated by and connected to the organization as compared to HELP FSC.

Whether you have volunteered for just one activity, or are a regular volunteer, whether you have been “missing in action” for a long while, HELP FSC will make an effort to keep in touch and updated about the happenings in the centre, never failing to make me feel a sense of belonging.”

Anqi – Ad Hoc & Children Camp Volunteer
Has been volunteering since 2002

“It was a satisfying and enjoyable experience to be a volunteer at the HELP FSC tuition group. I have enjoyed myself interacting with the children and helping them out with their homework. Showing guidance and helping them in their course work is something I like to share with them.

Through the interaction and conversation, you will understand the child better and see a happy smile on their face. I have enjoyed spending my time with the children and through the years we have built up a good rapport.

At the end of the day, you will feel happy and more open minded in seeing things differently.”

Thanks.”

Huiling – Tuition & RAINBOWS Volunteer
Has been volunteering since 1997

“Volunteering at HELP FSC started out as a simple CCA committment every Saturday which turned out to be a highly enriching experience. I did not think much of it at first, thinking it to be just like any other CIP/CCA sessions that I had been to. I was mistaken.

I was glad that I made the choice to join HELP as it was a first step towards a highly satisfying journey of self discovery. My most enjoyable and perhaps memorable moments at HELP has to be interacting with the children; viewing the world through their young eyes, and gaining an insight into their problems, frustrations and joy. I had the chance to interact with children of all personalities, from all walks of life, each of them unique and different in their own ways. It was a delightful yet sobering experience and I enjoyed every moment of it.

Volunteering at HELP was and still is one of the most helpful and memorable experience I have had.”

Yao Dong – Toy & Book Library Volunteer
Volunteered in 2007 to 2008

“In 2007, I babysitted the children while their parents attend counselling sessions. I have also received teachers from schools to tell them about HELP FSC.

I am from a single-parent family myself. My parents divorced in 1987. During then, there were no social support groups for single-parent families and my mom had a hard time coping with the divorce and raising two kids on her own. So when I heard about HELP FSC, I wanted to do my part for single-parent support.

Then, when I joined in 2007, the center was not very keen in keeping in touch with volunteers, so I wasn’t contacted much to help out with the center. With the help of Jhong Ren, I am back in touch with HELP FSC. A pity I am currently in Australia to complete my PHD studies, so I will not be able to offer my help in the interim.

There was once I had to babysit three boys, and the Volunteer Coordinator warned me that they were extremely naughty. We ended up having so much fun, and when the mother and coordinator dropped by after the counselling session ended, they were surprised to find the three boys sitting in silence listening to me tell them my army stories (I was an airforce regular in the past).

While volunteering in HELP, I have learnt to maintain an equal relationship with the clients. Personally, I have learnt not to approach volunteering as offering charity to “less fortunate members”, but to treat them like any other regular person on the street. I have learnt to not judge and be kind. I guess my personal experience as a child from a single-parent family helped lots. I always bear this in mind whenever I do volunteer work.”

Daphnee Lee – Ad Hoc
Has been volunteering since 2007

“Volunteering in HELP is like a treasure hunt for me. I have no idea or what to do when I first joined but HELP center have provided me a map to explore.

From here, my journey starts from learning lots of different things like befriending children in BBBS whom they enhanced my life by being a listener, motivator and exchanging of life experiences from everyone in HELP.

HELP allows me to participate in preparation and organising of camps, outing, festive seasons gathering and attending interesting course on how to communicate, befriending children, enriching course like Myers-Briggs.

With many programmes and own personal things on hand, I learned how to manage time and learn to solve things with patience. ”

Li Jun – BBBS & Children Camp Volunteer
Has been volunteering since 2007

“I first came to know of HELP from the National Junior College Interact Club. Having a childish nature, I joined the Toys and Books Library activity since I love to play with young children and talk to them. My experience in it was fabulous.

Although, the children I meet are different every week, they are all very adorable and loveable. They are easy to get to know and warm up with. Through this activity I learnt how to communicate with younger children. Moreover, it teaches me how to interact with them and have fun and also the need to be firm at times when dealing with young children.

This year, I decided to volunteer back at HELP. The key reason was because I miss the children and the activities at HELP. In addition, the friendly and kind staff at HELP makes the whole experience much more enriching.

However, this time I’m volunteering in tuition, which I never dared to do in the past. HELP has given me the opportunity to overcome my fears and build up qualities and virtues. For example, through tuition I have learnt how to be more patient and how to express my ideas much more clearly.
Furthermore, HELP to me, is like a home – full of love and fun! The ad hoc activities like the Volunteer Appreciation Day and short courses, not only makes me feel like a part of the centre but also gives me greater insight into taking care of young children.

My whole experience at HELP could be described as extraordinary where it has helped me grow as an individual.”

Kellie Tedjo – Tuition Volunteer
Has been volunteering since 2007

“I joined HELP FSC in 2007, with the tutoring program. I also helped out at the roadshow (exhibition).

I wanted to work with and help youths, so I participated in HELP’s tutoring. I was particularly interested in HELP’s goals of helping single-parent families. I continued volunteering at HELP because everyone was very welcoming and I found the work rewarding.

It was very fun and rewarding. There was a lot of support from Jhong Ren and Colleen and plenty of opportunities to become more involved in other activities. The students who I tutored were also very friendly.

I don’t think I could pick out just one ‘best’ experience because every day was exciting in its own way. However one experience which really made an impression on me was the flower-making sessions before the roadshow, because all the parents and kids united and worked together. Each person did their own part to help and some parents even cooked food.

I think I learnt the most from the students and parents there because they were always very positive. Kelvin, who I was tutoring, would always be upbeat while doing his work no matter how much time it took.”

Fiona Foo – Tuition Volunteer
Has been volunteering since 2007

“It has been a great experience volunteering at HELP. Dealing with young children most of the time, it is amazing how sometimes you can be captivated by their innocence.

After going through various camps with the children and teenagers of HELP, I cannot help but exclaim that they are great deal of fun!

I am glad to be of help to them in little ways such as offering simple greetings and listening to them voice out their thoughts and views. Such minute things that we deem as insignificant would in fact, help them feel much better.”

Ya Wen – BBBS Volunteer
Has been volunteering since 2005