Ray of Hope

?????????? ?????????? ???? ?????????? ???????????????? ???????? ?????????? ??????????, ???? ?????? ?????? ???????? ???? ????????. The Iftar Project began in 2021 when we realised that for some of our clients, breaking fast during #Ramadhan was often a quiet affair. Sometimes alone, or without extended family around. We saw an opportunity to bring people together. To create a sense of closeness, even if only for one evening. Since then, 22 clients have opened their homes to volunteers and partners. They’ve shared meals, stories, and what little they had with open hearts. Some have done this for three to four consecutive years. Last Saturday, 54 of us came together at The Foundry for a different kind of gathering: our first communal Iftar. 6 of our long-time client-hosts joined us, this time as guests. It was our way of saying thank you for the kindness they’ve shown, year after year. There was no formal programme. Just conversations and laughter. The heart of the evening was in seeing how far these relationships have come. From first meetings to familiar faces. From strangers to friends. Thank you to everyone who brought something to the table. Your time, your stories, your presence. We look forward to many more evenings like this, where #community is felt not just in words but in action. Filippo Giachi, Aditi Raina, Mark Wong, Dr Geraldine Tan, Amira Idayu, Caroline Lim, Loh Wei, Cheow Hung Tan, Su Mei Teh, Nikii Adriana, Kwang Yong Quek, Jocelyn Ang, Chamendri W., Marlene Rothschild Li-Mei. Event ICs: Eileen Tay & Elisha Vishinpir Photos by: Rachel Loh, Within Studios

Turning 30sqm rental flats into homes ???? Project Homelift truly reflects the power of community - where people come together to make a difference. Shawn Lim ????? is one such ally who has volunteered to write a beautiful article about this home renovation project on The Human Algorithm. Thank you again Shawn Lim ????? for bringing our clients’ stories to life. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gD8XtfdJ

?????????? ????????, ?????? ????????????: ?????? ????’???? ?????????????? ???? ?????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????????????? During this holy month, food represents more than just nourishment. It’s a source of comfort, tradition, and togetherness. But with rising food costs, many families find it harder to enjoy a nourishing Iftar. Studies show that food expenditures increase by 50-100% during #Ramadhan, adding financial pressure on low-income households. Since 2021, Ray of Hope has been delivering Iftar Bentos, ensuring that families can enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal without added stress. Last Saturday, our volunteers delivered: ? ??? 164 bento meals from The Landmark ??? To 34 Muslim families across the city ??? And not a single volunteer got lost along the way! Special shoutout to Sheereen (seasoned volunteer) and Anisah (client-cum-volunteer), who, despite fasting, still showed up to serve the community. Their dedication is a reminder that?kindness comes full circle—when we lift each other up, we build a stronger, more connected #community. A heartfelt thank you to our volunteers who made this possible, and to our team members, Eileen and Elisha, for leading the way! Tai Chong TOH (PhD) Evonne Chung Caldwell

We have just?7 days left?to raise?$4,023?this Hari Raya?and we’re not there yet. The difference between a home filled with peace and a home filled with worry isn’t huge. It’s not tens of thousands. It’s not an impossible goal. It’s?$4,023. A number that could disappear in an instant if just a few of us stepped up today. So here’s the question:?Will you be the one to close the gap? You can make Hari Raya possible for: ?? Mdm Yusliah: Her mother, a stroke patient, is slowly regaining mobility again. Her father, battling?end-stage renal failure, must undergo dialysis three times a week while managing diabetes and high blood pressure.?Still, she never lets them see her struggle. ?? Mdm Anisah: Aniq, her son, is diagnosed with autism, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. He requires round-the-clock care. Mdm Anisah left her job because she had no choice. Aniq needs her, and cannot fail him. A small act of generosity can be the push that helps 34 families celebrate this Hari Raya! Let’s make this happen - together: https://lnkd.in/ggyqEbkc

?????????? ?????????????? ??????????: ?????? ???? ???????? ?? ???????? ???? ??????????? At Ray of Hope (ROH), we believe that when women support women, incredible things happen. Every day, our all-women case team work tirelessly behind the scenes, making sure no one is left behind. They are the ones standing by Hatijah, a mother of five struggling to put food on the table. They are helping Mdm Devi, who can’t work due to chronic asthma and is desperate to support her family. This #InternationalWomensDay (IWD), we’ve joined forces with Kueh Ho Jiak (KHJ), a woman-owned heritage food business led by Sandy Tan and Elizabeth Elisha Chan, whose commitment to second chances resonates with our own. When you purchase a Gift of Hope Basket: ?? You get a basket of Halal, handcrafted treats made with love ?? S$100 goes to fuelling the vital work of RoH (tax-deductible) ?? S$100 supports KHJ's mission to provide employment to other women Because when we invest in women, we invest in communities, families, and the future. Make a difference this #IWD:?https://lnkd.in/eCZg87Qk Alicia Altorfer-Ong, Ph.D., Vincent Ng, Darryl Loh, Amira Idayu, Joyce Lee

A home should be a place of comfort, safety, and dignity. But for many families in rental flats, that’s not the reality. Cluttered spaces, damp and mouldy bathrooms, and the absence of a study area can make home life stressful and unsafe. Research shows that a stable and well-designed home environment improves mental well-being, reduces fall risks for elderly residents, and boosts academic performance for children. That’s why?Ray of Hope, in collaboration with Temasek Polytechnic and Yishun Family @ Singapore Children's Society Society, is launching Project HomeLift to raise $50,000 to renovate HDB rental flats for 8 families. A well-designed home means: ?? A study corner?where children can focus and dream bigger ?? A safer home?where elderly residents can move around without fear ?? A dignified space?where families can gather and thrive For these families, a better home isn’t just about comfort. It’s about?breaking free from a cycle of hardship. It’s about ensuring children have a fair chance at success, elderly residents can live safely, and families can take pride in their space. Support Project HomeLift today: https://lnkd.in/ga4Bkq-c ----- This collaboration was sparked by The Majurity Trust, which, through its place-based philanthropic approach, identified and connected Ray of Hope’s resources to address a gap in the neighbourhood. By linking Ray of Hope with Yishun Family Service @ Children’s Society, TMT has paved the way for meaningful partnerships that uplift the lives of our clients. Darryl, Amira, Joyce, Ming Fang, Alicia, Audrey, Elisha

A New Chapter of Hope Farewell lunches are always bittersweet, but as we went around the room, one word kept coming up—thank you. "Thank you for trusting us to take on big ideas. For never saying no to bold possibilities. For creating a space where we feel safe to challenge, question, and grow." Today, we say thank you to Tan En, who after six years of dedicated leadership, is stepping down as General Manager of Ray of Hope. From a small charity to a registered Institution of Public Character (IPC), En has steered us through a journey of growth, transparency, and deepened community impact. His belief in?accountability and ethical giving has shaped Ray of Hope into what it is today—a safe and trusted platform where every act of kindness creates real change. But beyond policies and frameworks, En has built something even more lasting—a culture of trust, empowerment, and shared purpose. As we express our deepest gratitude, we also look ahead with excitement. Alicia Altorfer-Ong, Ph.D., our new Executive Director, has been a steadfast pillar of support at Ray of Hope, championing sustainable giving and building bridges across communities. As Tan En beautifully put it, "Everyone here can punch above their weight because we are all driven by a bigger mission." We're looking forward to this new chapter and the impact our team can make together. Muhammad Haadii Noor Hana Eileen Tay Darryl Loh Joyce Lee Amira Idayu Audrey Chia Elisha Vishinpir En Ci Lim Su Yuen Chin

As we welcome the Year of the Snake, let’s embrace its symbolism of transformation, wisdom, and resilience. May this year bring fresh beginnings and opportunities for growth. Here’s to creating stronger, more inclusive communities in the year ahead. Wishing everyone a prosperous and meaningful Lunar New Year!

Every child deserves to dream. But dreams need opportunity to take flight. In Singapore, access to education is often seen as a given. But for many children from low-income families and those with complex citizenship statuses, the path to education is filled with financial roadblocks. At Ray of Hope, we believe that financial circumstances should never be the reason a child’s education and future are compromised. Through our Education Giving Circle, we've been bridging this gap. To date, we’ve supported 55 students with $32,094 disbursed, helping them stay in school and work toward brighter futures. Meet Ramadhani and Khalid, two students determined to pursue their education despite overwhelming odds: ?? Ramadhani has called Singapore home since she was four, but her foreign status has left her with higher school fees and minimal financial aid. Despite securing a place in a polytechnic for Early Childhood Education, her father’s limited income as a private hire driver has put her dreams at risk. ??Khalid lost his father in 2016. His mother juggles two jobs, yet their PR status has meant higher costs and limited support. He was recently expelled due to unpaid fees, crushing his dream of completing his 'O' levels and watching his peers move forward without him. Education is more than just access to schools, it’s a gateway to stability and opportunity. With your help, their dreams don’t have to end here. Join us in making education possible for every child. Donate today and be the reason they stay in school: https://lnkd.in/gY23kqwA

A little over a year ago, students at St Patrick's Secondary School laced up their shoes, migrant brothers stepped onto the field, and what followed was more than just a series of games—it was a moment of connection. That morning, not only were balls passed back and forth, but so too were stories, smiles, and an unspoken sense of belonging. That was the beginning of Building Community Champions. A year on, the memories from that day still remind us why we do this work. It’s not just about sports or activities. It’s about creating moments where people from different walks of life come together and discover they’re not so different after all. To the students, teachers, partners, and our migrant brothers who made that first event so special—you didn’t just show up to play a game. You showed up to build a bridge. And to everyone who has been part of this journey since—thank you for continuing to build those bridges with us. As we mark this anniversary, we look ahead with the same hope that started it all: that every conversation, every shared experience, and every connection brings us one step closer to building a stronger, more connected community. Here’s to many more years of championing what truly matters—together. If you'd like to support our BCC initiative, you may do so here: https://lnkd.in/gdS5gBHa Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), St Joseph's Institution (SJI), Scape Singapore, Tampines Meridian Junior College, College of Alice & Peter Tan, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, St Patrick's School, Joshua Tay, Sarabjeet Singh, Ethen Ong Yongsen, Tan Ting Yu, Windy Wu, Felyn Chua, Soo Ah Park, Samara Perumal, Mikal Sipanah, Aster Wong, Chamendri W., Rahul Gupta, Shu Juan Wong, Darrell Lim, Wing Chung Lam, Christina Oh, David Jusuf, Rachel Loh, Eileen Tay, Kenneth Kan, Alicia Altorfer-Ong, Ph.D., Shakir Ahmed, Ingrid Jonker, Ravi Agarwal, Mohammed M Jallibah, BSc[Hon], PPM, MPP, Tshewang Ngedup,