Now 70 and retired, Doris devotes her time to journeying with families trapped in debt as she once was, drawing from her own painful past to encourage and empower others.
As a volunteer with the MWS Family Development Programme (FDP), a poverty alleviation initiative supporting low-income households (per capita income below $1,000), she provides financial guidance and emotional support to these beneficiaries. The programme helps families clear debt and build savings, with MWS matching every dollar they save or repay with an additional $2. Each family is also paired with a volunteer befriender like Doris.
“I’ve been in their shoes, but unlike them, I had no support or resources,” she said. “That’s why walking with these families means so much to me. I want them to know they’re not alone—help is available.”
As the Co-ordinator of Sengkang Methodist Church’s (SKMC) Social Concerns & Outreach Ministry, Doris oversees the MWS FDP volunteer team made up of SKMC members. She herself has been serving since 2018.
“When we first started, many of us thought there wouldn’t be that many needy families in Singapore,” Doris shared. “But through our visits, we quickly realised there are many families quietly struggling and need our support.”
One such family is that of Chng Yawen, a 37-year-old single mother of four and full-time dental assistant. Two years ago, a car accident left her with a minor fracture and unable to work for two months, causing a sudden loss of income.
“During that period, I helped find donors to cover her expenses and gave her emotional support,” Doris said. “Yawen shares openly with me, and I often pray for her. When she recently showed signs of depression, I encouraged her with Bible verses and reminded her that she’s doing a great job as a single mother. I get the church to help whenever I can.”
Yawen recalled how SKMC’s support carried her through the hardest days. “Once, I told Doris that my fridge was empty, and she arranged for the church members to bless me with three bags of groceries,” she said. “The financial stress can be overwhelming. There were times I just wanted to end it all, but the help from MWS and Doris reminded me that I’m not alone, that there are still people who care. It gave me hope that life isn’t so bad after all.”
