Annual Report 2011/2012

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ONTENTS 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Our Vision & Our Mission Chairmans Message FY 11/ 12 Board Our Staff Donor Honour Roll Choa Chu Kang Journal CIP by Bukit View Sec School Sales at Causeway Point Bedok South Scrapbook 2012 Excursion to Singapore Flyer Pasir Ris Park Excursion Case Managers Report Therapists Report Caregivers Testimonial Sunshine Thrift Shop Volunteers Reflections Editorial Team Financial Statement

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Our Vision

To be a premier day activity centre for people with disabilities.

Our Mission

To provide day care and constructive developmental activities for people with disabilities and improve the quality of life for our clients and their caregivers.

Admission Criteria :Candidates must be intellectually disabled between ages of 16 years to 55 years. They must not be mentally ill, aggressive and / or require nursing care. They must not suffer from contagious serious illnesses. Referrals :Applicants interested to apply to our day activity centres are recommended to apply through Centre for Enabled Living (CEL). Walk in applicants are not encouraged. Admission Process :Intake assessments and interview at our centre will be scheduled upon the first point of contact with the applicant and their family members. This will be followed by a home visit and 2 weeks trial at our centre. Successful candidates will then have to undergo a medical check up and furnish documented family income for the fee computations. Our fee charges are subjected to Means Testing, which is a standardised government assessment of total family income. However families who are facing long term financial difficulties and in need of subsidies are advised to furnish our centre with relevant documents.

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SUN-DAC was started in 1990 by the legacy firm of Coopers & Lybrand as part of its centenary celebrations in Singapore. It was the first Day Activity Centre (DAC) to occupy a HDB void deck. I became Chairman of SUN-DAC in 1997. In those days, we had one centre at Block 41 Chai Chee Street, which had a maximum capacity of 35 clients. We served clients in the east area of Singapore. In 1999, we opened a second DAC at Block 213 Choa Chu Kang Central, which allowed us to serve clients in the west of Singapore. Chai Chee DAC was closed in 2006 because the block underwent upgrading and we moved to Blocks 39 and 40 Bedok South Road in 2008. Today, our two DACs serve approximately 100 clients in total. Why did I serve on the Board of SUN-DAC? Looking back, it all started with my firms partners encouraging me to do community work and give back to society through helping the less fortunate. It was not a calling then, but I felt obliged to do my duty as an employee of the firm and serve on a charity supported by the firm. Over the years, as I got more exposed to the clients and, to a limited extent, caregivers, I began to appreciate more deeply the importance of the service SUN-DAC provides. The few hours the clients spent each day at SUN-DAC meant a lot to them. For the clients, it was an opportunity to get out of their home to experience a welcome change of environment, meet and interact with other people in the community, and learn daily living skills. For the caregivers, it meant a few precious hours where they could get some rest, go to work and run personal errands. Overseeing SUN-DAC has its challenges as would be expected. Issues and challenges have arisen, and will continue to arise, on client, caregiver and staff matters. Occasionally, there would be incidents which required handling with understanding, patience, empathy and a human touch. At the staff level, finding the right people and retaining them are perennial challenges. It is not a job many would eagerly seek unless one had a sincere and compassionate heart for the disabled and financial compensation was not ones highest priority. Board members deserve special praise too as governance in a charitable organisation has its special challenges and being a Board member of a voluntary welfare organisation does not always bring recognition and fame. I have therefore been very fortunate that over the last 15 years, I had very dedicated Board members and staff members who have served with distinction, without whom my job would have been all but impossible. I would like to sincerely thank all current and past Board members who have given so many years of their lives in the service of SUN-DAC. I would also like to thank all current and past Executive Directors/Directors and staff members. You have quietly worked so hard and diligently away from the limelight to ensure our clients stay safe, are well taken care of and their caregivers retain their confidence in SUN-DAC to look after their charges. Special thanks must also go to the scores of unseen volunteers who have lent their hand at SUN-DAC over the years, some giving their time and others donating cash and goods as well. I would also like to thank the many corporations, foundations and other non-profit organisations for the strong support they have given SUN-DAC. I would like to highlight the partners and staff of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Singapore (PwC), who have over the years supported me as Chairman of SUN-DAC and allowed many of the other partners and staff to serve on the Board. In addition, PwC has supported SUN-DAC in donation drives and other Corporate Social Responsibility projects year after year. Last but not least, I must express my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Community, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) for their very strong financial, resource and moral support. To all stakeholders and supporters, please give the new Chairman and his team your very strong support. It has been a rewarding and life changing experience for me at the helm and it is my sincere wish and prayer that you will help the new Chairman and his team find the same going forward. God bless and every success in the years ahead. Gerard Tan Chairman

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~ Our FY11/12 BOARD ~

Mr Gerard Tan Chairman Mr Maurice Loh Vice-Chairman Mr Basil Ho Honorary Secretary Mr Stanley Lim Honorary Treasurer

Ms Sheela Parakkal Member

Ms Linda Low Member

Ms Cheng Sai Fong Member

Mr Andrew Sansom Member

Mr Reymond Fernandez Member Mr Peter Allen Co-opted

Mr Lional Tseng Member

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Our Staff
From Left (Front row) : Ms Diane Tay Xinyi, Ms Shirley Yap Yoon Lian, Mr Ravi Philemon & Mr Chew Teck Guan From Left (Back row) : Ms Jepamoney Devaraj, Ms Seah Hiang Lee, Mr Patrick Tan Ban Song, Mdm Leong Suey Oi, Ms Zaleha bte Bakar, Ms Pearlina Tan Poh Choo, Ms Ranjini Gansean, Ms Sakinah bte Ramdan & Mdm Seah Soon Huay. Not in picture : Mr Muhd Faqih Ahmad Ralip

Mr Vareingam Vashum

Mr Raymond Ng See Wai

Ms Caroline To Mui Ling

Mr Md. Jeffrey Abdul Mugni

Mr Mahalingam Gnanaprakash

Mr Rajantra Mathavar

Ms Cristina Javonillo

Mdm Hong Ah Leng

Ms Nancy Ho Chwee Hwa

Ms Zhang Ai Ling

Ms Hanzar Majid

Ms Nazimah Begum

Ms Revathi Gnaneswaren

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Donor Honour Roll

The Singapore Dakshina Bharatha Brahmana Sabha donated $7 000 to SUN-DACs Clients Welfare Fund in August 2011

The San Wang Wu Ti Religious Society donated $38 500 to SUN-DAC in Dec 2011 designated towards the purchase of a centre van for our Bedok South branch. We should have delivery of the new vehicle in Sept 2012

Inner Wheel Club of Singapore West donated $6 200 towards the refurbishment of the built in kitchen cabinet in our Choa Chu Kang centre

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Choa Chu Kang Journal

On 28 October 2011, Acting Minister for Community Development Youth and Sports, Mr Chan Chun Sing visited our centre in Choa Chu Kang. He connected with many of our clients, making handicrafts and chatting with our clients. He also spoke with the staff at our centre. We presented a token of appreciation to Mr Chan at the end of his visit.

Caregiver Staff Meeting

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Choa Chu Kang Journal

We participated in Centre for Enabled Livings (CEL) Live Enabled showcase.

Client Safety is one of our paramount concerns. Fire drill at Choa Chu Kang.

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Choa Chu Kang Journal

Our clients doing their bid for the community Cleaning the Senior Citizens Corner in the Choa Chu Kang neighbourhood.

Christmas celebrations with all the frills

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CIP BY BUKIT VIEW SECONDARY SCHOOL

On 28 February 2012, a bright and sunny Wednesday afternoon, about 40 students from Bukit View Secondary School thronged SUN-DAC Choa Chu Kang. With their energy, enthusiasm and zeal, they brought joy, fun and laughter to our clients through the following activities which they organised for them:
x Arts & Craft x Origami (aeroplanes and ships) x Zig Saw Puzzles x Ice Breakers (Musical ball) x Sing-along

By Patrick Tan (Senior Training Officer)

The teachers and staff who came along were hands-on in working with their students at the seven different groups as they went around guiding, demonstrating and motivating and encouraging them. Our clients had a ball of a time that day; they enjoyed not only the activities organised, but also the company and attention of the students, teachers and staff. There was much laughter, cheers and clapping throughout the two hours, and everyone wore a smile on his face . . . the sweet memory lingers on . . .

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SALES AT CAUSEWAY POINT

By Ranjini d/o Gansean (Training Officer)

I had a wonderful opportunity to display and sell our clients handicraft at Causeway Point. Amongst the items that SUN-DAC sold were photo frames, flower pots, bracelets, cards, five stones and many more. These items were made with a lot of effort and hard work from our clients. The members of the public were generous and very supportive in purchasing our items. When the sales initially started, I was actually very nervous and afraid. However the encouragement from our Training Manager helped me to enjoy the sales. The event has provided me with a very good experience and exposure. I thank SUN-DAC and Community Chest for this rather educational and illuminating opportunity.

Displaying the handicraft

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 Bedok South SCRAPBOOK 2012

Our curious readers Md. Jeffrey A.M. Centre Manager Aug 2012

Jan 2012 : The Singapore Flyer experience UP, UP and AROUND

Salutations to All, We hope that the year has been kind and that you are well. Please do enjoy the pictorial highlights of memorable events in our calendar. Your continued support is greatly appreciated

Jan 2012 : Trip to Pasir Ris Park. SUN, WATER & TREES anyone?

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 Bedok South SCRAPBOOK 2012

Feb 2012 : UWCSEAEast Campus Lunch & Interaction activity invitation

Feb 2012 : Chinese New Year Celebrations @ Bedok South

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 Bedok South SCRAPBOOK 2012

Mar 2012 : Ping Yi Secondary School student attachment.

May 2012 : Dunman High School Student Attachment

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 Bedok South SCRAPBOOK 2012

Jun 2012 : Caregiver Staff Meeting

Aug 2012 : National Day Celebrations

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Excursion to Singapore Flyer by V. Vashum (Asst Snr Training Officer)

The moment was breathtaking and exciting at the same time. The premise also offered many colourful activities and a wide range of retail, eatery and spa facilities there. We had delicious nasi lemak for lunch. After which, we decided to take a relaxing stroll in its comfortable air-conditioned environment. We had another group photo session and more interaction as we move through the winding access path before we returned to our centre. Our clients and staff are appreciative of FCBC volunteers kind hearts and generosity for organizing such a memorable and exciting outing to the most iconic Singapore Flyer.

Our outing at Singapore Flyer on the

6th Jan 2012 from 9.30am to 2.00pm was a successful and memorable one for the clients, staff and volunteers. Ms Viola and her team from Faith Community Baptist Church organised this excursion for our fifteen clients and two training officers. The volunteers accompanied us in the bus and assisted us with the clients. Upon reaching the Singapore Flyer, we checked in to the main wheel or capsule. It was smooth transfer with the help of the Flyers staff and volunteers. It took about 5 minutes for us to fill up into the capsule space of 25 people. Once safely inside we were treated to the spectacular view of the Singapore cityscape. The ride of the observation wheel was about 40 minutes. Some of us sat on the central bench while others moved around to view Marina Bay from the large glass panels. It was a perfect backdrop for photo taking sessions with the clients and volunteers inside the capsule.

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PASIR RIS PARK EXCURSION by Hanzar Bte Majid (Training Officer)

from SUN-DAC Bedok South together with six students from the ITE Yishun went to Pasir Ris Park on the 9th of January 2012. We set out on a cloudy Monday morning at 10.00am and returned by 2.30pm via transport provided. The activities involved a long walk as we made our way through various stops at Mangrove Broadwalk, Native Trail, Maze Garden and the Tree Top to take photographs. The clients spent four hours exploring and enjoying the quiet and beautiful sights, had a good lunch and finally played ball games at the park. The day was filled with fun and laughter despite the gloomy sky. This was the clients first organized outing by volunteers. They were well taken care of with good interactions and easy access to the amenities. The excursion was a good opportunity for the volunteers to get involved and they interacted well with our clients during the event. The trainers and clients were thankful to be invited by these volunteers and we hope there would be more trips or activities in the near future.
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Ten clients and two training officers

by Diane Tay Xinyi

SUN-DAC is a day activity centre which serves persons with intellectual disability from the ages of 16 to 60. Most persons with intellectual disability enrol with SUN-DAC when they are not able to be in open or sheltered employment, after they graduate from special schools. Most referrals to our programmes are from Centre for Enabled Living (CEL).The following table shows the profile of clients we served from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 :CHOA CHU KANG CENTRE There were 51 clients as at 31 March 2012. The breakdown is as follows: Male Female _34_ _17_ Chinese _40_ Malay 4_ BEDOK SOUTH CENTRE There were 49 clients as at 31 March 2012. The breakdown is as follows: Male Female _25_ _24_ Chinese _39_ Malay Indian _7_ _2_

Indian _4_ Others _3_ New Admissions _11_ No. of discharges _6_ No. of clients on wheelchair: _4_ New Admissions _9_ No. of discharges _4_

Others _1_

No. of clients on wheelchair: _4_

Generally the persons with intellectual disability admitted to our centres should not be prone to aggressive behaviours, and have no mental or infectious diseases. They should also not require extensive nursing care. Our centres in Choa Chu Kang and Bedok South operate from Mondays to Fridays, 8.30 am to 5pm. We charge a monthly fee of $988 per client. This centre fee is adjusted according to means-test guideline from the Ministry of Community Development Youth and Sports, and the National Council of Social Service. Transportation service to and from our centres is provided through an external vendor. The monthly transport fee is $120 per client and is not funded. We partner with caregivers to provide the best service possible to our clients. We reach out to them through festive events held annually e.g. Chinese New Year and Christmas celebrations. We arrange for half-yearly caregiver-staff meetings to inform caregivers on the progress made by the clients at the centre, and also gather new information on client's behaviour at home. During these sessions, we discuss future realistic goals of each client with their caregivers. Periodically we make home visits and organise excursions to places of interest such as the Singapore Zoo. This is with the purpose of ensuring that our clients benefit the most from the services we offer. Our clients well being both at our centres and at home is our paramount concern. Page | 19

By M.Gnanaprakash (Occupational Therapist) Through consistent training and reinforcement , adaptation and modification of an activity, as well as enhancing the training officers skills and knowledge through courses and in house training, SUN-DAC achieved the following outcome of the clients in the FY 2011-2012 .

TRAINING OUTCOME OF FY 2011-2012 CHOA CHU KANG Activity Clients participate in training Clients get progress in at least one activity 53 52 Clients gain partial independence in at least one activity 50 47 Clients gain full independence in at least one activity 34 33

ADL CLS

53 53

BEDOK SOUTH Activity Clients participate in training Clients get progress in at least one activity 51 51 Clients gain partial independence in at least one activity 49 44 Clients gain full independence in at least one activity 28 26

ADL CLS

51 51

EQUIPMENT:This year SUN-DAC bought equipment for $3 000 to improve the cognitive perceptual and motor skills of the clients. This year, SUN-DAC received treadmill and few other gym equipment as donation. SUN-DAC is actively using these equipment to maintain the physical fitness of our clients, at the same time changes were made in our time table to give more emphasis to the physical fitness needs of our clients. This is ensured by 30 minutes warm up exercise, each morning before tea break.

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My child has become more adaptable to the changing environment around him. He used to be very resistant to changes even minor ones. But now I find him more sociable and less temperamental. SUN-DAC varied activity programme has worked very well for him. During the weekends, he will remind me that on Monday he wants to go to school (centre). - Mdm Aminah

The trainers at SUN-DAC are kind, patient & committed. The centre has training programmes to suit different individual and because of this my sister was given an opportunity to participate in a work activity and it made her feel useful. We feel she is in good hands, her time at SUNDAC is fully occupied and meaningful. She looks forward to her time there every day. - Ms Lam

SUN-DAC provides a safe & reliable environment for my daughter. My family feels relieved to have SUN-DAC because we know she is under good care from loving & responsible trainers. We are also grateful for the haircut service from the volunteers. It saves our time & money from taking her to the salon. Most of all she is also happy going to the centre. - Mrs Leong

My child has been with SUN-DAC for 12 years. Having her at the centre has provided me with valuable time to manage my family matters. I am also impressed with the current bus transport service for their kind understanding and gentle care towards our disabled people. - Mdm Serene Tan
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SUNSHINE THRIFT SHOP

By Muhd. Faqih Ahmad Ralip (Training & Special Project Manager )

The Sunshine Thrift Shop is an integral part of training our more able clients in daily living skills like counting, sorting, folding, packing, etc. This is our second year of running the Thrift Shop. The sales is much better as compared to the first year. The residents staying close by to our centre are now more aware of our Thrift Shop. We see new faces coming to our shop daily. We have been receiving lots of donated items like clothing, bags and shoes from Simei Care Centre.

We also have regular volunteers to come and help out at the shop. Jessica and Yvonne live close to our block. They will drop by our centre in their free time to help sort the items that we have. They have been volunteering for close to three years. They are a great help. So, if you have good and clean items that you no longer want, do consider donating to our Thrift Shop.
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Volunteers from ITE Leonard & Jin Wei Leonard and Jin Wei are students from ITE West who have been volunteering their services with SUN-DAC since February this year together about 6 college mates. Contributing about 3 hours of their Friday each week, they would help to arrange and clean items in the our Thrift Shop, clean the clients hall and assist the trainers in facilitating activities for the clients. Leonard and Wei Jin shared that they enjoy interacting with the clients and found their time volunteering at the Centre meaningful and fulfilling especially when the clients respond to them positively. Jessica Volunteer from the neighbourhood Jessica has been volunteering at SUN-DAC for the last 2 years. She usually comes in about 3 to 4 times a week in the morning to tidy and sort the donated items at the Thrift Shop. Jessica also assists the trainers to facilitate activities for the clients and helps to feed them during meal times. I am happy to contribute my time at SUN-DAC to do my part at the Thrift Shop as I was told that the money raised is for the Clients Welfare Fund. Volunteering also gives me a sense of satisfaction, especially when I see the smile on the clients face as a result of something I have done. With the extra free time, I am more than happy to help since my children are grown up and working. Volunteering is a way for me to contribute back to society and since I live nearby, I thought, why not? Page | 23

EDITORIAL TEAM are Advisor : Mr Ravi Philemon Editor : Mr Md. Jeffrey A. Mugni Asst. Editors : Mr Md. Faqih Ahmad Ralip Mr M. Gnanaprakash Ms Diane Tay Editorial Coordinators : Mr Patrick Tan Ms Ranjini Gansean Mr Raymond Ng Mr Vashum Vareingam AR Cover design concept by : Ms Sharon Ng

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