Xiao Yue has been in and out of foster care since she was two, due to instability in her biological family. Raised in an unstable environment, she found herself involved in delinquent activities and was admitted into the Singapore Girls’ Home at the age of 15.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Since her release from Singapore Girls’ Home in June, 21-year-old Xiao Yue is determined to change and be a better person so that she may support herself. For months, she had been volunteering as a soccer coach two days a week and working part-time as a bowling attendant five days a week as she worked towards a better future. She has also set firm boundaries with her friends and sought support to quit smoking.

The Beginning Of A New Chapter

In September, Xiao Yue discovered she was pregnant, forcing her to leave both her job and volunteer work. While her partner is supportive, he works ad-hoc jobs and is unable to provide for their increasing living expenses. She often skips meals to stretch each dollar, a situation worsened by her status as a Stateless PR, which complicates access to affordable medical care. Her lack of medical coverage led to her dismissal from a part-time job as a laundry assistant when she was unable to produce a medical certificate during sick days.

Xiao Yue remains determined to look for employment to achieve financial stability and independence. However, she faces many obstacles, such as employers concerned about the risks of hiring a pregnant employee, concerns for the baby’s safety, and a constant stream of personal challenges that prevent her from focusing solely on the job search.

That’s where you come in. 

Ray of Hope is fundraising $3,800 to support six months of Xiao Yue’s living expenses, which would allow her to afford:

– Food and groceries: $510 per month

– Mobile top-up: $10 per month

– Transportation: $80 per month

– Maternity clothing: $200 (one-time)

Your donations would help alleviate the financial burden on Xiao Yue and allow her some financial certainty to focus on her pregnancy until her expected delivery in April 2025, after which she will be able to seek out employment opportunities to stabilise her financial situation. 

Xiao Yue is determined to focus on healing from her past traumas and building a stable future as an independent adult in the community. Despite her challenges, she dreams of pursuing education in lighting and sound or interior design. With financial stability, she hopes to enroll at ITE, paving the way for a career that promises a brighter future for both her and her child.