Single mum Melissa just started a new job—but without support, she might not be able to keep it.

Trying to Move Forward

Melissa, 37, is a single mother to 10-year-old Crystabel, a bright and spirited Primary 4 student who dreams of becoming a pet groomer. Over the years, Melissa has done everything she can to raise her daughter on her own, even when it meant leaving her needs unmet.

In 2022, Ray of Hope supported Melissa with 8 months of living expenses when she started work at a bakery. Since then, she and Crystabel had found some stability. But in March 2025, Melissa was laid off after three years of dedicated work due to company downsizing. With no savings to fall back on, the sudden job loss threw her small household into survival mode.

“I just want to get everything paid on time, put food on the table, and be able to go to work,” Melissa shared.

Doing Her Best with What She Has

Determined not to fall behind, Melissa quickly found new part-time work in April at a souvenir pop-up store, earning $85 a day for 12 days a month. The hours are short and the pay isn’t much, but Melissa is hopeful. The company is planning to open a permanent outlet in June, and she is expected to be converted to full-time staff with longer working hours and higher salary.

Melissa is doing everything she can to keep going. She even tried broadcasting on TikTok to supplement her income but had to stop after months without success. To keep food on the table and the lights on, she has had to borrow money, leaving her $1,000 in debt.

A Dangerous Trade-Off

Living with asthma and anemia, Melissa often gets dizzy from low blood sugar. With their current financial situation, she and Crystabel have been surviving on just one meal a day. Melissa relies on sweets to keep her blood sugar up—an unstable and dangerous coping mechanism.

“I feel like a very useless mother,” she confided. “But I can’t stop. My biggest concern is always my daughter.”

Melissa’s wants to provide stability for Crystabel so she can focus on school and grow up without the burden of financial stress. 

“I need to give her stability so she can study and graduate without worries.”

Why Your Help Matters Now

Melissa’s current income doesn’t cover her transport or meals at work—basic needs that are essential for her to keep this job. With your support, we can give her three months of breathing room to get back on her feet and transition into full-time work.

Ray of Hope is raising $1,500 to support Melissa’s employment-related needs and the family’s groceries for three months:

– Transport to and from work – $150/month

– Meals at work – $120/month

– Mobile top-ups – $30/month

– Groceries – $200/month

A Message of Gratitude

“There’s something to look forward to now. I can continue to provide for my daughter,” Melissa said. “I appreciate whatever help is given to help me stabilise in life.”

Melissa is not asking for charity, just a chance to keep going. With your help, she can keep her job, care for her daughter, and finally build toward a stable future.

Please consider making a donation today. Your gift is a lifeline for a mother who refuses to give up.