Melissa is a mother of five, with three of her children living in Singapore and two in the Philippines. Despite her challenging past, including surviving domestic violence in her first marriage, she continues to push forward with courage. 

Battling Depression & Inflammation

In 2023, the weight of these experiences led to depression, which has affected her mental health and caused a skin condition that flares up during moments of high stress. The condition requires special soap that Melissa struggles to afford, adding an extra burden to her already stretched finances.

Finding Strength in the Everyday

Even in the face of these challenges, Melissa remains committed to improving her situation. Although she’s been unable to work since March 2024 due to her mental health, she’s actively attending weekly counselling sessions to build her resilience. Her anxiety makes it difficult to look for a job right now, but Melissa manages her home with care, organising her finances into envelopes for each expense. This simple practice helps her feel more in control, giving her strength to face each day.

Melissa dreams of creating a stable home in Singapore, where she reunite with her two daughters from the Philippines in time to come. Their drawings hang on her walls as a constant reminder of her motivation. She’s working hard to build a life where they can grow, learn, and thrive.

Standing by Family in Times of Need

In June 2024, Melissa’s strength was tested again when her father’s health worsened and her nephew faced a cancer relapse. She quickly returned to the Philippines to care for them, even though she didn’t have the funds to return to Singapore. Once their conditions stabilised, Melissa was eager to return home to continue her counselling and move forward with her life. With Ray of Hope’s support, she could fly home to Singapore in August 2024.

How You Can Help Empower Melissa’s Future

Ray of Hope is raising $2,370.70 to cover Melissa’s living expenses for the next six months, along with a one-off purchase of dining chairs. This support will provide Melissa with the stability she needs to focus on her mental health and create a home where her children can eventually join her.

The breakdown is as follows:

1. $390/month for living expenses covering her groceries, including dermatological soap and mobile charges
2. Two dining chairs costing $33.70

The Next Step Forward

Melissa has now secured the keys to her HDB rental unit. Although her home is still missing basic furniture like dining chairs, she continues to manage her resources carefully, using CDC vouchers and saving where possible. Her focus is on moving forward, and she’s committed to building a strong foundation for her family’s future.

Together, we can help Melissa build the life she dreams of—a life where she can reunite her family and continue to grow stronger every day. Your support helps create opportunities for her and her children, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.