Since October last year, Melissa has been taking steady steps to rebuild her life after fleeing domestic violence. With courage, she sought stability — not just for herself, but for her two daughters. Thanks to the kindness of donors, she’s now due to receive her final disbursement this April.

But Melissa’s story isn’t ending. It’s entering a new and more complex chapter.

Starting Over, Together

Earlier this year, Melissa made a difficult decision. Due to a family situation, she brought her daughters, Ameerah (12) and Alexah (7), to live with her in Singapore. The girls no longer have a home to return to in the Philippines.

“My 12-year-old was supposed to graduate this year,” Melissa says.
“People don’t realise how a mother’s heart feels, pulling her child out from a graduating class.”

The transition has been challenging. The girls are here on Social Visit Passes, which means they must exit and re-enter Singapore every month. A process that’s emotionally and financially draining. Without Permanent Residency (PR), they cannot enrol in school.

Melissa is working closely with her social worker to apply for their PR status and secure long-term schooling. Until then, her daughters have been matched with a mentoring programme so they don’t fall too far behind.

“They’re so happy,” Melissa shares. “Even though they barely have writing materials to begin with.”

Doing Everything She Can

Melissa is doing her best to provide. A home-based baking business she tried to launch in December didn’t take off, but she hasn’t stopped trying. In April, she is starting two new income streams:

• – Parcel collection point role – $90/month
• – Part-time training as a healthcare attendant – $17/hour, with flexible shifts that allow her to care for her children and attend medical appointments

“I can work,” she says. “But I can’t make it alone.”

She continues to manage her mental health through regular counselling sessions at both her Family Service Centre and hospital. Her mental load is significant — she worries constantly about her children’s immigration status, their lack of access to school, and whether she’ll be able to hold a job long enough to give them the stability they deserve.

Still, Melissa remains hopeful.

“I’m not giving up,” she says. “We’ll make it one day.”

Her daughters carry that same quiet strength.

“I want to help you, mummy,” her younger daughter told her recently.
Melissa reminds them of what matters most:
“I’m not rich. But with education, they can build a life for themselves.”

Together, they’ve learned to budget their groceries to the cent. The girls use calculators at the supermarket, putting snacks back if they’ve gone over.

Why We’re Raising $4,250

Melissa is trying. But the gaps are too wide to bridge alone.

Right now, the family is reliant on limited assistance. Melissa’s income is part-time and irregular.
We’re raising $725/month for 6 months to help Melissa:

• – Cover groceries and daily essentials
• – Buy educational materials for her children
• – Manage basic costs related to transport and job readiness

Breakdown of Needs:

Living expenses

• Groceries – $300
• Sundries – $120
• Children’s needs – $120

Employment support

• Personal mobile – $15
• Meals outside home – $100
• Transport – $70

What Happens After This

By October, Melissa hopes her daughters will have been granted PR and enrolled in school, giving them a sense of belonging, and her the space to work more hours. The healthcare attendant role could offer her steady income, while her parcel collection work continues in the background.

It won’t be perfect. School fees for PR children are still high. But with community support, she’s ready to take that next step.

“I try not to let my kids know how hard things are,” Melissa says softly.
Let’s show her she doesn’t have to carry it all alone.