Our CASS Group Home is not just a place to live in, but a home sweet home for our loving ‘family’. The ‘family’ recently had our annual gathering where residents had an opportunity to catch up with family members and friends, while representatives from CASS management, volunteers, staff and residents’ families could get to know one another and build better connections.
Since taking over the management of the Group Home for people with disabilities, CASS staff members have been organizing activities for the residents every week in order to enable them to have contacts with the world outside. For those who have difficulties walking, staff members will arrange wheelchairs. As residents spend most of their time indoor, we also encourage them to have regular contacts with their families. Some of the families take the residents out regularly. But for those who do not go out much can join the activities organised by our staff members.
Our annual gathering was held on 16 July. It was attended by over 40 participants, including 8 residents. Our staff and some of the residents’ family members arrived early to decorate the venue and make other preparations, hoping to make the day a memorable one for the residents and their families. Accompanied by our staff, residents began arriving half an hour before the event officially started. On arrival, some residents rushed into the venue and immediately began dancing with the music. Those who were on wheelchairs urged the staff members to assist them in entering the gathering as quickly as possible.
The gathering started out with the game, ‘Find a Friend’, followed by singing and dancing activities. With the assistance from the staff, residents actively engaged in the activities. Those normally active became more excited and danced buzzing around the crowd like butterflies, while the quiet ones were also inspired and joined the singing and dancing activities. Family members were touched by the cheerful smiles of the residents. Some volunteered to sing for the party guests, some were enchanted by the performances, while others enthusiastically assisted residents to join in.
Though it was utterly cold outside, the group inside was burning with an indistinguishable enthusiasm. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, and so were the hearts of all those present. Dr. Leng Tan, Chairperson of our organisation, welcomed all the residents and their families. Dr. Tan, who is always elegant and candid, showed her spirited side on the day. She mingled among the crowd, playing games together with the residents. She even brought along a lovely cake. After the games finished, she gathered all the residents for the cake-cutting and sang ‘happy birthday’ with them. Yes, it truly was the birthday celebration for our Disability Services!
Everyone became quite tired and hungry after all the singing and dancing! All eyes were on the scrumptious food even before it was announced that lunch was ready. Our staff members often say that the group home is their second home, and the residents are just like their children and family members. Every time they cook, they are cooking for their family, making sure they enjoy the happy and healthy meals. Most of the food on the day was prepared by our staff members, with specialty dishes from our multicultural colleagues coming from Korea, Guangdong and Shanghai. Family members also brought along specially prepared healthy dishes. Residents were excited, enjoying the variety of colourful dishes.
When it was time to say goodbye, family members thanked our staff for the wonderful gathering. They were grateful that CASS not only provides a place for residents to stay, but also a home sweet home where they are loved and well cared for!
