How CDAC’s Support Helped Madam Tan’s Family Thrive

Mdm Tan and her family, determined to navigate life’s challenges hand-in-hand.

From Struggles to Strength: A Family’s Journey of Growth and Resilience

Madam Julie Tan, 46, is a mother who wears many hats—caregiver, provider, and steadfast supporter of her three sons. Raising Edgar, 20, and twins Elijah and Evan, 18, has been a journey filled with love and resilience. The twins, diagnosed with mild autism and speech delays, faced unique challenges growing up. But with unwavering determination and the right support, Madam Tan found a way to guide her family toward a brighter future.

Balancing work as an administrative executive while ensuring her children received the support they needed was not easy. But through CDAC’s programmes, she discovered a network that empowered both her and her children, strengthening their family bond along the way.

Finding the Right Support: A Turning Point with CDAC

Madam Tan first encountered CDAC when her twins were in Primary 4. Before entering school, Elijah and Evan faced difficulties in securing placement due to their special needs, leaving her anxious and uncertain about their future. When she eventually found schools for them, she remained deeply concerned about their ability to cope with academic demands and social interactions.

It was then that she learned about CDAC’s Supervised Homework Group Programme (SHG). At CDAC@ Punggol, the structured and supportive learning environment helped the boys ease into their studies. The SHG’s volunteers who act as mentors took the time to understand their needs, using small incentives like their favourite sweets and breaks between tasks to keep them engaged.

“They didn’t just push my sons to study more. They used activities to help them learn, and that’s why it worked,” Madam Tan shared. Over time, Elijah and Evan became more expressive, even chatting with their mentors about their favourite cartoon characters and YouTube videos. Seeing them open up and ask for help when needed was a huge relief for her.

At the same time, Edgar, her eldest son, was going through his own struggles. As a teenager, he was rebellious, and she worried about his lack of direction. In 2018 and 2019, she enrolled him in Project YOUth Can Shine, hoping it would instil confidence and discipline. Today, Edgar is in his second year at ITE College East, studying Events Management, and preparing for his next step—a polytechnic education or the Work-Study Programme he secured with ICA.

A Family Growing Stronger Together

Beyond academic support, CDAC provided a space for the family to bond. They participated in family enrichment activities, where Madam Tan saw firsthand how experiences outside the classroom helped her children grow.

One of their most cherished experiences was a Happy Family Programme in 2019, jointly organised by Fei Yue Community Services and supported by SGX. It was a rare opportunity for the family to relax and enjoy time together, with CDAC playing a key role in facilitating family befrienders who provided support throughout the programme. As part of the programme, the family learned how to cope with stress and anger management through home-based counselling sessions and they also stayed overnight at a hotel as part of the family bonding programme.

“Those moments reminded me that my children need experiences beyond schoolwork. They need laughter, confidence, and the chance to explore,” she said.

At first, her husband, Mr Francis Goh, 48, was hesitant to take part in these outings, unsure of how he could contribute. But over time, he began to enjoy the shared experiences and now looks forward to the activities with the family. “He realised how important it was to spend time together outside of our daily routines and we take lots of photos to keep those memories.” Madam Tan shared. And these moments of connection have brought them closer together as a family.

Through the coaching and support from CDAC caseworkers Ms Diong Siew Kuan and Ms Connie Tan, Madam Tan also found herself becoming less tense as a parent. In the past, she often felt overwhelmed by the need to micromanage her children’s progress. But as she saw them thrive under the mentorship of their mentors and volunteers, she learned to trust the process and give them space to grow.

Looking Ahead: Independence and Giving Back

Elijah and Evan have come a long way. Elijah has successfully entered ITE College Central, studying Retail, while Evan, a student at Northlight School, secured an internship as a retail staff. His initial placement was uncertain, but his dedication convinced his employer to renew his contract for another year.

Meanwhile, Edgar is preparing for his future, ensuring he has both academic and work opportunities ahead.

Madam Tan’s journey has been one of resilience, patience, and love. She once had doubts about her children’s future, but today, she is watching them become independent, confident individuals.

“I just want my children to be happy and independent. Seeing them grow and learn every day—it’s the best reward I could ask for,” she said with a smile.

Through CDAC, Madam Tan and her children not only found academic and emotional support but also a community that believed in them. Their story is a testament to how the right support, combined with a mother’s determination, can transform challenges into opportunities for growth.