Collective for a Stronger Society adds 4 programmes to provide more ‘wraparound support’ to lower-income families

[SINGAPORE] The Collective for a Stronger Society (CSS), a joint initiative by the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) and Community Chest, is adding four programmes to provide more holistic support to lower-income families.

Dr Paul Tan, CEO of CFS, said: “As a Singapore-focused community foundation, CFS identifies areas where philanthropic capital can be mobilised to address community needs and support long-term outcomes.”

CSS was launched in 2024 to tackle social mobility in the Republic. It supports programmes related to education and skills training, work and income security, social and community assistance, health and well-being, and housing.

CFS announced on Tuesday (Jun 23) that, this year, the initiative will onboard four programmes, bringing the total number of programmes at CSS to 21.

Dr Tan added: “We have always maintained that (CSS) needed to provide wraparound support. It’s not just about alleviating financial hardship – it also looks at issues of social mobility holistically.”

Holistic approach

Three of the programmes are related to healthcare, while the fourth – You Shine by SunCare SG – is an after-school programme providing social-emotional support for children aged seven to 12 from lower-income households.

Among the new programmes is also Project Peer by Filos Community Services, which aims to strengthen children’s literacy, promote healthy habits and support family relationships through parent and child engagement.

Being supported under CSS will help Project Peer move into its second phase, said Joseph Eio, executive director of Filos.

“We will be able to embark on initiatives related to mental well-being and resiliency of the families, which go on to further support the well-being of the family as a whole – beyond supporting them in their literacy and parenting journey,” he added.

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Project Peer aims to reach around 500 children over five years.

Eio said: “We are adopting a ‘three-A’ framework where we help them be aware of healthy habits, give them a platform to apply the habits, and help them advocate in community settings.”

Similarly, another programme added to CSS is KakiHealth at Yishun Family Service, under Singapore Children’s Society (SCS). This community-based programme supports families in adopting healthier lifestyles through nutrition, health education and mental wellness activities.

Fajar Raharja, a participant of KakiHealth, said that it will teach families how to understand food grades and choose more nutritious options.

CSS’ new line-up also includes Community Clinic at Beach Road under Sata CommHealth. This is a subsidised primary healthcare initiative that provides accessible care to vulnerable residents. 

At a fireside chat on Tuesday at Yishun Family Service Centre, panellists from Filos, Sata CommHealth and SCS noted that many members of lower-income families do not take care of their own health and mental well-being, because they are preoccupied with dealing with financial hardship. 

Dr Tan said that such programmes that complement others in areas such as employment and housing make for “an even more robust CSS”.

Also at the event as a special guest was Low Yen Ling, senior minister of state for culture, community and youth, and trade and industry.

Since its launch, CSS has received over S$21.4 million in cumulative donations. To date, CSS-supported programmes have reached more than 10,000 families and 30,000 beneficiaries.