When Mdm Zeng Jindi first arrived in Singapore in 2011, she never imagined how difficult the road ahead would be. As a foreigner from Guangdong, China, she faced the exhausting cycle of renewing her visa every 90 days, unable to work and fully dependent on her husband, a daily-rated worker. With three young daughters to care for and no social support, she felt overwhelmed and alone.

The COVID-19 pandemic made things worse. Living in Tampines, Mdm Zeng first encountered RiverLife Community Services (RCS) through a food distribution initiative. That moment of kindness opened the door to a lifeline—RCS’s Bless Mums, KIPERKids, and Bless Family programmes.

Before RCS, Mdm Zeng struggled emotionally and physically. The stress of caregiving, visa uncertainty, and marital strain left her feeling helpless. “I didn’t anticipate how hard it would be to get my PR status and a visa,” she shared. “I was desperate and didn’t know where to turn.”

Bless Mums became her turning point. Though quiet and hesitant due to language barriers, she was supported by volunteers who translated and encouraged her to speak up. Slowly, she found her voice, made friends, and even invited other mums from China to join. “Through the workshops, I learned how to show love to my children,” she said. “And I gained the confidence to be myself.”

RCS’s support extended beyond emotional care. Grocery vouchers, care packs, and monthly visits from a befriender helped ease her parenting stress. Her caseworker also advocated tirelessly for her visa, writing to ICA on her behalf. “Knowing someone is there makes all the difference,” she said. “It lifted the weight off my shoulders.”

Her husband, now working as a cleaner, also benefited from Bless Family. Outings and workshops helped him bond with their children and learn how to express love and manage emotions. Their eldest daughter, who has epilepsy, struggled with emotional regulation. But through mentorship, the younger siblings learned empathy and forgiveness, strengthening their family bond.

Today, Mdm Zeng works as a teaching assistant in a preschool—a milestone that reflects her resilience and growth. Inspired by the support she received, she now pays it forward, offering a listening ear to other mothers in need.

Her story is a powerful reminder: when compassion meets action, lives are transformed.