At Friends of the Disabled Society (FDS), we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all support. We believe in walking alongside individuals — at their pace, on their terms — as they discover what they’re capable of.
Many of our members have gone through tough times. They’ve been overlooked, underestimated, or simply pushed aside. But when they step through our doors, they’re met not with pity — but with possibility.
Here are just a few of their stories.
Bobby: A New Chapter, One Step at a Time
Bobby Yeo’s journey is one of resilience and self-discovery. Living with cerebral palsy, he’s faced more than his fair share of setbacks. After becoming estranged from his family, Bobby worked hard to be independent — but found himself exploited by an employer. After losing that job, Bobby hit a low point — uncertain, disheartened, and unsure of where to turn. That was when he came to Friends of the Disabled Society (FDS), not knowing this would be the start of a deeply transformative chapter in his life.
At FDS, Bobby found more than a job — he found a community that believed in his potential. He began training in bookkeeping and admin support, slowly rebuilding his confidence. Today, he works as an Admin Assistant at FDS on weekdays, learning on the job and taking pride in his growth.
But perhaps the most unexpected part of Bobby’s journey came through painting — a passion he never thought could be his.
At first, he was hesitant. His hands, often shaky due to his condition, made painting feel out of reach. But with support from those around him, Bobby gave it a shot. To his surprise, painting helped him calm his movements and sharpen his focus. With time, he learned to control his brush — and found joy, freedom, and pride in each piece he created.
Bobby especially loves painting eagles and owls — powerful symbols of strength, wisdom, and quiet resilience. For him, each piece reflects his journey: full of challenges, but also growth, calm, and clarity.
Today, painting has become his meditation — a space where he reconnects with himself. He also teaches mosaic classeson weekends and helps run sales booths, where he proudly showcases the work of fellow FDS members and earns a bit of extra income along the way.
Bobby’s story is a reminder that healing doesn’t always begin with medicine — sometimes, it begins with belief. Belief in someone’s potential, even when they’ve been cast aside. Belief in second chances. And belief that growth can begin in the unlikeliest of places — like a canvas and a brush.
“Support second chances and new beginnings. Help more individuals like Bobby discover their purpose through art and skill-building.”
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Precilia: The Quiet Force Behind the Scenes
Precilia lives with cerebral palsy and a speech impairment, but her keen eye for detail and love for structure set her apart. While she may not express herself easily with words, she has a natural gift for organisation — something we saw right away when she joined FDS.
She took an immediate interest in inventory work — counting, sorting, and making sure things are in the right place. So, we trained her in both inventory tracking and basic computer work to help update our E-shop. With patient guidance and lots of practice, Precilia picked it up with quiet determination.
But her creativity doesn’t stop at spreadsheets. Precilia also loves to paint — especially cute animals with expressive faces and bright colours. Her art is filled with warmth and playfulness, often surprising those who only see her quiet exterior.
Like Bobby, Precilia also learned how to set up and run a sales booth. Sometimes she takes turns with him, sometimes they do it together — proudly showcasing products made by FDS members and helping with sales. The booth isn’t just a way to earn income — it’s where Precilia gets to shine in a public space, interacting, learning, and growing.
She may speak few words, but her work speaks volumes — about patience, capability, and the beauty of giving someone a chance to show what they can do.
“Support someone who finds joy in the details. Your donation helps individuals like Precilia grow their skills and confidence — one task, one painting, one small win at a time.”
Donate now
Kim Lye: Art with Heart
Lim Kim Lye may be wheelchair-bound, but her spirit is anything but confined. In 2022, she picked up a paintbrush for the very first time — and never looked back.
What began as a casual new activity quickly blossomed into a heartfelt passion. Painting opened up a world where she could express her vibrant personality and inner joy, one brushstroke at a time.
Her artwork often features flowing water — streams, lakes, oceans — mirroring her calm strength and quiet resilience. To Kim Lye, water represents movement, freedom, and life — all things she radiates, despite the physical limitations she faces.
Known for her bold colours and radiant compositions, Kim Lye fills her paintings with energy, warmth, and positivity. She comes to every session with curiosity and grit, eager to learn and improve. Her “never-say-die” attitude and infectious smile lift the spirits of everyone around her.
Through art, Kim Lye has found more than a hobby — she’s found a way to connect, communicate, and inspire. Her journey reminds us that creativity doesn’t ask for perfection — only heart.
“Help talent bloom where it’s least expected. Support Kim Lye’s artistic journey and others like hers.”
Donate now
Ng Siang Hoi: Art Is His Language
Born Deaf, Mr Ng Siang Hoi has always let his art do the talking. Taught by a Deaf art teacher at the age of 14, he discovered early on that painting could be his language, his passion, and his way of connecting with the world.
Now 75 years old, he continues to paint with quiet determination and grace. Working full-time as an artist, Siang Hoi specialises in a unique mixed media style — blending watercolour, acrylic, and ink to breathe life into nostalgic scenes of Singapore. His artwork often features bustling markets, riverside villages, and iconic landmarks — all imbued with a sense of memory and warmth.
Though he cannot hear, his paintings speak volumes. Each one reflects not only his love for Singapore, but also a journey of resilience and unwavering creativity. Siang Hoi reminds us that when you nurture the human spirit, it will always find a way to express itself — beautifully.
“Art speaks where words cannot. Support artists like Siang Hoi who have spent a lifetime painting their truth.”
Donate now
Shawalee: Creating Beauty, One Tile at a Time
Shawalee may not say much — but his art speaks volumes.
Living with mild intellectual disability, speech impairment, and now kidney failure, Shawalee has faced more than his share of challenges. Yet, when it comes to mosaic art, he is nothing short of a master.
Over the years, Shawalee has quietly built a reputation within FDS for his incredible skill in mosaic craftsmanship. With a patient hand and a sharp eye for design, he has transformed ordinary items into stunning works of art — from vases and large serving trays to mirrors, pots, and decorative plates. Each piece is painstakingly created, every tile placed with purpose and care.
His work reflects more than technical skill — it reveals deep focus, quiet creativity, and a determination to create something beautiful, no matter the circumstances.
Today, Shawalee’s health has taken a turn. He undergoes dialysis three times a week, a draining routine that has made it difficult for him to continue working or attending programmes at FDS. But his legacy lives on in every piece he’s crafted, and in the inspiration he’s left with those who have seen him work.
His creations are not just items — they are stories of perseverance, pride, and the power of quiet artistry. Shawalee reminds us that talent comes in many forms — and sometimes, the most extraordinary gifts come from the most unassuming hands.
“Let his art live on. Help sustain mosaic workshops and bring dignity to those facing health and life challenges like Shawalee.”
Donate now
Mayling: Sewing Her Way Forward
Mayling is a quiet force of creativity and grit. Living with a physical disability, she moves at her own pace — but when it comes to sewing and crafting, she doesn’t miss a beat.
Entirely self-taught, Mayling discovered her love for needlework through trial, error, and a whole lot of determination. With her natural sense of colour and pattern, she began experimenting with different materials and designs — stitching together unique creations from the simplest of scraps.
Her specialty? Patchwork tote bags. Each one is thoughtfully pieced together using donated fabric, giving new life to old materials. No two bags are ever the same — they’re as original, expressive, and resourceful as Mayling herself.
Beyond bags, she’s also taken on other sewing projects, from coin pouches to soft fabric décor. Her careful hands and keen eye have made her one of our most reliable crafters at FDS — someone we can count on when we need quality and heart in every stitch.
Mayling may be soft-spoken, but through her work, she speaks volumes about patience, sustainability, and quiet perseverance. She reminds us that empowerment doesn’t always shout — sometimes, it hums along softly at a sewing machine, crafting beauty out of everyday things.
“Help fuel creativity stitched with heart. Your support empowers makers like Mayling to turn everyday materials into something truly meaningful.”
Donate now
And Many, Many More
These are just a few of the individuals who make FDS what it is — a place of second chances, gentle growth, and genuine empowerment.
They may not fit into traditional workplaces. They may need more time, more patience, and more support. But they show up. They try. They grow.
And that’s everything.
🙌 Help Us Keep Going
This campaign helps us continue offering:
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Hands-on training in admin, art, packing, and sales
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A safe space to learn, connect, and build self-worth
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Meaningful activities that lead to income, purpose, and pride
If you believe that every person deserves the dignity of learning, contributing, and being seen — we invite you to stand with us.
Donate Now
Support real people.
Support real growth.
Support Bobby, Precilia, Kim Lye, Siang Hoi, Shawalee, May Ling—
and many, many more.
