Triumph over grief

Huda (left) with Subhashini, Senior Social Worker at MWS Girls' Residence

Grief gripped Huda when she lost her father—her confidante and best friend—at the tender age of 11. His death, traumatic to Huda, stirred up deep feelings of abandonment and loss within her.

For years, she could not process the traumatic grief and ended up mixing with bad company, playing truant and losing interest in her studies. Huda’s relationship with her family also worsened over the years as communication broke down.

At 15, she was referred to MWS Girls’ Residence (GR) where she began her healing journey. "Due to her strained family relationships and the loss of her father, Huda initially found it challenging to trust and open up to adults, especially with regard to grief from her father’s passing," said Subhashini Kunasagar, Huda’s social worker who oversees her case. Despite the rocky start, the consistent care and support from staff eventually broke down Huda’s walls. Finally, she was able to talk about and process her grief.

Trauma is often born out of adverse life experiences, such as the death of a parent during childhood, like in Huda’s case. In working with Huda, the MWS GR team adopted a Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) approach, which recognises the impact trauma has on individuals.

Built on core principles like collaboration and empowerment, the TIC approach empowered Huda to heal from her childhood trauma and rebuild her life.

"The guidance and support I received at MWS Girls’ Residence helped me in the last few years. Understanding how to process my grief, overcome my trauma and cope with difficult emotions have been very beneficial," said Huda. "I can now manage my emotions and stress independently, such as calming myself by playing simple songs on the guitar, a skill that I picked up at the Residence."

Huda also reconciled with her family, under Subhashini’s patient guidance. "I helped Huda’s family to understand the impact of grief on Huda, and how to support her emotionally," said Subhashini. "This brought healing to Huda, and she gradually became more resilient and empowered."

Since graduating from MWS GR in 2021, Huda has returned to her family. "My relationship with my family has improved significantly as compared to before I first stepped into MWS Girls’ Residence," shared Huda. "I realised that building mutual trust helped my family and I communicate better with one another."

On the recommendation of MWS GR, Huda now works as a residential care associate in a nursing home. "While others my age may not enjoy working for long hours, I find it meaningful and look forward to engaging with my patients," said Huda.

Outside of her 12-hour shifts, Huda attends nursing courses to improve her skills and knowledge, in hopes of becoming a staff nurse one day and serving those in need.

Huda is just one of over 9,000 beneficiaries whom Methodist Welfare Services supports with holistic care. Many of our beneficiaries face complex issues and require long-term support. They include seniors battling chronic illnesses, families facing multiple stressors and individuals torn apart by adverse childhood experiences. Your generous donation helps us to shine God’s light in this broken world and let our beneficiaries experience life to the full. Visit mws.sg/bring-hope or scan the QR code to donate.