Morning Star Community Services was formed in 1999 as a community service project of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore to enrich and strengthen family relationships. We were registered as an independent non-profit, voluntary welfare organisation in 2002 and a member of the National Council of Social Service in 2003 that serves people of all races and religions.
Why Morning Star?
The families of today face changes that were not an issue just a few decades ago. As families shrink in size, there is less support forthcoming from the extended familial network. Relocation and housing arrangements also uprooted existing communities, thereby cutting off a natural source of support.
With an economically vibrant society also comes a breakneck pace at the workplace . Hours are longer, demands are greater, living costs are higher and family time is sidelined. Couples find they have to both work to make ends meet, and as a result the primary care-giving role is given to childcare centres or a maid. This arrangement, while facilitating work demands lessens the presence of needed parental guidance and discipline in the home.
As our children go to school, they face more demands from the education system. On top of that, there are external influences on values, such as from media, peer pressure and globalization.
With all these changes, many families experience isolation and a sense of inadequacy. The state of family life is quite contrary to what it is meant to be, that is, a loving community of members that supports one another.
At Morning Star, we don't believe that we are meant to be merely survivors of life but victors in our own right. We believe that life is a gift meant to be lived fully; that despite life's many challenges, we can exercise the power of informed choice for ourselves and for our relationships. No matter at what stage of life, we deserve to be treated with dignity by others and by ourselves. We can realise our dreams of having meaningful relationships and leading significant lives through practical ways.