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SINGAPORE: Instead of crossing swords, two competing charities have joined forces to streamline and coordinate their services and programmes for the visually handicapped.
The Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) will transfer its sheltered workshop programme and case management of troubled clients to the Society of Moral Charities (SOMC) by the end of next month.
The latter was tasked last year by the authorities to be an alternative service provider for the blind, following the SAVH's string of financial and governance woes.
"Our relationship with SAVH is very good," head of the SOMC's visually handicapped programme S Tiwari told Today.
There are now more than 30 former SAVH clients at the SOMC's sheltered workshop doing contract work, such as packaging for printers and invitation cards. Another 18 have been trained and certified as masseurs. They now work at the Moral Enterprise for Disabled Limited, a new social start-up by the SOMC.
Another 30 clients from the SAVH's sheltered workshop programme are expected to cross over. Not only transferred SAVH clients can seek help from SOMC's social workers, all are welcome, stressed Mr Tiwari. The new kid on the block does not plan to cannibalise the 55-year-old SAVH, while it is prepared to serve permanently as an alternative service provider for the blind.
For one, the SOMC will not install a Touch Art studio found at the SAVH - where the visually handicapped make arts and crafts items. Clients will be encouraged to join the SAVH's social activities and to tap its extensive library collection.
So far, the authorities have given the SOMC about $300,000 for these programmes and services for the blind.
Funding is a big headache for the SAVH, which serves 2,700 clients and regained its Institution of a Public Character (IPC) status just last week.
Said interim SAVH president Tan Guan Heng: "This reinstatement is more than having the ability to issue tax-exempt receipts for donations. It's more to do with credibility."
There are plans to canvass for funds from the public soon and to apply for funding from the authorities.
Mr Tan said stability within the executive committee and staff has returned, and financial and governance controls have been firmed. Expenditures need to be cleared by at least two layers: The head of department and the executive director. For expenses exceeding $5,000, executive committee clearance is required.
In the past, these procedures were not closely followed due to the "chaotic" exodus of staff and board members that, in turn, blurred roles and responsibilities within the SAVH. Said Mr Tan: "The checks and balances are now well in place."
The SAVH is eager to shake off its "beleaguered" label. Mr Tan added: "We will walk the extra mile to uphold the good name of the SAVH." - TODAY
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