Fueled with passion to serve

Joel Wong started his journey in CAS as a Youth Worker. His primary role is to plan youth programs and ensure their well being.  His journey in CAS has been filled with challenges on a daily basis, but it is these very challenges that has shaped him today. Joel describes solving the problems at work with the help of his colleagues who are his engines as something that “fuels” and motivates him.

Five years on, Joel is now the Unit leader of the Youth Boys at Melrose Home. He believes the role has molded him to be more resilient and adaptable. The interaction he has with the boys under his care has broadened his perspective. While interactions with the youth can be very challenging, it has taught him to be more patient over time.

He has also learned to be more understanding and puts himself in a trauma-informed perspective to serve the residents better. “When my friends ask me what my job entails, I will tell them I do many different things in one day – attending to the needs of the residents, making sure they feel safe & comfortable, while other times, I talk to them as a friend and a mentor. But all in all I really enjoy my interaction with the residents”.

Joel hopes to pursue higher education in a related field. He hopes some day he will be equipped with skills to reach out to street children in less fortunate.