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CNA
04-07-2025
- Health
- CNA
'Nowhere else to go': Inside the welfare homes where women seek shelter, find hope
When Ms Sarah (not her real name) first arrived at a welfare home in Buangkok, she was 35 years old and had been admitted to the Institute for Mental Health (IMH) 48 times since her 20s. Struggling to manage her health, and with her sister lacking the means to care for her, Ms Sarah ended up sleeping rough, such as outdoors, where safety and hygiene were a constant worry. 'I was scared (I would get) molested, scared (I would get) raped,' she recalled. 'It was difficult to manage my personal hygiene. That time, in my desperate moment, I would bathe at a coffee shop, shoplift from a pharmacy – but that's not me.' Her first days in the welfare home, despite its promise of shelter and medical help, were marked by sadness and isolation. 'When I was admitted, at that moment, I felt like nobody (would) take care of me,' said Ms Sarah, in a choked voice. Now 42, Ms Sarah has lived in Thuja Home at Pelangi Village, an all-female welfare home run by social service agency 4S, for about seven years. There are 11 welfare homes across Singapore, managed by social service agencies under the supervision of the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), and admission is subject to a 'social investigation' by MSF under the Destitute Persons Act. Thuja Home at Pelangi Village is the only women-only welfare home in Singapore, currently housing around 190 residents. Women are also the minority in mixed homes. At MWS Christalite Methodist Home, for instance, only about 15 per cent of residents are women. At Bukit Batok Home for the Aged, around 33 per cent – or 38 out of 115 residents – are female. Though small in number, women in these settings often face complex challenges, with many having endured years of neglect, trauma or illness. Seven women staying in welfare homes told CNA TODAY of how adjustment to a round-the-clock residential environment, living apart from their former communities, can be jarring. Residents at these homes cannot be named due to the sensitive circumstances of their admission and stay. Single mother Karen (not her real name), 60, never imagined that she would live in a welfare home after growing up in a 'very comfortable home'. 'When I entered here, I had no idea what a destitute home was,' said Ms Karen, who has lived in the MWS Christalite Methodist Home for around a year and remains in limited contact with her adult son. Yet, despite initial struggles, many of the women in welfare homes told CNA TODAY of the improvements in their health, the friendships they had built, and a sense of stability they had not known in years. Contrary to the common perception that residents have been abandoned in a place of last resort, Ms Sarah said: 'If I didn't stay here the last seven years, I would be a lot worse than I am now. 'People have that stigma that a welfare home is a very nasty place, or that you are alone. It's actually a very nice, cosy place for us to think better. Here, there's a lot of people who care for us.' WHY THEY GO IN A Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) spokesperson said that admission into welfare homes, for both men and women, is often driven by difficult circumstances 'beyond an individual's control'. Neglect and cruelty are common experiences among the elderly women they see, and many residents have been abandoned by family members due to age, disability and illness. More male residents tend to have estranged family relationships, arising from factors such as absentee parenting, repeated incarcerations, substance abuse, domestic violence or extramarital affairs. Female residents, on the other hand, need full-time residential care because of 'poorer support systems', said the spokesperson. 'In some cases, individuals have fallen into debt or been financially exploited by relatives or partners. Others are survivors of domestic violence or abuse – both physical and emotional – or have gone through divorce or separation without financial support.' Ms Kelly (not her real name), 61, has resided in Thuja Home at Pelangi Village for over two years, after a long period of housing instability, including rough sleeping in a staircase in Bedok and a stay in IMH. Twice divorced and estranged from her children and family, she has made peace with her solitude. 'I try not to think that (my family) will come to see me. I just have this dream that they are healthy, and that they are living in a good way,' she said. While she kept to herself in her first year at the home, she has since made a good friend who taught her how to appreciate new hobbies. 'I was so happy to have a place where I would have a cupboard and small table. I never thought there would be room for people like us, I thought everyone had a family only,' said Ms Kelly. For Madam Mary (not her real name), a single woman in her mid-70s, the path to staying in MWS Christalite Methodist Home followed years of collecting and selling cardboard from coffee shops and stores. Her only sibling living in Singapore, a younger brother, now resides in another welfare home. 'Sleeping outside is very dangerous, some people sleep outside and get cheated and end up pregnant. But living here is very good. Here, there's food, there's a place to stay,' she said in Mandarin. Ms Michelle Koh, assistant superintendent of Bukit Batok Home for the Aged, said female residents are typically admitted due to psychiatric conditions coupled with a lack of family support, or situations where family members are unable to cope with caregiving responsibilities. She noted that another key factor determining the admission of both male and female residents to the welfare home is their age profile, combined with the lack of alternative accommodation and the absence of family support. At Thuja Home at Pelangi Village, however, superintendent Melissa Maniam is seeing an uptick in younger women, in their 30s and 40s, entering the welfare home. 'This means that they are often more lucid, they know of their rights and freedoms. So they are unable to really understand why they are placed in a home,' said Ms Maniam. Dr Kelvin Tan Cheng Kian from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) said this trend may continue as more Singaporeans remain single. Without alternative housing options, institutional care could become the fallback for those with no safety net. Despite the uptick, the female population in welfare homes remains significantly smaller than that of men, a trend that experts say reflects broader gender norms. Dr Tan, head of SUSS' Minor in Applied Ageing Studies, explained that women bearing the brunt of domestic responsibilities often foster closer family ties. 'Due to this disparity of family roles during their active lives, men are more distant from their children in the post-retirement or latter years, resulting in them ending up in institutional care,' said Dr Tan. Dr Tan Ern Ser, an adjunct principal research fellow and academic adviser at the social lab at the Institute of Policy Studies, also suggested that some women who may have 'good reasons' to leave for welfare homes resist doing so, as their identity and sense of security and dependency is centred on being part of a family unit, even a dysfunctional one. LIFE IN A WELFARE HOME Beyond essential services like meals and medical care, many welfare homes aim to provide meaningful engagement, from creative activities like karaoke to work schemes and outings. Contrary to some residents' fears that living in a welfare home might be like a 'jail', Mr Adrian Ng, a social worker at Bukit Batok Home for the Aged, said the welfare home makes an effort to ensure residents exercise independence. For example, residents can take part in a home earning scheme – light duties within the home that come with a small allowance. Some residents are also nominated for community outings under a buddy system, providing some freedom to travel and purchase things with the allowance they have earned. 'It gives residents a sense of purpose, and they get to contribute to the home. They gain some allowance and benefits like outings, so it keeps them going,' said Mr Ng. One such resident is Madam Liza (not her real name), 69, who has lived in Bukit Batok Home for the Aged for a decade. 'The first time I came here, I felt sad, because I didn't know the place, and my family also didn't know I stayed here. But now it's different.' Mdm Liza finds joy in her role as a receptionist at the front counter for four hours every day – a job that reminds her of her former occupation as a security officer. 'I stay here, I feel happy, because a lot of people can take care of me. I have a lot of friends, I can join the activities,' she said. Mr Alvin Chua, lecturer in the department of social work at National University of Singapore, said that the key challenge in institutional care is the loss of autonomy and the need to comply with rules. The nature of institutional care operations and the responsibility of the management to ensure safety among residents often leaves little to no room for individualisation, he said. Over at MWS Christalite Methodist Home, the welfare home has observed that many of its female residents grapple with loneliness, depression and a sense of hopelessness in coping with the past trauma, mental health conditions or familial estrangement that led to their admission. 'Structured routines and restricted movement outside the facility, though necessary for ensuring safety and optimising care plans, can further impact their mental well-being by limiting autonomy,' said the MWS spokesperson. To address this, the welfare home has designed programmes such as Colour Me Beautiful, which aims to increase female residents' social engagement and provide a safe space for them to reflect on their personal identity. In the six-week pilot programme, female residents participated in 'self-expression activities' like fashion styling, floral arrangement and skincare application paired with group discussions. 'Post-programme surveys reported improved mood, energy, and self-esteem among the participants,' said the spokesperson. One initially introverted resident, Madam Lucy (not her real name), frequently told staff she felt lonely after being admitted in late 2024. In one Colour Me Beautiful session about fashion styling, Mdm Lucy selected a green scarf and paired it with a pink necklace, then modelled her selections for the group. 'It's very enlightening, I like almost everything about the course. It makes me feel more normal,' she said. In CNA TODAY's conversations with women in welfare homes, many also spoke about friendships and fallouts – a reflection, social workers say, of how female residents often place great weight on emotional connection in the welfare home environment. Ms Maniam, the superintendent from all-female welfare home Thuja Home at Pelangi Village, said its residents value interpersonal relationships strongly. 'There'll be a constant theme between a few residents, where one will say, 'They don't like me', and because of that, she can't function and cannot even work,' said Ms Maniam. Agreeing, Mr Ng said: 'Female residents tend to want to get along well with their counterparts. They may have verbal quarrels, complaining, 'Oh this person says this', but they will try and get along.'. Many residents often require ongoing emotional support, particularly in managing interpersonal relationships – be it from their past or with peers in the home. 'Sometimes when we come to the office, (residents) are crying, sitting outside of the office and saying, 'Nobody wants me anymore'. My colleagues and I spend a lot of time talking to them, trying to calm them down. 'It's something we cannot brush away, because all these emotional (moments) are leading to a bigger picture, like their relationship with other people, social communication, behaviour and intervention plan,' said Ms Maniam. Ms Sherry Soon, executive director of Be Kind SG, a social service agency that aims to foster an inclusive society for persons with disabilities, including those with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder, has observed female residents exhibiting a 'greater need for an affectionate type of relationship' with volunteers. The charity conducts monthly visits to a welfare home, during which it engages residents with a programme that includes dance exercises, guest segments, colouring, singing and music. While she has witnessed friendships bloom in the welfare home environment, she has also seen interpersonal conflict between residents. However, she said that is to be expected, since life in a residential home is a 'microcosm of society'. 'There's a misconception that welfare homes are sad and depressing. Not to say there aren't challenges, but it is like a community, a place where people can find friendship,' said Ms Soon. HIDDEN, NOT HELPLESS While life inside a home may be full of activity, the women who stay in such environments – and welfare homes themselves – often remain outside of the public eye. Ms Soon from Be Kind SG said some volunteers were initially unaware such homes even existed. 'They are really a hidden community. We have had volunteers that live near the welfare home, who didn't know what the home was about,' said Ms Soon. While donations are important, Ms Soon said what makes a difference is companionship, for example through volunteering for events, to create 'beautiful memories' for individuals in welfare homes. Ms Koh from the Bukit Batok Home for the Aged said the public may not fully understand the complex circumstances that lead women to reside in welfare homes, and their enduring desire for dignity and connection. 'They are not simply recipients of care – they are individuals with histories, preferences, and the capacity to heal and grow when given the right support.' Similarly, the MWS spokesperson said the 'immense strength' of the residents in surviving abandonment, abuse, poverty or social stigma is often overlooked. 'These women are not helpless – they are often resourceful but worn down by systemic barriers and a lack of support. With trust, dignity, and opportunity, many can rebuild their lives,' said the MWS spokesperson. For some women in welfare homes, what rebuilding looks like is clear: to return to the community and regain independence. Ms Sarah, the resident of Thuja Home at Pelangi Village, is working towards living in a rental flat under the Joint Singles Scheme. 'I feel thankful, staying here, because I can learn how to be independent. A few years back, I didn't know anything about self-regulation. But I went to a course, and one of the officers taught me to (manage my emotions), how to float, not drown,' said Ms Sarah. Under a scheme at the home, she has found part-time employment as a cafe retail assistant, which suits her schedule of frequent medical appointments. 'I left (secondary school) because of medical reasons. I still wanted to study. But then, I had no choice. Now, staying here, I work hard and get some savings, and can continue from then,' said Ms Sarah. Though giving residents employment skills is important in helping residents execute plans for a new life, Mr Chua from NUS cautioned that many residents carry emotional burdens that are not easily resolved. 'They may seem better and be ready for discharge after the interventions. Yet, it is not uncommon to have these residents coming back into the system shortly after,' Mr Chua said. He pointed to the need for therapeutic support – such as counselling, art or play therapy – and structured aftercare to support a smooth transition. Ms Maniam from Thuja Home at Pelangi Village acknowledged that reintegration with one's family is 'very rare'. She has encountered only one or two successful such cases over the years. Reintegration can be 'especially complex' for female residents, said the MWS spokesperson, given the social, economic and cultural disadvantages and limited family support many residents have. Each year, the home has reintegrated around 5 per cent of residents into the community – only one-fifth of whom are female. 'Our aim is to improve their overall quality of life throughout their stay. However, for many residents, reintegration into the community is not a likely outcome – not due to a lack of will, but because of complex life circumstances and practical constraints,' said the spokesperson. Still, for some other female residents, fulfilment is not found in leaving, but in enjoying life within the four walls of the welfare home, where they have forged healthy routines, friendships, and a sense of security that may have eluded them elsewhere. One of them is Ms Sandy (not her real name), 57, who has stayed at Thuja Home at Pelangi Village for over nine years. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she said that staying at the welfare home has helped her feel 'very stable'. Adjusting to living with strangers was initially a struggle, she admitted, and even now and then there are quarrels in her dormitory, which sleeps eight residents. 'Sometimes we quarrel then patch back. We automatically patch back,' said Ms Sandy. But she is buoyed also by her friendships, including with Ms Kelly, whom she introduced to her favourite hobby, colouring.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Porsche Just Unveiled 3 New All-Wheel Drive 911s
Anyone in the market for an all-wheel-drive Porsche 911 will have plenty of options to choose from in 2026. The venerable German sports car maker has just unveiled a trio of 4S models for its most iconic vehicle. The latest 992.2-generation variants will be available as a Carrera coupe, Carrera cabriolet, and Targa. More from Robb Report Fancy Colored Diamond Prices Have Skyrocketed 205% Since 2005: Report Wimbledon's Most Coveted Seats Are Fetching a Tidy Profit One of Texas's Best Distilleries Is Dropping a Cask-Strength Version of Its Port-Finished Bourbon The 4S, which was introduced in 2002 during the 996 generation, isn't the only all-wheel-drive 911, but it is the most accessible. The variant makes its 992.2 debut as part of the upcoming 2026 model year following a one-year absence from the constantly evolving 911 lineup and is positioned between the rear-wheel-drive Carrera S and all-wheel-drive GTS. The two-door is powered by the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six found in the Carrera S. As in that model, the mill makes 473 hp and 390 ft lbs of torque, which is 30 more hp than before (but the same amount of torque). Thanks to the added power, the car can shoot from zero to 60 mph in a claimed 3.1 seconds when the Sport Chrono package's launch-control system is engaged. Top speed, meanwhile, is listed at 191 hp when summer tires are equipped. The vehicle features an eight-speed PDK, or dual-clutch, transmission, with a manual sadly not available as an option. The new 4S, like other all-wheel-drive models in the marque's lineup, comes with Porsche traction-management (PTM) system. The torque split favors the rear axle but can send power up front when needed. It also comes with a number of improved standard features, including a sport exhaust with silver tailpipes, upgraded dampers and hydraulics for the suspension, and brakes from the GTS. An active suspension management system and ceramic composite brakes are available as premium add-ons. The variant features the same visual tweaks that have been found in the line since the 992.2 debut in 2024, including larger air intakes up front and a streamlined rear end. Even the biggest Porsche buff would struggle to tell the 4S apart from the Carrera S if it wasn't for the badging. The interior, meanwhile, remains unchanged. We'll have to wait for final pricing, but expect the 4S's starting cost to come in somewhere between $146,400 (which is the base ask for the Carrera S) and $169,800 (GTS). Car and Driver reports that the Carrera 4S will likely start at $156,000, the Carrera 4S cabriolet at $170,000, and the Targa 4S at $171, of Robb Report The 2024 Chevy C8 Corvette: Everything We Know About the Powerful Mid-Engine Beast The World's Best Superyacht Shipyards The ABCs of Chartering a Yacht Click here to read the full article.
Auto Blog
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
New Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Trades Three Pedals For More Horsepower
View post: New Ferrari Amalfi Improves the Roma in All the Right Ways View post: Amazon is selling a 'spacious' $138 rooftop cargo carrier for just $79, and it's the 'perfect travel companion' New Carrera 4S adds to comprehensive 911 lineup Porsche is expanding an already mind-bogglingly diverse 911 lineup with the latest Carrera 4S, a model that combines the security of all-wheel-drive with the more powerful version of the 3.0-liter turbocharged flat-six engine. The '4S' guise comes as a coupe, cabriolet, or Targa, so buyers need not be limited to just a single 911 body style. Porsche promises a 'significant boost in emotionality' for this new powertrain when compared to previous models, and that's saying a lot for a sports car that thrills even in base form. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 Full screen Audi reveals sporty new A5/S5 with an emphasis on design Watch More Half Of 911 S Customers Choose All-Wheel Drive Porsche says that 50% of buyers who go for an S variant of its most iconic sports car choose AWD, especially in regions with more varied climates or difficult road conditions. For these new 4S models, Porsche says the system maintains a rear-biased character, which enthusiasts will appreciate. When necessary, the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system will deliver more torque to the front axle, enhancing stability and traction. There has been an adjustment to the gear ratio, but the setup is otherwise familiar from other 911 AWD derivatives. Plenty Of Power, But No Manual All three 911 4S models get a 473-hp version of the flat-six mill, which is 30 hp up on their predecessors, but not as powerful as the hybrid flat-fix in the latest GTS, which sits above the 4S in the 911 lineup. An optimized intercooler system from the 911 Turbo has helped free up the extra horses. Unfortunately, Porsche is not offering a manual with the 4S models, not that the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic is anything but superb. This lightning-fast transmission will help the 4S coupe hit 60 mph in only 3.3 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 191 mph. If you want a manual, you'll have to go for the cheaper and less powerful Carrera T (388 hp) or cough up over $220k for the track-focused GT3. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The Carrera 4S Cabriolet is only slightly slower than the coupe (0-60 in 3.5 seconds), and while a time was not provided for the Targa, it should be no slower than the cabriolet. This is also the 60th anniversary year of the 911 Targa, which offers the most distinctive design and a perfect balance between the coupe and open-air cabrio. More Standard Equipment, But Expensive Options Remain Source: Porsche No 911 is known for a lengthy list of standard features, but Porsche has seen fit to introduce some improvements in this area. These 4S models come with 20-/21-inch staggered wheels with a new design, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, a sports exhaust, and a more powerful braking system from the GTS. For the Targa, rear-wheel steering is standard. Wireless smartphone charging, lane departure warning, matrix LED headlights, and a leather package are also standard. However, expect to pay much more for the best upholstery choices and Porsche's full range of tech features. Pricing for the new 4S models has not yet been made available, but the 4S Coupe will be priced between the Carrera S and GTS, so an MSRP of between $150k and $155k seems likely. The Cabriolet and Targa versions will be a little pricier. Source: Porsche About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
The Drive
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Porsche 911 4S Returns With 473 HP and No Manual
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Porsche announced Wednesday morning that the popular all-wheel drive variants of its warmer (but not Turbo-warm) 911 Carrera S will return to the lineup this fall boasting the same upgrades that have already appeared elsewhere in the 992.2 range. The mechanical upgrades aren't significant, and most of what can be found in the revised package has been covered at great length already. The 4S models get the same 30-horsepower bump offered in the RWD versions already on sale; Porsche says the extra power comes from an optimized intercooler configuration it developed for the 911 Turbo. Porsche calibrates the 4S model's all-wheel-drive system with inherent rearward bias to make it a bit more playful. All 4S models also come standard with a sport exhaust, upgraded brakes, and Porsche's 'Torque Vectoring Plus' differential setup. The Targa 4S also gets rear-axle steering as standard equipment; you'll need to add it to the coupe or convertible if you're trying to match it 1-for-1. The addition of all-wheel drive makes the 911 a bit quicker to 60, with little impact on its performance otherwise. All three models will knock out the acceleration sprint in just 3.1 seconds, Porsche says. All times were measured with the standard dual-clutch PDK transmission, since the manual 911 is no more. All three models in the 2026 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S lineup—Coupe, Cabriolet and Targa—will go on sale later this year. The new models already appear in Porsche's online configurator, but the company is withholding pricing details until closer to their on-sale date in the fall. Stay tuned. Got a tip? Let us know at tips@
Car and Driver
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Porsche 911 4S Variants Bring AWD Back into the Mix
The 2026 Porsche 911 is reviving the all-wheel-drive 4S trim for the Carrera coupe and cabriolet as well as the Targa models. The new 4S models sport the same 473-hp twin-turbo flat-six as the Carrera S, making them 30 horsepower more powerful than their predecessors. Preliminary pricing puts the Carrera 4S at around $156K, the Carrera 4S Cabriolet at about $170K, and the Targa 4S at roughly $171K. Porsche is famous for splitting hairs—and rightly so. It shouldn't be scientifically possible to produce so many variations of the same car that continue to feel distinct, and yet here we are. Starting with the 2026 model year, Porsche is reviving the all-wheel-drive 4S trim for the 911 Carrera coupe, Carrera cabriolet, and Targa models. The new 4S models house the same 473-hp version of the twin-turbo flat-six found in the rest of the Carrera S lineup. The engine pairs with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (PDK); there's no manual available. When using the Sport Chrono package's launch-control system, Porsche claims the new 4S sprints from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. We haven't yet had the chance to test the current Carrera S, but considering we managed to get the 388-hp base Carrera to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds in our testing, we expect the 4S will be even quicker. Porsche Porsche As with every other model equipped with Porsche's traction-management (PTM) system, the torque split on the 4S models is rear-biased by default but sends extra power to the front axle if required. As with their predecessors, the front differential on the new 4S models is water-cooled and uses an electromechanically controlled clutch. Along with the rest of the Carrera S lineup, the new 4S models borrow from the previous GTS generation's parts bin. That includes pilfering that model's upgraded brakes, sport-tuned exhaust, and improved dampers. Porsche As could be expected, preliminary pricing slots the 4S models between the Carrera S models and the more expensive GTS models. The Carrera 4S coupe will start at around $156K, the Carrera 4S cabriolet at about $170K, and the Targa 4S should come in at around $171K. Porsche said it hasn't yet confirmed those prices, so they could change before deliveries start later this year. Jack Fitzgerald Associate News Editor Jack Fitzgerald's love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn't afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. Read full bio
