HCSA Dayspring Officially Opens as Singapore’s Only Co-Located Therapeutic Group Home and Small Group Care Home for Teenage Girls

Singapore, 9 September 2025 — HCSA Community Services today celebrated a significant milestone in its expansion of services with the official opening of HCSA Dayspring, a residential treatment centre that co-locates Singapore’s only Therapeutic Group Home (TGH) for girls up to 18 years old and the nation’s only Small Group Care (SGC) Home for girls above 12, with the capacity to serve up to 27 teenage girls at a time.

The event, held at 69 Wan Tho Avenue, was graced by Mdm Halimah Yacob, Chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences and Former President of Singapore, as Guest of Honour. Also present were Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Social and Family Development, and Mr Alex Yeo, Member of Parliament for Potong Pasir SMC and Adviser to Potong Pasir Grassroots Organisations.

The official opening was marked by two deeply symbolic gestures that highlight the spirit of renewal and hope at HCSA Dayspring. In Eden, the newly unveiled therapeutic garden, Mdm Halimah Yacob planted a lemon tree — chosen as a symbol of resilience and transformation, reflecting how bitter experiences can give rise to growth, healing, and even sweetness when nurtured with care. The garden, designed to provide residents with a safe and restorative natural environment, will play an integral role in the girls’ therapeutic journey.

Mdm Halimah Yacob emphasised the courage and resilience she hopes for trauma survivors to nurture: “The planting of a lemon tree today is symbolic of the resilience we hope these young women will carry with them. Just as a tree takes root and grows stronger over time, the healing journey of these girls will not always be easy, but with the right care and support, they will flourish. It is not just about overcoming trauma, but about discovering new possibilities, building confidence, and believing in brighter tomorrows. Every life restored is a seed of hope for future generations, and HCSA Dayspring is nurturing a garden of hope that will continue to grow for years to come.”

Later, Mr Eric Chua led the sealing of an SG60 time capsule containing 60 letters filled with messages of encouragement, hope, and well-wishes for future generations of trauma survivors. This time capsule will remain sealed until Singapore’s 70^th birthday in 2035, serving as a reminder of the community’s belief in the long-term healing journey of the girls, and a beacon of encouragement for those who will come after them.

Mr Eric Chua expressed his hope for the future: “This SG60 time capsule is more than just a collection of letters — it is a declaration of hope, carefully preserved for the future. By 2035, when these messages are opened, we want the next generation at HCSA Dayspring to see that our community believed in their strength and potential, even before they could fully see it themselves. Just as the letters will stand the test of time, so too will the resilience and determination of these girls. Our social service professionals are leaving legacies of encouragement and building foundations that our children can stand on for years to come.”

A Sanctuary of Healing and Hope

Established in 2017 as a Therapeutic Group Home, HCSA Dayspring serves teenage girls with high levels of emotional and behavioural challenges, often stemming from adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect or household dysfunction that results in complex trauma. In 2024, HCSA Dayspring expanded to include Small Group Care, accommodating teenage girls with moderate to high levels of needs, further strengthening its capabilities to right-site its care services as a critical lifeline for trauma survivors in Singapore’s social service landscape.

What sets HCSA Dayspring apart is its trauma-informed care approach, strengthened through certification by New York University to provide Trauma Systems Therapy. Every aspect — from the therapeutic physical environment, to staff training, interactions, and discipline strategies — is designed to prioritise emotional safety and healing. Recognising that many struggles faced by youths and their families are rooted in intergenerational adversity, HCSA Dayspring adopts a systemic, strength-based approach, working closely with families, schools, and community partners to help young women rebuild their lives.

Beyond Residential Care: A Lifelong Prosocial Community

HCSA Dayspring’s care extends beyond its average 18-month residential placement and 6-month after-care support. Through its OWENA Alumni Programme, former residents, known as OWENAs, receive continued support and pay it forward as they reintegrate into society — from building social networks to accessing education sponsorships and crisis intervention when needed. HCSA Dayspring is more than a residential service; it is a safe haven that alumni can always return to when life gets tough.

Ms Dominique Choy, President of HCSA Board of Directors and Founding Chair of the Dayspring Management Committee, shared: “HCSA Dayspring’s heartbeat has always been to walk alongside these young girls, towards a future full of hope. Healing takes time, courage, and a community that sees their potential, not just their struggles. As we open this new chapter in our services, our vision is for every girl who walks through HCSA Dayspring’s doors to leave not only restored, but equipped with hope, dignity, and the tools to shape their own future. This home is more than a shelter — it is a promise that no girl will have to walk her journey alone.”

Why HCSA Dayspring’s Services Are Critical

Childhood trauma and abuse remain pressing social issues in Singapore. According to the Singapore Mental Health Study 2016, nearly 64% of residents have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience. Such early trauma can lead to long-lasting difficulties with mental health, emotional regulation, and social functioning.

This is compounded by worrying trends: the MSF Domestic Violence Trends Report 2024 highlights that Singapore records more than 2,000 new child abuse cases every year requiring statutory intervention. For many of these children, trauma-informed residential care services like HCSA Dayspring are a vital lifeline. By providing a safe and structured therapeutic environment, Dayspring enables girls to heal, regulate their emotions, and rebuild their sense of self-worth.

But the challenges do not end once they leave residential care. The IMH-KKH Study on Adverse Childhood Experiences 2024 found that the long-term cost of unresolved childhood trauma — in healthcare, lost productivity, and reduced social participation — amounts to an estimated $1.18 billion a year in Singapore. Many former residents continue to struggle with education, employment, or mental health concerns after leaving care.

This is why HCSA Dayspring’s OWENA alumni programme is so important. By providing peer support, education sponsorships, crisis intervention, and a trusted community, OWENA empowers graduates to navigate life’s challenges as they transition to adulthood. It ensures that healing is not just temporary, but sustainable — breaking the cycle of adversity for future generations.