The Journey of Project Green Ribbon
One act of kindness changed our lives.
Today, we exist to pass that kindness on. This is the story of how lived experience, family, community and the compassion of others eventually became Project Green Ribbon.
Before Project Green Ribbon
Before there was an organisation, there was simply a family trying to find its way.
Long before Project Green Ribbon existed, Ling and Iskandar were each shaped by their own experiences of family, service, trauma, mental wellbeing and community.
Their journey was not a straight line towards founding an organisation. It included periods of uncertainty, seeking help, homelessness, receiving kindness from others and eventually finding opportunities to serve people facing difficulties of their own.
Asking for help.
Ling and Iskandar made the decision to seek professional support together, beginning a new chapter in understanding their own mental wellbeing.
When life unravelled.
After prioritising their health, the family faced unemployment and homelessness — an experience that would permanently shape how they understood crisis.
Listening online.
Through livestreaming and online community, Ling began meeting people whose stories often went unheard — reinforcing the importance of connection and listening.
Kindness received
People stepped forward when they did not have to.
Some of the most important moments in PGR’s history happened before PGR existed at all. They came from people who chose to help a family going through a difficult season.
A safe place to stay.
Through Glenn Lim and Pastor Don Wong, the family was connected with The New Charis Mission and given shelter during a period of homelessness.
Kindness made practical.
Kenneth and Adeline Thong helped the family rebuild an interim home with practical necessities, food and support when resources were scarce.
From receiving to serving.
Ling returned to Andrew and Grace Home, where she had once lived, while Iskandar also volunteered there — turning lived experience towards service.
When lived experience became purpose
Something kept becoming clearer.
Years of lived experience and community work exposed the realities that many young people quietly face: family conflict, trauma, homelessness, abuse, isolation and the feeling of having nowhere safe to turn.
Young people were not always failing the system. Sometimes, they were simply falling between it.
They needed support, but they also needed somewhere they could feel safe, be heard and begin rebuilding trust.
That conviction would eventually become Project Green Ribbon — and years later, Green Hearth.
Project Green Ribbon begins
2021 → 2026
The organisation grew gradually — from an early community mental health vision into youth and family support, partnerships, Green Hearth and new ways for people to find help.
Foundation
- Project Green Ribbon officially established.
- Incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
- Initial governance structure established.
- Early community mental health vision developed.
- Green Hearth concept conceived.
Building the foundation
- Community mental health initiatives developed.
- Youth support programmes introduced.
- Family support initiatives expanded.
- Early community collaborations developed.
- Mental health education and outreach continued.
Growing community presence
- Public talks and awareness work expanded.
- Workshops reached youths, parents and professionals.
- Volunteer participation strengthened.
- Strategic partnerships grew.
- Community engagement expanded.
Strengthening partnerships
- Collaboration with social service agencies expanded.
- Connections with Family Service Centres grew.
- Capability-building initiatives introduced.
- Professional development and consultation expanded.
- Organisational capacity strengthened.
Green Hearth development
- Green Hearth development progressed.
- Residential support model refined with support from Counselling and Care Centre.
- Operational framework developed.
- Funding and service-delivery planning strengthened.
Green Hearth begins
- Green Hearth commenced operations.
- Youth crisis and short-stay support expanded.
- Community mental health work continued to grow.
- Digital education and knowledge resources expanded.
- Programme development, evaluation and partnerships continued.
A legacy rediscovered
Green Hearth began with lived experience. Then came an unexpected discovery.
Having grown up longing for a place of safety and belonging, Ling carried a dream of one day creating a home where others would not have to feel alone.
Years after Project Green Ribbon had already begun, Ling learned more about her family history. Her great-grandfather, Chia Yew Keng, had opened his own home to boys in need, offering care, shelter and belonging.
The discovery was not the origin of Green Hearth. It was the moment Ling realised that a dream shaped by her own lived experience had unexpectedly echoed something that had happened generations before.
The journey continues
What began as one family’s journey became something larger.
Today, Project Green Ribbon works alongside young people, families, professionals and communities in Singapore.
Together with the people who have chosen to listen, contribute, partner, volunteer and walk alongside us, we continue creating pathways towards safety, hope and belonging.
One person. One family. One conversation at a time.
This is not just the story of Project Green Ribbon.
One person chose to listen. One life changed. That life went on to change others.