By Ariel Wu | International Social Media Manager
Today, Tony is a college freshman majoring in social work, balancing his studies with part-time work and caring for his ailing father. His quiet strength stands in stark contrast to the path he once seemed destined to follow.
From Survival to Service
Tony’s journey began with hardship. By high school, he was already burdened with adult worries. His father, the family’s sole breadwinner, struggled with poor health and couldn’t keep steady work. Since junior high, his father rarely gave him more than NT$50 a day for meals. Hunger drove him to the neon-lit world of nightclubs, where a teenager shouldn't have to earn his next meal. Those were the darkest hours: stumbling through empty streets after midnight, alcohol numbing the fear of tomorrow, completely untethered from the life every young person deserves.
When Hope Found Him
At his lowest point, help arrived. A local church learned of Tony’s situation and stepped in. The pastor offered spiritual guidance and financial support, helping Tony through moments of acute need. At 15, Tony found refuge in the Community Care Home. For the first time in years, Tony didn't fall asleep hungry. He had a bed that was his, warm meals that came without shame, and most importantly—space to dream beyond mere survival.
The Making of a Helper
As he grew, Tony took on a proactive role in being responsible for his life. He applied for student loans to pay for his tuition and books for university. To cover daily expenses, he worked part-time jobs both on campus and at the church. Even when his coursework was demanding, he still managed to maintain good grades.
Earlier this year, Tony’s world shifted again when his 65-year-old father suffered a stroke, leaving him unable to move or speak. Despite his father’s past neglect, Tony didn’t hesitate. Each day after classes, he returns home to help his uncle care for his father before heading back to the care home at night. The same nurturing environment that once gave Tony stability now supports him as he shoulders the weight of his family’s new reality.
The Ripple Effect of Compassion
Tony may be a little shy, but his gentle nature shines through. He loves drawing, listening to stories, and lending a hand wherever he can. It’s no surprise he chose to study social work, hoping to pass on the same care he once received. On weekends, he volunteers with children at church, eager to brighten their lives just as others brightened his.
Your Impact, Multiplied
The Community Care Home didn’t just shelter Tony; it helped shape him into a young man of empathy and resilience. With your support, more vulnerable youth like Tony can find the stability they need to grow into responsible, compassionate adults, ready to care for the world.
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