Our History
“Where It All Began: Building Trust, One Youth at a Time”
HUG Community Services began its earliest work from a modest unit at Braddell Tech, where it operated as a small youth counselling space.
The team, led by Reverend Jeffrey Mak and a group of volunteers, focused on supporting at-risk youth through mentoring and regular engagement.
These early efforts formed the bedrock of what would eventually become a structured intervention model. The space also functioned as a youth hangout, where relationships were built and trust slowly developed.
“Rising to the Moment: From Shelter to Service”
When the pandemic disrupted operations and forced the closure of Reverend Mak’s business, HUG found temporary shelter at Toa Payoh West Community Club through the help of Mr Chee Hong Tat.
In this interim period, HUG shifted its attention to wider community efforts. The team led initiatives like "BYOB" for distributing hand sanitiser, supported vaccination exercises, and handed out care packs to the vulnerable.
Despite the uncertainty, this chapter marked a turning point where youth volunteers played an active role in serving others, especially during a time of national need.
“Growing with Purpose: Healing, Reintegration, and Hope”
HUG Community Services now operates from Block 200 Toa Payoh North as an IPC-approved Social Service Agency. Its programmes support individuals through every stage of rehabilitation and reintegration.
HUG2Hearts offers in-care workshops such as flower arranging and grooming for female inmates, and the Triumph Dunk basketball programme for youth, building teamwork and leadership.
Lives Shaping Programme provides post-release mentorship and community apprenticeships.
Nice To Meet You! creates cultural exchange and peer support through retreats and informal gatherings.
HUG Healer's Programme brings therapy dogs to support the mental well-being of youth, seniors, and desistors, fostering a community of "paw-parents."
Mai Gong Bo Jio events connect generations over shared meals, celebrating culture and community.
