【Family in Adversity Services】From Storm to Strength: How Fang-Fang's Family Found Hope Again
Fang-Fang's Family Weathered a Storm and Struggled to Stay Afloat
Two-year-old Fang-Fang was born into a happy and loving family. Although her mother was only 23, she poured her heart into caring for her daughter. Both of Fang-Fang’s parents had experienced single parenthood at a young age, so they deeply cherished their marriage and worked hard to nurture their newly built family.
But everything changed when Fang-Fang’s father was imprisoned after an unexpected incident. Overnight, her mother was left alone to care for Fang-Fang, shoulder the burden of mounting debts, and keep the household afloat. In the depths of despair, she began to wonder if she could survive this storm.
Encouraged by a friend, Fang-Fang’s mother reached out to the Child Welfare League Foundation (CWLF) for help. Her face bore a weariness far beyond her years. She had been living independently since a young age, with no family or support network to rely on. Now, faced with raising her daughter and making ends meet on her own, she felt completely overwhelmed.
After assessing the situation, CWLF provided a subsidy for Fang-Fang’s kindergarten tuition, allowing her to attend school consistently. With this support, her mother could work with peace of mind, and Fang-Fang could maintain a sense of stability in her daily life.Lending a Hand and Holding an Umbrella Through Life’s Storms
Perhaps due to the sudden separation from her father, Fang-Fang began showing signs of anxiety at school. Her distress erupted in the form of disruptive behavior and difficulty concentrating. Teachers frequently complained to her mother, urging her to discipline Fang-Fang more strictly. Yet at home, Fang-Fang showed none of these behaviors. Her mother, unsure how to respond to the accusations and criticism, struggled to communicate with the school.
CWLF’s social worker stepped in to help open up positive communication between Fang-Fang’s mother and her teacher. The social worker also guided the mother to empathize with Fang-Fang’s emotions and used simple, clear language to explain to the child that while her father wouldn’t be living at home for a while, he still cared deeply for her.
Although the storm had come suddenly and fiercely, CWLF stood beside the family, offering shelter, encouragement, and hope for brighter days ahead. Through these difficult emotional and life transitions, the Family in Adversity Service empowered Fang-Fang’s mother to regain her strength and move forward together with her child.
Standing by Families in Hardship to Give Children a Steady Start
Families facing adversity often struggle due to sudden crises or illnesses that weigh heavily on their lives. They must get by on meager incomes or government subsidies, while dealing with a web of challenges—parenting, job hunting, childcare, education, nutrition, housing, and health.
Social workers play a vital role by understanding each family’s unique needs through empathy and continuous support. Services include emotional care and resource linkage, financial and material assistance, parenting guidance, and in-home childcare consultations.
"Supporting one family to stand up can truly impact many others." This belief lies at the heart of the Child Welfare League Foundation (CWLF). Families play a crucial role in shaping a child’s growth, including how they form relationships and approach life. That’s why it’s essential to ensure family structures and dynamics align with children’s developmental needs.
Many caregivers in disadvantaged households may never have experienced nurturing parenting themselves. As a result, they often replicate what they know, sometimes resorting to corporal punishment or harsh discipline.
Each family’s level of parenting capacity is different, requiring tailored communication and support. Caregivers need guidance in adopting more effective child-rearing approaches and learning to care for themselves. This process demands patience, flexibility, and ongoing observation to reach meaningful change.
“The child has started to speak. The parent found a job. The caregiver has begun to praise their child!” Even the smallest progress is a sign of love and a determination to build a stable, nurturing family. These quiet yet powerful transformations are what drive CWLF’s mission forward.
◼︎ Bring Hope to a Child’s Life in Taiwan’s Quiet Corners: Help 3,000 children in Taiwan overcome poverty
◼︎ More CWLF stories:
【Family Empowerment Service】Life Practice of Living with Emotional Challenges
【Children in Rural Areas Services】Quan: The Boy Who Builds a Wall Around His Heart