Finding Strength in Uplifting Others: A Social Worker’s Journey

As a Senior Social Worker at Babes, Haslinda has journeyed with over 70 pregnant teenagers. With empathy and commitment, she has supported numerous young teens and their families to overcome the challenges of pregnancy and parenting. Her client-centered approach focuses on empowering pregnant teens to make informed decisions and achieve their goals, while providing a safe and non-judgmental environment where they can feel supported and understood.

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
– Steve Jobs

‘I couldn’t agree more with Steve Jobs! Though it took a longer route for me to find ‘love’ at work and discover my true calling, it was truly worth the wait. Without me realising, I’ve spent one amazing decade at Babes! From sharing an office space at Jalan Klinik, to having our own Babes office in Sembawang. From a Community Worker fronting all the Outreach initiatives, to managing complex cases as a Social Worker, my journey at Babes has been nothing but fulfilling and rewarding. The learning curve was steep, filled with challenges and hurdles, but the knowledge and experiences gained is priceless.

As a Social Worker, my role is to look into improving the lives of beneficiaries I assist. In my own personal experience, finding that work-life balance and building emotional resilience are some of the greatest obstacles in this field. It can be difficult to remain unaffected by distressing cases and practicing mindfulness to manage work pressure is easier said than done. However, knowing that the work I do can help uplift someone in their time of need keeps me going and fills me with a sense of purpose that drives me. Being able to make the world just a little better for someone, makes all the difference to me.

Throughout these 10 years, Babes saw the leadership of three different Directors, three very strong women. Each leader has their own strengths and is unique in their management style. I learned to adapt quickly and adjust accordingly. These experiences contributed to shaping the person I am today, both on a personal and professional level. I hope to continue to be a part of Babes and see it soar to greater heights for the good work that we do at the forefront in crisis management specialising in teenage pregnancy. As a Social Worker at Babes, my job is like no other. The fulfillment gained outweighs the challenges that come with the job. This is where I need to be; to be a positive, social changemaker who can empower those in need.’

To celebrate women in this month of March #iwd2023, we will be featuring 10 inspiring women from our Babes community. In a photoshoot to capture the essence of courage and strength, they are our volunteers, partners, and community members—women with different stories with different starting points. We #EmbraceEquity as we celebrate their resilience, kindness, and determination, incredible role models striving for a world where everyone has the same opportunities and rights, and where inclusivity and diversity are celebrated and embraced.

Special thanks to Project Obscura
Location: 26 Jalan Klinik, where Babes’ office was located for over a decade.