Baking for Independence

Han Er Á Yuán (a pseudonym) has a habit of watching the news every day and always keeps track of weather developments. Recently, during a report about an approaching typhoon, he immediately told his caregivers and peers, "Typhoon Shan Tuo Er is coming!" All day long, he listened to the radio broadcasts about the typhoon's movements, and everyone found it difficult to focus on their work. Despite the clear skies outside, they were worried that it was the calm before the storm.

The day before the typhoon, the caregivers and service recipients worked together to prepare for the storm by moving outdoor plants and cleaning tools inside. However, the powerful Typhoon Shan Tuo Er made landfall directly, hitting southern Taiwan hardest. Watching the news report about the severe damage in Kaohsiung, the social worker from Green Wilderness couldn’t help but worry and decided to inspect the site as the winds and rains subsided. Upon arrival, the devastation was evident. A giant tree had fallen, crushing the office’s metal roof, and tables and chairs placed on the guest patio had been blown over by the fierce winds.

After a four-day break, the 10 service recipients returned to work on their first day, wearing gloves and working together to move broken tree branches, tree trunks, signboards from the grass, and to put the overturned tables and chairs back in place. The team spent two full days swiftly restoring Green Wilderness to its former state. They placed the plants that had been moved indoors back on the flower racks, bringing color back to the space. With their hard work and patience, they restored the environment with care and unity. It was truly heartwarming to see the team come together to make it happen!

An employee with intellectual disabilities has worked at the #Zhubei Victory Store for four years. This year, they have taken on a new role as a "#New Employee Trainer."

Leading newcomers independently, they guide them from learning the names of bread varieties to mastering the bread stocking process. With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, they also introduce mooncake gift sets to fellow employees, covering everything from taste-testing flavors to identifying different gift box designs. Each step is handled with care and precision, helping new sheltered employees build confidence and skills. They are eager to continue improving their abilities, striving to make a greater impact and keep moving forward toward their goals.

"Work" transforms the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities, making independence no longer an unattainable dream. We invite you to lend a helping hand and support more individuals with intellectual disabilities in gaining essential life skills through professional training programs.

The Sheltered Employee Training Program needs your generous support.