From Misfortune to Miracle – ChickenSoup Foundation

FIC#008: Story of Tammy and Her Family

Trauma

In 2017, my ex-husband couldn’t accept our son with autism and subjected the family to emotional neglect. Without his financial support, I had to work multiple jobs every day. Around the same time, I lost my beloved father. Under such tremendous pressure, I moved into a subdivided flat with my three children and HKD 100,000 in savings. The poor living conditions in the subdivided flat affected my children’s and my emotional well-being. We ate porridge for every meal until it became unbearable and did not dine out for two years. Our life was poor and desperate.

Changes

Fortunately, with the support of ChickenSoup Foundation, I learned to love and empower myself. Today, I have remarried, moved out of the subdivided flat, and welcomed my fourth child. My daughter excels in art and sports and enjoys her school life, while my son has achieved outstanding academic results and grown more confident.

Become a 'Proud' family

I lead several support groups: “Self-Love Club” (for those learning to love themselves after experiencing domestic violence, alcoholism, gambling, and drug abuse), “Three Treasures Club” (for families with three or more children), and “Handicraft Club.” I also organize community activities in the East Kowloon area.

I have shared my journey on various platforms, including RTHK, NOW TV, and HK01.

I am now in a ‘Proud’ state and helping to run both the charity shop in the clubhouse and my own online store. I am happy to turn my passion into a business by designing DIY craft kits.

WORDS FROM THE FAMILY

[Part 1]
“Five or six years ago, I lived with my ex-husband’s and his family, the ten of us lived in a 300 sf public unit. At the time, my ex-husband didn’t come home a lot and his family always gave me the cold shoulder, so I decided to take two jobs and not have to go home except for sleeping. I was really stressful and just wanted to run away from home.
Until my father passed away, he asked me to take good care of the three kids, so I resolutely quitted my jobs and took my three kids to move out of this home that didn’t belong to us with a saving worth of HKD100,000. At the time, we moved to the subdivided flat in San Po Kong. Everyone looked forward to at least having their own home, so at least they wouldn’t have to be afraid of doing something wrong and get scolded by others.”
Tammy
Single mother of three
[Part 2]
“Back then, my oldest daughter was only eight or nine years old, my second daughter was seven but she has ADHD, my youngest son was three with autism and had speech delay. When I moved out, I was anxious about living expenses, because I already spent almost half of my saving after paying for rent and furniture. I didn’t know how to seek help from others at that time…
I’m really grateful that CSF provided the opportunity of SEN training for my son, as well as other resources, and that the volunteers from the South China Morning Post took us out to explore many things we otherwise wouldn’t be able to experience… I know that everyone has their own difficulties and fortunately, I met you guys (CSF) on my journey. It’s really important to know that someone is out there to help you when you are struggling.”
Tammy
Single mother of three

"Man" Enough Like Tammy

Once being emotionally abused in her marriage, Tammy took up the courage to divorce her ex-husband and moved out with three kids with very little savings. How did she change from being our beneficiary to a changemaker who inspires other crisis families? Find out from her sharing!

Celebrating A Soul-Amazing Journey

Tammy is our first single mother who has healed and empowered to remarry and become resourceful enough to raise another child. This “SOUL Amazing” celebratory event led by children from one of our donor families symbolizes a significant milestone for Tammy and her kids!

Learn More

The Start of Tammy's Journey

In this video, Tammy describes the time when she felt isolated and always had to put her 3 children first, making no time for herself. Afterwards, she starts finding herself again, and opens a shop to sell her DIY crafts.

How Tammy Overcame Her Struggles

Tammy’s ex-husband never provided for her family nor cared for them, so taking care of 3 children by herself was exhausting. So, how did the ChickenSoup Foundation help support and change her life, as well as widen her perspectives?

Tammy's Journey Now

Although Tammy had many struggles in the beginning, she manages to overcome it alongside with Chicken Soup’s support, and has turned her passions into a running business of designing DIY crafts.

Click the audio icons to listen to Tammy’s latest update!

Audio 1 Audio 2

To visit Tammy’s instagram online shop, click the button below.

Visit Tammy's Shop of Handmades!

HOW TO REFER

Families In Crisis

If you encounter any family that needs a helping hand and would like to refer them to us, please follow the instructions below.

Please read the introduction of our program.
Please complete this questionnaire to refer eligible families. Due to the large volume of applications, we will only be able to respond to successful applicants.