Dennis Loh, the Head Social Worker at AWWA’s Transitional Shelter, has made a remarkable transition from a probation and prison officer to a social worker. This shift has profoundly influenced his parenting style, offering insightful lessons on balancing a demanding job with being a present and loving father. Dennis’s journey reflects his dedication to both his professional role and his family, highlighting how he manages these responsibilities with empathy and care.
A Career Pivot: Embracing Social Work’s Call
When Dennis Loh began his career with the Singapore Prison Service in 2002, his aim was to assist in the rehabilitation of adult offenders. His interactions with them revealed deep regrets about their past actions and the pain they caused their families. This revelation underscored the critical need to support youth—the future of society. Driven by this insight, Dennis moved to the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) Probation Services Branch, where he worked with juvenile offenders and at-risk youth.
In 2021, Dennis watched a documentary on homelessness in Singapore that deeply resonated with him. It highlighted the struggles of rough sleepers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a rise in homelessness due to job losses, evictions, and family conflicts. Dennis realised the increasing need for direct support to vulnerable families. “The documentary was a turning point for me,” Dennis reflects. “It opened my eyes to how I could contribute more directly to those in need.”
Determined to make a more substantial impact, Dennis transitioned to AWWA’s Transitional Shelter, a role he describes as a leap of faith that has since reshaped his career and personal life. “It was a pivotal moment,” he says, “and I haven’t looked back since.”
Leading AWWA’s Transitional Shelter: A Challenging Yet Rewarding Role
As the Head Social Worker, Dennis Loh leads a dedicated team at AWWA’s Transitional Shelter, which provides temporary housing for displaced families. “Our goal is to help families achieve stability and independence, ultimately finding a place to call home,” Dennis explains. His team includes social workers, admin officers, and operations staff, each playing a crucial role in the shelter’s smooth functioning and the well-being of its residents.
One significant challenge Dennis faces is managing the emotions of distressed clients while coordinating with multiple government agencies. Yet, he focuses on fostering a supportive, family-like environment within his team. “Creating a nurturing atmosphere enhances team morale and effectiveness,” Dennis notes. “We remind each other daily that our work is valuable and makes a positive impact on our clients.”
Dennis’s leadership approach is characterised by his belief in teamwork and mutual support. He emphasises the importance of every team member’s role in achieving the shelter’s mission. “Every person on the team contributes uniquely to our success,” he asserts. This collaborative spirit not only benefits the families at the shelter but also strengthens the team’s cohesion and morale.
Shaping Parenting Through Professional Experiences
Dennis’s career shift has profoundly influenced his approach to parenting. “Working with disadvantaged families has taught me the importance of love, support, and empathy in a child’s development,” Dennis shares. He is intentional about being actively engaged in his son Andrew’s life. “When Andrew showed an interest in badminton, we made it a Sunday tradition,” he recalls. “Now, he’s into football, and we talk about his favourite team, Manchester City.”
Image from Dennis Loh
This hands-on approach extends to how Dennis disciplines Andrew. He ensures he provides explanations to help his son understand the reasons behind his actions. “I see every negative experience as a learning opportunity,” Dennis states. This focus on reflection and communication has strengthened their bond, allowing Dennis to nurture a supportive and loving relationship with his son.
Balancing Work and Family Life: Finding Harmony
Balancing the demanding nature of his job with family responsibilities is no small feat. Dennis Loh credits his supportive team and the emphasis on work-life balance at AWWA for helping him manage this. “I’m fortunate to work in an environment that values family commitments,” he says. Dennis plans his work ahead of time to ensure he can spend quality time with his family. “During weekends, Andrew and I engage in various activities—from playing soccer to enjoying music together,” he explains.
Dennis’s dedication to being fully present during family time reflects his belief in the importance of quality interactions. “Whether it’s a shared meal or a game of chess, I make sure to be genuinely engaged,” he adds. These moments of connection are crucial for maintaining a strong family bond and complement his professional achievements.
To manage his responsibilities effectively, Dennis employs several strategies. He prioritises tasks and delegates responsibilities when possible, ensuring he has time for his family. “It’s about planning and making conscious efforts to be there for them,” he emphasises.
Lessons from Working with Homeless Families: Applied to Parenting
Image from Dennis Loh
Through his work at AWWA, Dennis has gained invaluable insights that he applies to his parenting. “Our clients teach us so much more than we give them,” he says. Observing the resilience and unconditional love of the families he helps has been a source of inspiration. “I’ve learned the power of hope and the importance of spending quality time together, regardless of financial resources,” Dennis shares. These lessons have reinforced his commitment to nurturing a close-knit and supportive family environment.
Dennis believes in the transformative impact of encouragement, both for his clients and his own family. “A simple ‘well done’ or ‘keep it up’ can make a significant difference,” he says, a lesson he strives to instill in Andrew. He recognises that encouragement and positive reinforcement are essential in fostering confidence and resilience in children.
Teaching Empathy and Compassion: A Family Value
Dennis actively fosters empathy and compassion in Andrew, drawing on his professional experiences. “It’s important for children to understand and support others, no matter their circumstances,” he explains. Encouraging Andrew to volunteer and participate in community service has been a key part of this. “Leading by example is crucial,” Dennis states. “When Andrew sees empathy in action, he learns to practice it himself.”
Dennis also engages Andrew in discussions about the challenges faced by the families he helps. He emphasises the importance of empathy and understanding. “I talk to Andrew about how tough times can happen to anyone and the need to be compassionate,” Dennis says. These conversations help Andrew appreciate the importance of kindness and support.
Creating a Positive Environment: At Work and Home
Creating a positive environment is a priority for Dennis, both at work and at home. At AWWA’s Transitional Shelter, he fosters a culture of collaboration and support among his team. “We bond over shared meals, celebrate small successes, and encourage each other,” Dennis shares. This positive atmosphere not only enhances team morale but also improves the quality of care provided to the families at the shelter.
At home, Dennis applies similar principles. He creates an environment where Andrew feels supported and valued. “I encourage open communication and make sure Andrew knows he can always talk to me,” Dennis explains. This approach fosters a sense of security and trust, essential for a healthy parent-child relationship.
The Importance of Reflection and Growth
Dennis’s journey underscores the importance of reflection and personal growth. He continuously evaluates his actions, both as a professional and as a parent, to ensure he is making positive contributions. “I believe in constantly reflecting on my actions and learning from my experiences,” Dennis says. This commitment to growth has not only enhanced his professional skills but also enriched his role as a father.
Takeaway
Dennis Loh exemplifies how a career in social work can enrich personal life, particularly in parenting. His journey from a prison officer to a dedicated social worker has not only shaped his professional path but also deepened his connection with his son.
This Father’s Day, we celebrate Dennis Loh for his unique blend of professional dedication and heartfelt parenting, offering inspiration to those who strive to balance demanding careers with family responsibilities. “It’s about finding harmony between work and home,” Dennis concludes, “and making every moment count.”
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