Baking for Independence

After graduating from high school, Ah-Chung (alias) was recommended by his teacher to work at a gas station washing cars. Though the job was repetitive and physically demanding, Ah-Chung stayed with it for an impressive 17 years thanks to his dedicated attitude. Through his attention to detail and persistence, he gradually earned the recognition of both his coworkers and customers.

Last year, seeing how hard her son had worked for so many years, Ah-Chung’s mother decided it was time for him to retire. She wanted to spend more time traveling with him and hoped they could enjoy a peaceful and joyful retirement together.

At first, without the stress of work, Ah-Chung felt relaxed and enjoyed traveling with his mother. However, over time, the lack of structure and purpose began to take its toll. His daily routine became irregular, he lost his usual energy, and sometimes he would lash out at his mother for no clear reason. Concerned, his mother began to look for solutions.

Following a friend’s suggestion, she contacted the vocational rehabilitation team at the Children Are Us Foundation, hoping that professional support could help Ah-Chung reenter the workforce and regain a structured lifestyle. After an assessment by the vocational counselor and with the assistance of a job coach, Ah-Chung was successfully placed back into the car washing job he knew and loved.

Currently, Ah-Chung is in the process of readjusting and relearning. While it may take a little time for his old skills to fully return, his passion remains strong, and his enthusiasm for work is gradually coming back. Most importantly, his mother is relieved and comforted to see him regain his rhythm in life.