Taiwan

In just 45 years, Taiwan has experienced rapid economic growth as it has moved from an agrarian to an industrial society. Now home to more than 23 million, the societal transformation of this small island has resulted in rising levels of crime, addiction, juvenile delinquency, and suicide, which became the second leading cause of death among young people in 2014.  

Where there is darkness, human compassion has the ability to spark a flame of hope. 

The Puli Youth Services Centre (PYSC) was established in 2002 by The Salvation Army in Taiwan to reach and help shape a brighter future for disadvantaged youth in Puli Township, Taiwan. Working in collaboration with the area juvenile justice system, the PYSC offers physical, emotional, and spiritual support to teenagers, mostly boys aged 12 to 18 years, who have lost parental care and often come from broken families or backgrounds of domestic violence, poverty, or criminal history. Through continual support, including housing and basic services, the PYSC seeks to develop the character, integrity, and future of these young residents through counseling, ministry, and encouraged service to others. 

In 2014, The Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO) had the unique opportunity to enhance this program through the purchase of a dormitory building for the PYSC, reflecting SAWSO’s vision of fostering safety and opportunities for communities in need. The new building provides permanent housing for 80 boys at any given time. Now in its 13th year, the PYSC offers higher education, vocational training, and job placement for residents, with many teenagers graduating with job opportunities and new hope for the future. 

Yilin was in elementary school when he was referred to the PYSC. While he knew his family was incapable of properly caring for him, he was at first saddened and resentful of the court’s referral.

However, his time at the PYSC granted him the opportunity to grow his faith and vision of the future. In building relationships and sharing his life story with a diverse community, he dedicated himself to service to others and discovered a new zeal for life. 

Five years later, Yilin now has a culinary degree from a vocational school, made possible by support from The Salvation Army. He expresses his gratitude for success by preparing and serving meals at the PYSC, and making time to offer counseling and a listening ear to teenagers of similar circumstances. 

Another young member, Jun, was physically abusive toward his mother prior to joining the PYSC. Soon after joining the program, he began receiving emotional counseling and life skills education which gradually changed the misconceptions he had about his family. With assistance from The Salvation Army, Jun received professional caregivers training and became a qualified practitioner specializing in caring for physically-challenged senior citizens. Now an active member of The Salvation Army Puli Corps, Jun’s newfound faith and stability have allowed him to rebuild relationships with his family.

Success stories like Yilin’s and Jun’s would not be possible without the combined effort of generous donors, The Salvation Army in Taiwan, and SAWSO collaborating under the guiding vision of creating a brighter future for communities in need.