Just Seeing Your Smile: The Dream Fulfillment Project of Mennonite Good Shepherd Taiwan

Interview / Yu Wang
Photo Courtesy of Mennonite Good Shepherd Taiwan

A Space Filled with Color and Light

The gently undulating street stretches out, with one end leading to the azure Pacific Ocean and the other to the emerald-green Central Mountain Range. A 12-story building facing the street stands tall, with sunlight streaming through the large glass windows on the first and second floors, illuminating the spacious interior. On the first floor, an array of patchwork bags and small accessories is on display, while the second floor is filled with the inviting aroma of freshly prepared meals. The reception staff greet visitors with warm smiles that light up their eyes and faces.

This is the location of the "Morning Star Pavilion" Amish Quilting Museum and Cornerstone Creative Cuisine in Hualien, Taiwan. It serves as a key implementation site for the employment empowerment program of the Good Shepherd Center (formally named "Mennonite Good Shepherd Center Taiwan," hereinafter referred to as the Good Shepherd Center. The program aims to equip women with skills that enable them to secure employment or start their own businesses, thereby alleviating economic pressures. As their livelihoods improve, they can also experience a transformative change in their lives.

In fact, the individuals served by the Good Shepherd Center‘s employment empowerment program often come from lives and circumstances far removed from color and light. Many are survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, long-term unemployed individuals, or single parents—groups facing various forms of vulnerability. However, upon coming here, they find a temporary sanctuary for their body, mind, and spirit. Through healing and restoration, the hope is that they can regain their confidence and rebuild their lives.

Hong Ying^Notescame from Southeast Asia, commonly referred to in Taiwan as a "foreign bride." Due to language and cultural barriers, she was unable to find suitable employment and faced disdain from her in-laws, along with frequent physical abuse from her husband. Without financial independence, she was unable to escape this life. Through a referral from the county government's social services department, she arrived at the Good Shepherd, where she learned cooking and restaurant management and earned a chef’s license. She now runs her own food stall, earning an income and gaining respect within her family. Once soft-spoken, her gentle tone now carries a sense of confidence and determination.

▲ The Good Shepherd provides a space filled with color and light for vulnerable groups. Pictured is Cornerstone Creative Cuisine.

The administrative office of the Good Shepherd, along with its various facilities, is dedicated to empowering women and providing support to vulnerable groups. These include the Morning Star Pavilion and the Good Works Bakery, which focus on women’s employment empowerment; the Fly High House, which offers after-school care and companionship for children and adolescents; Jasmine and Lily Homes, which shelter survivors of domestic violence; and Palm Academy, which provides care for girls who have experienced abuse, delinquency, or sexual assault. These facilities are scattered across the streets and neighborhoods of Hualien City. With the collaborative efforts of staff, volunteers, and numerous supporters, these individuals find temporary refuge and hope for healing and rebuilding their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The goal is to help them regain hope and dreams, enabling them to stand under the sun once more and restore the color and light to their lives.

Having Dreams, Fulfilling Dreams

The Good Shepherd Center was established in 1987 with the original mission of rescuing and caring for girls who had been sold into child prostitution, nurturing them like a good shepherd tending to harmed lambs. In 1991, it officially became part of the Fellowship of Mennonite Churches in Taiwan. Since then, it has established evening tutoring programs for teenagers and shelters for young girls.

After years of advocacy and education, public awareness has shifted, and the Good Shepherd Center's focus has gradually transitioned from victims of human trafficking to survivors of domestic violence, single parents, and other vulnerable families. Through a variety of dynamic and reflective programs, including camps and tutoring sessions, the Center also works to nurture the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of youth in the community.

By 2024, the services provided by the organization may differ from those at its inception, but its mission to "be salt and light, glorify God, and benefit others" remains steadfast. The focus of its services has expanded beyond "care" to "empowerment," equipping its beneficiaries with practical skills and psychological strength. The goal is not only to inspire dreams but also to provide the ability to fulfill them, with a vision centered on "holistic development and family harmony."

Zhuang Huichen, Director of the Women and Children's Welfare Services Department, explained that many survivors of domestic violence wish to leave their abuser (referred to as the "perpetrator," often but not always the husband). However, due to extended absences from the workforce or the physical and emotional scars they carry, it is difficult for them to find workplaces willing to hire them. Even if they manage to secure a job, their attendance is often affected by the need to attend court hearings or take care of their children.

The Good Shepherd Center not only hires professional instructors to teach skills and guide participants in obtaining certifications but also provides a supportive and humane work environment through initiatives like Amish (handmade quilting), Cornerstone (creative cuisine), and Good Works Bakery (baking). These programs offer flexible, considerate schedules and treatment, primarily benefiting women in need. More than just job opportunities, these spaces foster a sense of community where participants see their coworkers as confidants, openly share their challenges, and pray for one another.

▲ The Cornerstone Creative Cuisine and Good Works Bakery at the Good Shepherd Center provide flexible, considerate work schedules and dignified treatment for their beneficiaries.

For instance, after the Hualien earthquake on April 3, 2024, Fengling, who works at Cornerstone Creative Cuisine, had to deal with her child experiencing a bipolar disorder episode. Upon learning about her situation, her coworkers allowed her to take leave to stay home and care for her child, giving her the flexibility to return to work once things had stabilized.

Love Cannot Be Afraid

Where do these beneficiaries come from? Over nearly four decades, the Good Shepherd Center has built a strong reputation and connections within the local community, earning the trust of churches, employment centers, and social workers. These organizations refer individuals in need of services and willing to work. Zhuang Huichen mentioned that during the initial stages of skills training, the quality of the participants' work is understandably not high. However, over time, their output must meet certain standards. The ultimate goal is empowerment—providing the skills and confidence for transformation. Change is possible, but it requires a personal willingness to take the first step.

These women not only acquire new skills but also become part of a closely knit network of love and support.For example, staff members coordinate to ensure that children have a place to go during winter and summer vacations, even reaching out to local churches to see if they can help with care. The team supports one another, with a few staff members discussing and arranging: whoever is off duty that day will host the children from several families at their home.

▲ The Good Shepherd Center's empowerment program teaches women skills to achieve financial independence. Pictured is a handmade tote bag from the Amish Quilting Museum.

Since most of the beneficiaries are survivors of violence, Zhuang Huichen sighed when asked whether staff members face danger in their work. She explained that staff provide safety education to domestic violence survivors in shelter care, advising them to avoid confrontation and leave the scene if their abuser shows up. In one instance, a social worker accompanying a beneficiary to a medical appointment was seen by the abuser, who began throwing objects at them. The social worker immediately led the beneficiary to a safe place and reported the incident to the police.

There was an incident where a social worker brought a child home, only to find the mother blocking the door, refusing to let the social worker enter. It turned out the father had lost control and was throwing a kitchen knife at the mother. Despite this, the mother insisted to the social worker that the father wouldn’t harm the child. After reporting the situation, the Good Shepherd Center staff firmly decided that the child could not remain in such an environment. They called the police and urgently arranged for the mother and child to be placed in a safe shelter.

At the scene of violence, how could staff not feel fear? Yet when confronted with such situations, they have no choice but to face them bravely. Zhuang Huichen stated, "If you’re afraid, how can you protect these people?" Victims of violence have often lost their instinct to escape and are unable to protect themselves or their children. Providing companionship and assistance is essential for their holistic healing. The Good Shepherd Center also requires perpetrators to undergo psychological counseling, hoping to address the root of the problem. Over the years, Taiwan's laws and cultural attitudes have changed significantly, and public authorities no longer dismiss domestic violence as merely a "private family matter." However, unless the perpetrator is willing, individuals with psychological issues cannot be forcibly treated. This limitation leaves staff feeling powerless at times.

The Good Shepherd Center is a Christian organization, so would it recommend divorce for survivors of domestic violence? Zhuang Huichen believes that these situations go far beyond mere marital discord—they cause immense harm to the body, mind, and spirit, stripping victims of their dignity and sometimes threatening their lives. If the perpetrator shows no willingness to undergo counseling, therapy, or make a genuine effort to change, most survivors choose to leave the dangerous environment and file for divorce. The decision to divorce often hinges on whether the survivor can achieve independence.

Active or Quiet Companionship

In addition to supporting women, the Good Shepherd Center's Fly High House offers free evening after-school programs, providing the children of its beneficiaries with a safe and structured environment. This allows parents striving for financial independence to focus on their work with peace of mind. These children may not necessarily struggle academically, but many face psychological challenges due to their home environments or lack sufficient socialization skills because of limited resources, leading to significant difficulties in communication and interpersonal relationships. To ensure that every child who wishes to attend can do so, the Good Shepherd Center launched the "Caring Taxi Program" to transport children to and from the center.

However, after-school care doesn’t only take place at desks and chairs. The full climbing wall in the backyard of Fly High House is one of the ways the center supports and accompanies the children.

▲ Fly High House provides tutoring and companionship for children and adolescents, fostering their physical, mental, and emotional well-being through activities at desks, chairs, and even on the climbing wall. The logo, featuring a dove symbolizing the idea of "home," was created by the children of Fly High House.

Rock climbing relies not only on physical strength but also on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Jiang Bingqi, a specialist in the children and youth program, describes it as "planning before taking action." Participants first observe the route, decide where to place their hands and feet, and plan their next moves. For those who feel tired or uninterested in climbing, they can simply sit in the rest area and chat instead.

He recalls Rui-Song, a young but physically large boy, who initially didn’t know how to express his feelings and would repeatedly rub his head against the climbing wall. After a period of companionship and counseling, Rui-Song learned to identify his emotions and even recognize the triggers that influenced his parents’ emotions.

There was also Yu-Bo, whose lack of progress left Jiang Bingqi feeling frustrated despite trying various methods. He reminded himself that every situation and stage requires different approaches to guidance and companionship. Through persistence and not giving up, he discovered that the root cause of Yu-Bo's emotional stagnation was his mother. Now that she has started attending counseling, Yu-Bo's situation has gradually begun to improve.

In the learning skills training classes, children improve their communication skills through reading and sharing their reflections. Art classes, in fact, serve as art therapy, with teachers encouraging children to express their deep emotions and release feelings through drawing. In the small office shared by the staff, there is a lower desk reserved for Guan-Shan, a young elementary school student. He blends in with the social workers, whom he sees as older siblings. While officially part of his enhanced guidance, this setup is really about providing companionship. Over the years, when children face challenges in relationships, interpersonal dynamics, or family matters, they often turn to the social workers first. It seems they have found a sense of safety here and have come to see the Good Shepherd Center as a reliable and trustworthy support system.

Zhu Yu-Gui, the Executive Director of the Good Shepherd Center, recalled contacting a design company to create the logo for the Fly High House Bakery. After the presentation, the designer approached her and said, “Auntie, I was once one of the children at Fly High House; you took care of me when I was young.” The dove symbolizing the idea of "home," now hanging on the wall, was originally created by one of the children from Fly High House.

Director Zhuang Huichen shared that the journey of providing companionship is indeed challenging and does not always lead to perfect outcomes. However, helping individual members of a family is a way of supporting the entire family, and assisting one family contributes to the betterment of society. When beneficiaries rebuild their lives, they often gain the ability and willingness to help others. She stated, "This is a cycle of goodness."

A Safe Haven

Accompanied by Executive Director Zhu Yu-Gui, we stepped into Palm Academy, a shelter for young girls tucked away in a quiet alley. She pointed to the bougainvillea on the second-floor balcony and exclaimed, “The flowers are blooming!” Not long ago, the potted plants had been moved under the eaves to protect them from wind and rain, leaving them without sunlight and looking lifeless. However, the staff diligently watered them, and now that they’ve been returned to the warm sunlight, the flowers are blooming brilliantly once again.

Tong-Tong, a second-year middle school student, enthusiastically introduced the schedule displayed on the wall: guitar, painting, dance... Another wall featured a map of Hualien, with nearby trails marked and photos of the girls hiking in the mountains. The mix of indoor and outdoor activities reveals a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle, balancing moments of activity and calm during these formative years.

▲ The Good Shepherd Center's Palm Tree Academy is a place that provides care for girls who have been victims of violence. It offers shelter and healing, allowing the girls to rebuild their lives in a safe environment.

As we walked further, we came across a wall covered with posters where the girls had written their "hopes, dreams, and goals." The phrase that appeared most frequently was, *"I just want to be happy."* This independent house serves as a safe haven for children who have suffered various forms of violence, providing them with a place to feel secure. Zhu Yu-Gui shared a poignant story about Yoyo, one of the sheltered girls, whom she once helped by stopping the bleeding and bandaging her wounds after an episode of self-harm. Heartbroken, she asked, *"Aunties here love you so much. Isn't that enough?"* Yoyo replied that it wasn’t a lack of love but rather the unbearable pain in her heart. She explained that if she didn’t hurt herself, she couldn’t cope with the emotional pain inside.

As we were about to leave the academy, Tong-Tong sat curled up on the sofa, as if she had something more to say. Zhu Yu-Gui asked, "Is there something else on your mind?"

"No..."

"Do you want to go inside?"

"Um..."

"Would you like Auntie to stay and talk with you?" Tong-Tong nodded.

Here, Tong-Tong, along with many other girls, can act playful and seek comfort because they feel safe.

Lying in bed, letting the soul wander in boundless imagination, is also a great joy. Reflecting on the small moments of happiness from the day, one might sometimes, without realizing it, shed a few tears of sadness while lost in thought...

The tranquility of the night allows me to immerse myself fully in its embrace. Such nights help me unwind; they create a small world that belongs solely to me. Only I can understand the joy of being in this space and truly relish these moments of solitude.

~ Tang-Tang, a sheltered girl (excerpt from Good Shepherd *Hope Journal*)

However, the word "shelter" also carries the meaning of a "waystation," signifying that this is only a temporary home. The girls will eventually leave this place. No matter how long they stay at Palm Academy, the Good Shepherd Center strives to provide them with companionship, hoping their lives can heal and that they can return to the sunlight once again.

A long time ago, I fell into the abyss of emptiness, heeding its call and leaving a permanent scar on my left hand. That period was a profound trial for my soul and marked the beginning of my journey to find hope...

Every challenge in life is an opportunity for growth, and every fall is a chance to rise again. I am willing to share my smile and warmth with the world because I firmly believe in the power of love and hope to overcome anything!

~ Chiao Chiao, a sheltered girl (excerpt from Good Shepherd *Hope Journal*)

Unstoppable Love

The Good Shepherd Center provides four main services: shelter for young girls, shelter for women, child and youth services, and empowerment for independence. Currently, the center has a team of 50 staff members, including administrative personnel and social workers. It also recruits university social work students as volunteers and invites art and music teachers to offer free lessons. The organization receives support from large enterprises, such as becoming an ambassador for Fubon Charity, and accepts material donations from groups like Good Rice Circle (https://goodricecircle.com/). Its services are gradually expanding to include middle-aged and elderly individuals, assisting Hualien’s seniors—many of whom are raising grandchildren—in gaining additional economic support.

The Good Shepherd Center is deeply committed to broadening the horizons of its service recipients. For example, it organizes trips for children to Taipei to hold art exhibitions, providing a larger platform for showcasing their work while allowing them to experience life in a big city, including riding the MRT. Additionally, the center introduces women to various career opportunities, helping them see that there are many possibilities beyond cleaning jobs.

The recently launched "Dream Fulfillment Program" aims to assist financially struggling parents by encouraging them to set aside a portion of their limited monthly income as savings. The Good Shepherd Center matches these savings with an equal amount of funds to help children pursue their dreams, such as learning new skills or receiving a better education.

Having been deeply rooted in the local community for many years, the Good Shepherd Center has established trust and cooperative relationships with public institutions like the Ministry of Labor and Employment Service Offices, as well as social welfare organizations such as the Garden of Hope Foundation and the Modern Women’s Foundation. Together, they refer service recipients and share resources and information. As for expanding to other counties, Executive Director Yu-Gui Chu believes in staying true to the original mission. When Mennonite missionaries and medical teams first came to Hualien, their aim was to serve Taiwan’s “back mountain.” Dr. Roland Peter Brown, a former superintendent of Mennonite Christian Hospital, once remarked, "It’s easy for doctors in Taiwan to go to America, but coming to Hualien feels far." Chu is committed to upholding this vision by remaining in Hualien, demonstrating God’s love through dedicated service.

Yu-Gui Chu hopes that churches and communities will gain a deeper understanding of and greater acceptance for these individuals. Regardless of the circumstances that bring service recipients to the Good Shepherd Center, they still live within our communities—they are our neighbors. Some worry that these children, due to emotional instability, might damage property or that accompanying them might be emotionally demanding or negatively influence other children. However, when encountering individuals who may seem different or less endearing, she encourages giving both them and ourselves a chance. By offering a little more care and demonstrating love through concrete actions of support, we can show them how we live and share a message of hope. This, she believes, is a true expression of “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

A significant portion of the organization's funding comes from individual donations. The Good Shepherd Center sets up booths at churches, not only to promote patchwork and baked goods but also to share its vision and needs. Director Hui-Fen Chuang recalls with deep gratitude and emotion receiving a donation envelope with the words "Known to the Lord" written on it.

Executive Director Yu-Gui Chu also recalls an unforgettable moment during the early fundraising efforts for the Palm Tree Academy. A woman in her seventies visited the office and took out a full NT$1 million from her fabric handbag. Chu repeatedly confirmed with her, saying, “Grandma, this is not a bank. Once the money is donated, it cannot be taken back.”

“I know, I know,” said the grandmother who lives near Liyu Lake. She explained that caring for young girls is important, and while she cannot do it herself, she donates money so the Good Shepherd Center can. She added, “I trust in the work you are doing, so I entrust it to you with peace of mind. God will watch over you.”

For this interview, the reporter took the fastest Tze-Chiang Limited Express train from Pingtung to Hualien, a single journey of 3.5 hours—under favorable weather conditions. However, after the April 2024 earthquake and July’s Typhoon Kami, landslides have obstructed roads and railways. The towering Central Mountain Range, standing like a giant, seems to hinder access to Hualien. Yet, it cannot block the flow of love.

Also hailing from Pingtung, Yu-Gui Chu mentioned that the Christian Church on Dalien Road in Pingtung has supported the Good Shepherd Center for many years. During their youth fellowship meetings every Saturday, students in their teens set aside part of their allowance to place in the offering bag, along with their blessings. They quietly cheer on and encourage the Good Shepherd Center’s young service recipients on the other side of the mountains, offering both financial and emotional support.

One time at Hualien Train Station, Yu-Gui Chu spotted a young girl who had once been sheltered by the Good Shepherd Center, pulling a suitcase. Their eyes met, and they exchanged smiles. Yu-Gui asked, "Are you going on a trip?"

"I'm going abroad with friends for a trip."

It turned out that the girl had learned a skill, started working, and had now saved enough money to fulfill her dream of traveling abroad.

Perhaps the girl, along with many other service recipients of the Good Shepherd Center in Hualien, still faces a life path much like a mountain trail—full of ups and downs, twists and turns. Yet, she not only has dreams but also the strength to step back into the sunlight and make those dreams come true.

Executive Director Yu-Gui Chu said, "Her smile is the best reward."

For more information or to support the Good Shepherd Center, please visit their website. https://www.mgsc.org.tw/.

Note: To protect privacy, the names and details in this article have been altered.

Origins of the Good Shepherd Center: The Good Shepherd Center was founded by Mennonite pastor Fang-Fang Wu, Dr. Li-Yun Chen of Mennonite Christian Hospital, and social worker Su-Fen Hsu. For more details about its origins, please refer to Issue 12 of *KRC Magazine* in the article titled "Feed My Lambs."