Fu Hong Society: a family for persons with intellectual disabilities

Working with a caring heart and innovative spirits. Fu Hong Society is a family where love for people is a mission. Because “Fu Hong” in Chinese means “giving assistance to become physically and mentally healthy”.

Founded in the 70s by Father Enea Tapella, PIME ltalian Missionary, Fu Hong Society formed groups of volunteers to organize various social, leisure and religious activities for persons with disabilities. 

After father Tapella death, many people continued in the same spirit his work and participated in rehabilitation activities enthusiastically. Then, a Catholic fellow lent a flat unconditionally for persons with disabilities for temporary accommodation, which was the former “Father Tapella Home” (FTH). 

Later, Father Bonzi, together with a group of professionals and volunteers set up an association, namely “The Society of Homes for the Handicapped” (SHH), in 1977 and in 2001, the Society has been renamed as “Fu Hong Society”.

Since establishment, Fu Hong Society is committed to develop the potential of persons with disabilities, enable them to achieve maximum independence and become fully integrated citizens in the community. 

Some examples? The Society pioneered in establishing pilot services, including temporary residential care service, home-based training, hotline service, care and attention home, and extended care service in day centres. 

Then, the Society set up the Casa Famiglia which enables persons with intellectual disabilities to enjoy family life; established the first development and support centre for adults with autism – Hin Dip Centre and strengthen the community-based support services to assist the families in providing care to persons with disabilities living in the community. TheSociety has many volunteers. Becoming part of this great family is very important in the promotion of social inclusion. Volunteers can understand the needs of the people with disabilities through providing service to them. They can learn that people with disabilities also need concern and respect from others.

To know more about Fu Hong Society:  www.fuhong.org/