Our Heritage
How We Started
The setting up of Presbyterian Community Social Services (PCS) was first initiated more than 50 years ago by the Presbyterian Church in Singapore. PCS began in 1974 with the establishment of Heng Teck Centre – its first – with play nursery and Kindergarten classes.
2029
Vocational Training Hub to Equip Young Adults with Special Needs
- PCS will establish a vocational training hub at the new Grace Orchard School campus to equip 150 young adults with special needs for employment, supporting a smooth transition from education to employment.
Feb 2026
PCS Relocates to Geylang Road
- PCS will relocate to a new corporate office at 533 Geylang Road.
Jan 2025
Launch of A Good PLACE at One Holland Village
- PCS, A Good PLACE (AGP) at One Holland Village opens. AGP is a community hub located at One Holland Village designed with a mission to Engage, Equip, and Empower individuals, serving as a hub for promoting lifelong learning, fostering collaboration, and enabling personal growth for individuals with special needs, seniors, and their caregivers.
2023
Educator Aide Training Earns ECDA Approval
- PCS’s Educator Aide Training received official recognition from the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA).
Mar 2022
Empowering Youth: Training Academy Rebranded to iSPACE
- The training academy for post-18 individuals with special needs was rebranded as the Institute of Special Programmes and Continual Equipping (iSPACE).
2021
Appointment to Interim Caregiver Service by MOH
- PCS appointed by MOH to provide Interim Caregiver Service for seniors during the transitional period between hospital discharge and long-term caregiver arrangements.
Grace Orchard School Relocates to West Coast Road
- PCS relocated Grace Orchard School to a temporary holding site at West Coast Road due to increasing enrolment demand.
- MOE plans to move GOS to the former Hong Kah Secondary School in 2029.
2020
Presbyterian Preschool Services
Established
- Presbyterian Preschool Services (PPS) was incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee entity, separated from PCS to manage all childcare centres.
Jun 2019
Educarer Aide Training Recognized by SG Enable
- PCS’s “Educarer Aide Training” program for post-18 individuals received the SG Enable Enabling Employers Award (Innovation).
- The program was renamed “Educator Aide Training” and gained official recognition from the Early Childhood Development Agency in 2023.
2014
Providence Care Centre Opens in Jurong East
- Providence Care Centre officially opened in September at Block 72 Jurong East Street 32, in collaboration with Providence Presbyterian Church.
Jun 2009
Friends of 3rd Age Launched
- Friends of 3rd Age (F3A) was established in June 2009 to serve seniors at Haig Road. Endorsed by the South East Community Development Council (CDC), F3A was incorporated into the Community Outreach Programme for the Elderly (COPE). This initiative was a joint project between Presbyterian Community Social Services and Chen Li Presbyterian Church, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for elderly residents in the community.
Jan 2009
Grace Orchard School Moves to Jurong West
- Grace Orchard School moved to a purpose-built school at Jurong West Street 52.
Nov 2003
Launch of PCS Hydroponic Farm
- PCS launched its Hydroponic Farm, with Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew as the distinguished guest.
Jan 2002
Grace Orchard School Begins
- Grace Orchard School began its operations, offering education for children with special needs at the former Corporation Primary School.
1999
Presbyterian Welfare Services Renamed
- Presbyterian Welfare Services changed its name to Presbyterian Community Social Services to reflect its expanded services to the broader community.
Nov 1998
Gladiolus Place Opens for Teenagers
- Gladiolus Place was established in close collaboration with Covenant Presbyterian Church to support teenage girls facing challenging situations at home.
Apr 1997
Opening of Sarah Senior Activity Centre
- Sarah Senior Activity Centre was set up at Block 105 Jalan Bukit Merah (2nd level).
Jul 1996
"Branches" Newsletter Launched
- Our very first Newsletter “Branches” was launched in July 1996.
1995
Emergency Relief Scheme Established
- The Emergency Relief Scheme (ERS) was established to provide financial assistance to those in need within the community.
Oct 1992
Launch of Dorcas Home Care
- Dorcas Home Care launched at Jalan Bukit Merah, officially opened by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
Jul 1975
Registered with the Registry of Societies
- Registered with the Registry of Societies (ROS).
1974
The Beginning of PCS's Journey
- PCS (initially Presbyterian Welfare Services) was founded by a group of Presbyterians with a vision to serve the diverse needs of society.
- The first centre, Heng Teck Centre, was opened at Jalan Bukit Merah View on 1 July 1974, offering tuition classes, a playground, and adult English classes. It also served elderly residents of Bukit Merah.