"We strive to empower those who have experienced social marginalization,” Bernard Han
For the last 21 years, the Lighthouse Feeding Centre: A Place of Hope has been a vital lifeline for the underprivileged and marginalized communities in Penang, Malaysia.
Operated under Caritas Penang, the social service arm of the Catholic Church of the Diocese of Penang, this center offers support to all, regardless of race, religion, or beliefs, guided by its principle of “empowering lives, one person at a time.”
Founded by Father Fabian Dicom on March 19, 2003, Lighthouse began modestly with six clients and 12 volunteers at St. Francis Xavier's Church compound.
Father Dicom, who is now the director of Caritas Malaysia, initially distributed food packets for dinner three days a week at 5:30 p.m. As the need grew, the center expanded its services to include teatime and provided bathing and laundry facilities.
Word of mouth quickly spread, and soon the center was serving about 60 people for tea and 100 for dinner. Today, it assists more than 120 people daily.
Bernard Han, the director of Lighthouse Feeding Centre, emphasizes the center's mission of “creating a culture of truthful hope.”
He explains, “Our efforts aim to rebuild individuals by providing basic and temporary support until they can healthily reintegrate into society. We strive to empower those who have experienced social marginalization.”
The center's clients come from all walks of life, including the homeless, orphans, jobless individuals, single mothers, former drug addicts or alcoholics, sex workers, and those who are lost and stranded.
Over the years, Lighthouse has significantly expanded its services. It now offers tea at 4:00 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., along with a lounge where clients can rest and form new friendships.
The center also provides facilities for bathing and personal cleanliness, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment.
In addition to basic needs, Lighthouse offers counseling for those in need of support and job opportunities for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives.
To sustain its efforts, the center has launched several initiatives, including St. Peter’s Home, Recycling Centre, Lighthouse Bakery (now a Social Enterprise Partner), Lighthouse Café (now a Social Enterprise Partner), and a Thrift Shop.
The Lighthouse Feeding Centre also collaborates with Penang Adventist Hospital to ensure the health and wellness of its clients.
Through these combined efforts, the center continues to be a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to a better future for many in the Penang community.
