Overview
Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS), since its inception in 1952, has been continuously providing pertinent social services in professional and high quality, with concern and understanding, cordiality and trustworthiness in serving the needy, especially the deprived groups, to advocate justice and bring hopes. We aim to build a society that is humane and just.
Goal and Objectives
Hong Kong Christian Service is dedicated to promoting Christian Service for "The Healing and Growth of People" in the Hong Kong community by:
- Providing treatment, guidance and education for those who are in need physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially or spiritually;
- Identifying unmet human needs, and developing new and innovative services to meet such needs;
- Mobilizing Christians and the general public to concern and support social services;
- Advocating more adequate social welfare policies in Hong Kong, so that all citizens may be protected and cared for;
- Joining with the churches of Hong Kong in working out a servant-hood lifestyle that will have an exemplary impact on the community; and
- Uniting with other ecumenical bodies throughout the world to help build a just, participatory and sustainable world society.
Mission Statement
We are a social service organization rooted in the city of Hong Kong. We seek "to serve and not to be served". Our belief in a person-centred orientation compels us to reach out for "an holistic approach to human development" and for "a society that is humane and just".
- Hong Kong Christian Service affirms the dignity and uniqueness of the individual. Every single person is endowed with intrinsic value and possessed with possibilities. On this affirmation, we engage not only in the provision of services, but also in stimulating initiative and participation among the citizens, whose efforts help gear towards a caring community.
- We are convinced that a good society is a free, democratic and caring place wherein people live in peace, enjoy the fruits of their labour, and are encouraged to develop their unique gifts through interdependence. For this reason, we actively seek to work alongside people with the aim of influencing the formulation of public policies and monitoring their implementation.
- We strive for excellence, vision and creativity in the provision of professional services that are not only effective, but also humane. As an organization possessing multiple resources, we are committed to providing a myriad of services catered to all sectors of the community, particularly to the most neglected groups. We believe in accountability and welcome public scrutiny.
- We recognize the need for staff members who have a sense of mission and motivation, people with a capacity for reflection, loyalty and high ideals. We attach great importance to staff development and an optimum working environment.
- We value openness, flexibility and leanness in our modus operandi, aiming at the creation of a corporate culture which encourages participation, communication, personal involvement. a sense of responsibility, and mutual respect for each other.
We believe a labour of love makes lives more abundant !
Logo of HKCS
The logo of the Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS) is represented by a boat which carries with it a cross and is sailing across the waves of the ocean.
The cross represents the faith and spirit of Christianity; the boat represents HKCS; the dots on the boat represent different age, gender, social status, ability, religion and race of people we are serving and our colleagues; and the curved lines underneath the boat represent the ocean, which is the world we are living in. The wavy ocean symbolises that the world is full of challenges; while the boat sailing across the ocean symbolises that although we live in this world, we do not belong here.
The logo symbolises that HKCS as an agency, is committed to serve people who are in need in this world.
Agency Directions
- To achieve excellence in services which are responding to the needs of society.
- To advocate just social policy which will move towards a healthy social environment.
- To focus on empowerment of service recipients, citizen participation and the building of an abundant life style.
- To participate in the development of social welfare in China.
- To nurture a culture of continuous learning which will enable each staff develop to their full potential.
History and Development
- 1952
- The Church World Service based in New York and the Lutheran World Federation Department of World Service based in Geneva began their work in Hong Kong, setting up the Hong Kong Church World Service and the Lutheran World Service, Hong Kong respectively. Within the same year, the Hong Kong Christian Welfare and Relief Council were also established.
- 1960
- The American Friends Lei Cheng Uk Friendly Centre merged with the Lutheran World Service, Hong Kong.
- 1967
- The Hong Kong Church World Service merged with the Hong Kong Christian Welfare and Relief Council and became the Hong Kong Christian Service. It then turned into an auxiliary agency of the Hong Kong Christian Council.
- 1973
- The Hong Kong Christian Service became the Service Unit of the Hong Kong Christian Council under its Division of Service.
- 1976
- The Lutheran World Service, Hong Kong merged with the Hong Kong Christian Service and became the service arm of the Hong Kong Christian Council.
- 1978
- The World Council of Churches' Migration Unit in Hong Kong also became an integral part of the Hong Kong Christian Service.
- 1986
- The Hong Kong Christian Service was incorporated as a limited company under the Companies Ordinance. All Executive Committee members of the Hong Kong Christian Council are members of the Hong Kong Christian Service.