The vision was of a large, lush tree with deep roots, growing healthy and strong. Above the tree, birds flew, some of which were tired and struggling to fly due to unfavourable/ unforeseeable conditions. These weary birds landed on the branches of the tree and found safety, shelter, healing, and nourishment. And once ready, they flew onward, healthy and strong, just like the branches that nurtured them.
All vulnerable and marginalised individuals and communities in Hong Kong will have equal access to resources and opportunities that allow them to realise their dreams and give them a voice in our society.
To restore dignity, justice, and hope to the vulnerable and marginalised in Hong Kong.
OUR STORY BEGAN in 2003 when The Vine Church was asked to visit and care for an asylum seeker who was being detained.
It was caring for this asylum seeker that opened our hearts and minds to the vulnerable of our city, and from there, we sought to better care for the refugee and asylum seeker community by listening to their stories and holistically meeting their needs.
WE CONTINUED with this regenerative work, and in 2005, The Asian Refugee Fellowship was formed under The Vine Church.
In 2006, THE AFRICAN REFUGEE FELLOWSHIP was created, creating a safe space for the individuals and families of these communities.
The Vine Community Services Ltd (VCSL) was founded in 2012, exempt from tax under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance.
WE BEGAN TO NOTICE the disturbing growth of human trafficking in our region.
TO BETTER ADVOCATE for survivors of trafficking, we formed an anti-trafficking initiative under the VCSL umbrella called Stop Trafficking of People (STOP.)
THE VISION FOR 2018 moving forward is to better equip our refugee family for the next phases of their lives and building a path towards reintegration for trafficking survivors. Name changed to Branches of Hope to illustrate the various branches of marginalised communities that we serve.
