Promise for Equal Daily Life: Shincheonji Volunteer Group Supports People with Disabilities

Through the "Pinky Promise (Saekisongarak) Volunteer Initiative," Volunteers Provide Regular Companionship, Housing Restoration, and Sports Event Support—Receiving 53 Awards & Commendations Since 2014

💬 "They didn't just cut my hair—sitting warm by my side and reassuring my nervous heart before surgery gave me immense strength."

— Kim Deok-bae (60s, pseudonym), Beneficiary of Gyeongju Branch Haircut Outreach

Under the 2026 National Day of Persons with Disabilities slogan, "An Ordinary Daily Life for Everyone," institutional support must be paired with close, compassionate local action.

While the Korean government expands daytime care and independent living policies, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group has been bridging emotional and practical gaps through its long-running "Pinky Promise (Saekisongarak) Volunteer Initiative"—promising continuous, regular companionship rather than one-time events.

In the first half of 2026 alone, 498 volunteers dedicated 63 days of service to assist 2,011 individuals nationwide.

Gyeongju Branch: Restoring Dignity and Relationships Through Regular Visits

Since 2022, the Gyeongju Branch has partnered with 13 regional disability organizations, serving over 1,400 beneficiaries through hair styling, wellness care, and cultural outings with 250 volunteers.

  • Emotional Reassurance: A member facing brain surgery due to cancer received warmth and comfort during a haircut session, giving him peace of mind.

  • Reconnecting Families: Another member, after receiving grooming care and regaining self-confidence, decided to meet his son whom he had not seen in over eight years.

  • Building Long-Term Trust: Representatives from local disability organizations note that members eagerly anticipate every visit as a source of ongoing emotional strength.



Gangdong Branch: Heavy Trash Removal for Health and Safety

The Gangdong Branch teamed up with the Gangdong-gu Association for Persons with Disabilities to transform a crisis household:

  • Crisis Intervention: An elderly couple dealing with brain lesion disability and 1st-grade severe dementia was struggling with household maintenance, leading to pest infestations and spoiled food risks.

  • 7.5 Tons of Waste Cleared: 18 volunteers dedicated 3 hours of intense labor, hauling away three 2.5-ton garbage trucks worth of abandoned waste and completely disinfecting the residence.

  • Volunteer Reflection: Volunteer Joo Jeong-sun shared: "I served with all my heart so they could eat fresh food and live healthily in a clean, pest-free home."



Chungju Branch: Sports Assistance & Social Inclusion

The Chungju Branch focuses on empowering social participation through sports:

  • National Sports Event Support: At the Chungcheongbuk-do Governor’s Cup National Disabled Lawn Bowls Tournament, 60 volunteers served meals, organized match venues, and handled waste management for 250 athletes, referees, and staff.

  • 12-Year Partnership: Partnering with the Chungju Lawn Bowls Federation for Persons with Disabilities since 2014, the branch supports two national tournaments annually.

  • Recognition: Lee Sang-yong, President of the Chungju Association, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the volunteers' bright demeanor, presenting the branch with an official plaque of appreciation.



Key Achievements & Service Summary

Branch / LocationMain Support ActivityTangible Impact & Facts
Gyeongju BranchGrooming, wellness, & cultural tours for 13 regional groups.1,400+ beneficiaries served since 2022; fostered family reunions.
Gangdong Branch (Seoul)Crisis home renovation & waste clearance.Cleared 7.5 tons of waste (three 2.5t trucks) for a disabled senior family.
Chungju BranchBi-annual Lawn Bowls Tournament logistical support.Assisted 250 participants; ongoing partnership maintained since 2014.
National TotalComprehensive daily living, health, & sports support.53 official awards/commendations received between 2014 and 2026.

Standing Side by Side for Genuine Social Inclusion

From a simple haircut to a clean living room and active participation in sports, an "ordinary daily life" begins with simple, everyday comfort.

With 53 official awards and commendations earned from local governments and welfare institutions between 2014 and 2026, Shincheonji Volunteer Group remains dedicated to walking hand-in-hand with neighbors with disabilities.

"It is vital to stand right beside individuals with disabilities so they can receive practical help and naturally socialize with the community. We will continue our regular visits and deliver meaningful, actionable support."

— Shincheonji Volunteer Group Official


Source: https://vo.la/SV80UXn 

 

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