Shin Gye-yong, the mayor of Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province, is intensifying efforts to build a robust welfare safety net by focusing on discovering welfare blind spots and revitalizing local communities through public-private cooperation.
On October 10, Mayor Shin participated in a sharing event called ‘Gwajongsa Jajang Day’ held at the Fore Dream Apartment complex, organized by the Gwacheon Comprehensive Social Welfare Center's Galhyeon Center and the Galhyeon Community Service Council.
Now in its third year, this event was organized in collaboration with the Beautiful Companionship, a social contribution corporation established by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and the Galhyeon Community Service Council.
The event aimed to encourage natural interactions among residents and promote a culture of sharing and communication within the community.
On that day, staff from the Gwacheon Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, representatives from Beautiful Companionship, and volunteers prepared and served 600 servings of jajangmyeon to residents.
Beyond simply sharing a meal, the event served as a platform for neighbors to connect and look out for one another.
Notably, the Galhyeon Community Service Council, which participated for the first time this year, operated a booth promoting welfare blind spot discovery and integrated care initiatives in collaboration with the customized welfare team from the Galhyeon Administrative Welfare Center.
They also provided rice cakes for dessert and delivered jajangmyeon directly to some residents' homes, practicing community-centered neighborly care.
This event was significant as it provided an opportunity to share welfare information in a communal living space where residents naturally gather and to check on neighbors in need of assistance.
Most importantly, the participation of the Community Service Council, the Administrative Welfare Center, welfare organizations, private sponsors, and volunteers showcased a model of public-private cooperation that connects welfare resources within the community.
This highlights the importance of a collaborative system that monitors welfare blind spots and supports residents in need within the community, based on the involvement of various local organizations and resident groups.
Community welfare cannot be achieved solely through government support.
It is crucial for residents, welfare organizations, and private entities to participate together, enabling early detection of neighbors' difficulties and connecting them to necessary services.
Mayor Shin plans to enhance community ties and strengthen the discovery of welfare blind spots and integrated care connections through public-private cooperation activities like this event.
Cho Young-haeng, the private chair of the Galhyeon Community Service Council, stated, “This event was a meaningful time to communicate with residents and check on neighbors in need.” He added, “We will continue to work hard on discovering welfare blind spots and sharing activities.”
Choi Dal-yong, director of the Gwacheon Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, also noted, “We successfully concluded the third ‘Gwajongsa Jajang Day’ with the interest and participation of residents.”
Meanwhile, Shin Gye-yong remarked, “The significance of this event lies in the community coming together to practice neighborly love. We will continue to strengthen public-private cooperation to promote a culture of living together.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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