In this heartfelt conversation, I sit with Jennifer Heng—Director of Safe Place in Singapore and author of Walking Out of Secret Shame—to gently walk through a story many carry but few feel safe to speak.

Jennifer shares, with courage and tenderness, how early family trauma, an abusive relationship, and two abortions left her living with crippling shame and the belief that she was beyond forgiveness. That must have been incredibly hard. What moved me so deeply was the turning point: a quiet season in Melbourne, a surprising encounter with faith, and the slow, steady discovery that a second chance was not only possible—it was already waiting.

Today, Jennifer is a wife, a mother, and a leader who has helped hundreds of unsupported pregnant women find safety, dignity, and hope through Safe Place. I love what she said about the power of bringing secrets into the light—how shame loses its grip when we’re met with compassion instead of judgement. This is not just a story about pain; it’s about what can grow from it: purpose, community, and a life that gives back.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, trapped, or alone, please reach out for help. You deserve support. Jennifer reminds us that where there is life, there is hope—and you are not too far gone. To learn more about her work, visit Safe Place (safeplace.org.sg). Thank you, Jennifer. Your bravery will resonate with so many.

Get in touch with Jennifer Heng:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hengjennifer/

Website: http://www.safeplace.org.sg/

***

Thank you for listening to Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton.

Kerrie Atherton is an Inspiring Speaker, Professional Counsellor and Mental Health Coach. To find out more about "Stories of Hope: Worldwide", head to https://storiesofhope.com.au/.

Purchase books in the "Stories of Hope" series, written by Kerrie: https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/.

With thanks to:

Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt (artlist.io)

Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (https://www.mbpod.com)

Mentioned in this episode:

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