Our stories Archives - Jesuit Social Services

Flemington children share love of learning with supporter
- 20 August 2026
Stan Willis Trust Chair Ruth Spielman visited our Flemington Homework Club, meeting students and volunteer tutors who help children aged 5-18 from migrant and refugee backgrounds overcome barriers to learning. Now in its third decade, the program continues to change lives — with a waiting list to prove it.
“Empowering in many ways”: How driving can offer confidence and independence to settlement in Australia
- 18 June 2026
Jesuit Social Services' Settlement Program delivered a Driving & Road Safety Program over a series of five engaging and informative sessions earlier this year. The program was designed to support participants, to build confidence, knowledge, and independence on the road.
Artful Dodgers Studio relocation marks exciting new chapter
- 14 May 2026
Last week, Jesuit Social Services celebrated the grand opening of the newly relocated Artful Dodgers Studio in Brunswick, now co-located with our Ecological Justice Hub.
A fresh start for Dale
- 15 April 2026
After two decades cycling in and out of prison, Dale found stability at the Maribyrnong Community Residential Facility — a Jesuit Social Services program that provides safe accommodation and wrap-around support for men leaving prison. With help from his case worker, he gained employment, a driver’s licence and a home, and reconnection with his daughter.
Lessons in Resilience from Melbourne’s west
- 1 April 2026
In March, our Centre for Just Places published Lessons in Resilience, a report highlighting how community service and health organisations in Melbourne’s west have responded to crises including floods, heatwaves and the COVID-19 pandemic. The report drew on nine months of research, including interviews with frontline staff and organisational leaders working across the region. It…
Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centre's recent 'Family Fun Day' reminds us that joy can be a 'radical act'
- 24 March 2026
The smell of sizzling sausages and fried onions drifted through the streets of Sunshine last Saturday, drawing people toward the outdoor space of our Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centre. Around 50 carers and family members from across the community gathered to partake in a ‘Family Fun Day’ - organised in collaboration with Satellite Foundation and Western Health - which included a range of arts and crafts activities, face…
Homework Club celebrates its annual Iftar event
- 19 March 2026
Ramadan is an important time of year for Jesuit Social Services' Homework Club, with most participant families of Muslim faith. Once again, Ramadan was celebrated with the annual Iftar event, providing an opportunity for families and staff to enjoy dinner and activities together. Homework Club supports around 40 children, largely from new migrant background, through…
Supporting young people through lived experience: Ayesha’s mentoring story
- 17 March 2026
“I’ve always been the person who needed support. Now I get to be that support for someone else.” For volunteer mentor Ayesha Turner, supporting young people through our Community Connections Mentoring program is not just a job, it’s deeply personal. Community Connections Mentoring connects young people who are living in, or who have lived in, out-of-home care with trained volunteer mentors…
"Timing is everything": Eco-Justice Hub volunteers support those affected by Victorian bushfires
- 2 March 2026
Much was lost when the Longwood bushfires ran through homes and farms in January, but recent work from visiting volunteers has helped one Upton local to reinstate his burnt-out garden.
Remembering John with a Gift of Hope
- 9 February 2026
Hear how Steve honoured the memory of his brother, John, by donating to Jesuit Social Services to make a difference to people who face similar challenges.