Our stories

Building a just society means elevating everyone by supporting all people to reach their full potential. Every success story is crucial because none of us can flourish, until we all do.

Trust and relationships at the heart of the Hub
- 2 June 2022
Jesuit Social Services’ Dropping off the Edge research into locational disadvantage, conducted over more than 20 years, finds that many communities in Western Sydney deal with multiple and complex forms of disadvantage.
Maribyrnong success shows potential of rehabilitative justice
- 31 May 2022
‘Without your help, I’d be back in jail by now.’ It’s a comment staff at our unique ‘step-down’ post-prison accommodation have heard multiple times over the past two years. The Maribyrnong Community Residential Facility, in Melbourne’s west, provides temporary accommodation and wraparound support to men leaving prison who would otherwise be homeless – a circumstance…
Jesuit Social Services celebrates IDAHOBIT with reflective video and morning tea
- 18 May 2022
Jesuit Social Services staff have gathered to acknowledge and celebrate the experiences and contributions of the LGBTIQA+ community, marking the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia with in-person events across multiple offices. The day commemorates the anniversary of the World Health Organization’s 1990 decision to remove homosexuality from its disease classification, and raises…
Strengthening support for culturally diverse women experiencing violence
- 20 March 2022
Family violence happens across all cultures and communities. In Jesuit Social Services’ work with migrants and refugees, we sometimes come into contact with women experiencing, or at risk of domestic or family violence, in those communities too. Our new partnership with the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights (AMWCHR) is part of an ongoing…
Building climate resilient communities in Melbourne
- 20 March 2022
In 2021, Jesuit Social Services, with funding from Gandel Foundation and the Victorian Government, launched the Centre for Just Places – an initiative supporting place-based solutions to social and ecological justice problems. Since its establishment, the Centre has been facilitating climate adaptation and resilience workshops with local governments and community service organisations across Melbourne.
Homework support more than just educational
- 18 March 2022
Speaking about the highlights of his time with the Homework Club, Tom says: “One of the most fulfilling and moving developments is seeing individuals regain their sense of confidence and really seize the opportunity — which they deserve — to speak for themselves and really recognise themselves as individuals who have something to contribute to…
How Kim supports Vietnamese migrants on their citizenship journey
- 16 March 2022
A decade ago, Kim — who works in our Settlement program — noticed a gap in the support available to Vietnamese people seeking Australian citizenship. While they could find help filling out their forms, no one was supporting them to study for the citizenship test itself.
Volunteer leads garden transformation for Willmot
- 16 March 2022
In recent months, the Willmot Community Hub has used the garden to gather for community breakfasts, and to run games and activities on the lawn outside children’s vaccination clinics. The Western Sydney team expect the welcoming feel will support greater community engagement as COVID-19 restrictions ease and community programs and events ramp up again.
Western Sydney vaccination clinic owes its success to relationship building
- 15 March 2022
Since late 2021 Jesuit Social Services, in partnership with NSW Health, has supported the delivery of over 1,800 COVID-19 vaccine doses in one of New South Wales’ most disadvantaged communities.
Anne-Marie helping newly arrived engineers into work
- 15 March 2022
Anne-Marie joined Jesuit Social Services as a volunteer in 2018, and runs interview skills workshops for participants in our employment pathway programs – including professionals from refugee backgrounds looking to resume their careers in Australia.