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.

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.
Major Projects employment program helps Adnan find a pathway to a brighter future
- 14 March 2022
When Adnan Hussein* fled Iraq, he left behind a town in ruins. “My hometown of Baghdeda was my paradise, when ISIS invaded, it was chaos; there was no electricity, no water and sounds of explosions were everywhere”. In 2018, Adnan was granted a Refugee visa and began his new life in Australia with his wife…
Ali changes pace through new work
- 13 March 2022
Ali* was working as an interpreter for the Australian and New Zealand armies in Iraq. When the Australian Army was preparing to leave, it offered to sponsor Ali and his mother to resettle in Australia. They were granted permanent residency in March 2021.
Hands-on help gets Steven back in school
- 4 March 2022
Two years since engaging with Navigator, Steven is now attending school regularly and his confidence has grown to the point where he applied for casual work.
Say hello again to the Jobs Advocates
- 14 February 2022
Jesuit Social Services has delivered the Jobs Victoria Advocates program in two regions of Melbourne since early 2021, supporting more than 600 people to sharpen their resumes, select jobs they’re well-suited for, and grow confidence to stand out in interview processes.
Kate's on track for a second chance
- 3 February 2022
Kate has now enrolled in a community services course, and has new clarity and purpose – she has reached a turning point in her life. Kate’s story shows people’s capacity to adapt and transform when given a second chance.
Brosnan loved by Brunswick local
- 31 January 2022
Brunswick locals and visitors to Jesuit Social Services’ Brosnan Centre are probably familiar with the smiling statue on Dawson Street, but how many know the story behind the figure? Father John Brosnan was a Chaplain at Coburg’s Pentridge prison for 30 years. In 1977, he helped found the Brosnan Centre, which runs programs that help…
Dropping off the Edge 2021 highlights entrenched disadvantage across Australia
- 8 December 2021
Jesuit Social Services has conducted research into place-based disadvantage for more than 20 years, beginning with the ground-breaking Unequal in Life report in 1999. We are pleased to announce that on 18 November we launched Dropping off the Edge 2021, the fifth report in the series that now investigates disadvantage in every community in each…