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.

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…
A warm welcome for refugee families in Melbourne
- 8 December 2021
The thoughtful, quick and collaborative response of the Ecological Justice Hub meal drop program is an example of how our organisation honours its Ignatian heritage – living with one foot raised, ready to go wherever the need is greatest.
Support After Suicide helps Emma navigate parenting while grieving
- 6 December 2021
When Emma walked out of her first counselling session with Support After Suicide counsellor Greg, it felt “like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders”.
Finding focus outside during Melbourne’s lockdowns
- 5 December 2021
COVID-19 forced many of our programs into remote or outdoor delivery. For Connexions, which supports young people with concurrent mental health and substance misuse problems, the time spent outside wasn’t just a way to get by – it allowed us to introduce a new way of working.