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.

Place-based social change on the agenda in Western Sydney
- 12 March 2020
ChangeFest is a national celebration of place-based social change – which empowers and supports local communities to identify, plan, fund and evaluate the services they need. In November 2019, the three-day event was held in Mount Druitt, Western Sydney, where we have worked with and alongside the community for 12 years. Our work in the…
‘You see violence that young and you get desensitised’
- 4 September 2018
Speaking with Ignatius* is like speaking with any other young man. He works as an apprentice tiler, is studying to become a personal trainer and is passionate about fitness including boxing and cycling. “In my spare time I play chess, hang out with my family, hang out with my partner, you know, it brings joy…
Supported housing helping to shape new self-identity
- 3 September 2018
Launched earlier this year, our Link Youth Justice Housing Program is an innovative pilot program that provides intensive support and housing to young people aged 15-22 who have had contact with the justice system and are at risk of homelessness. The program, which has capacity for 15 young people over a two-year period, involves partner agency…
On a pathway to an improved future
- 27 October 2017
People with an acquired brain injury make up over a third of people in the Victorian prison system. KATHRYN KERNOHAN speaks to Brigid Henley about how the Enabling Justice Project helps create opportunities for people with an acquired brain injury after their release. Navigating day to day life after leaving prison can be extremely challenging…
Next Steps wins at Victorian Homelessness Achievement Awards
- 15 September 2017
Jesuit Social Services’ Next Steps program has been recognised at this week’s 2017 Victorian Homelessness Achievement Awards, winning the Excellence in ending homelessness among young people category. Next Steps works with young people aged between 16 and 24 who have involvement with the justice system and are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The program has…
Generosity supports Perry House upgrade
- 15 August 2017
To mark Homelessness Week (July 7-13), Jesuit Social Services last week unveiled a new BBQ deck at Perry House. Perry House is a residential facility for young people with intellectual disabilities who have involvement with the youth justice system to learn independent skills. Participants reside at the house for up to 12 months while they…
Mentor reward: Terence volunteers to help young people leaving care
- 4 December 2016
Terence is a leaving care mentor with Jesuit Social Services. He tells SEZ WILKS why everyone needs someone to believe in them. Terence Leong was 14 years old when he went into full-time care. Now a father, he says his experiences of foster and residential care inspired him to volunteer with young people. “I always…
Upgrades to Perry House and Dillon House
- 8 September 2016
A recent grant by the Department of Health and Human Services has supported Jesuit Social Services to upgrade facilities at Perry House and Dillon House. The two properties provide supported accommodation for young people experiencing homelessness leaving the youth justice system. Dillon House is part of the Next Steps program, which also delivers intensive case…
Indigenous artworks for Dillon and Perry House
- 17 February 2016
Jesuit Social Services recently purchased two new pieces of artwork for our living skills residential programs Dillon House and Perry House. Both properties are home to young people with involvement in the criminal justice system, and seek to develop independent living skills as participants re-integrate back into the community. The artworks were purchased at Confined…
Perry House makeover
- 21 May 2015
Jesuit Social Services' Perry House has had a facelift, thanks to the generosity of two retailers. Adriatic Furniture and Adairs recently provided discounted furniture, bedding and manchester, which alongside a new paint job by Rob Thomas of Sensory Bespoke, has given a breath of fresh air to the house. "We were really pleased that Adriatic…