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.

How music connects hearts in grief and helps in healing
- 9 June 2023
When musician and anthropologist Glenn McDonald’s mum passed away from suicide in 2011, music played an important part in his recovery. His mum encouraged a love of music from an early age, and since her loss, Glenn has used music to help connect with her, through songs she used to play. Music has also been…
Empowering young people on the path to recovery through connection to nature
- 8 June 2023
The Outdoor Experience utilises a Bush Adventure Therapy to supports young people struggling with substance abuse and mental health. Learn how the program empowers participants to move forward on their journey to recovery.
Open Pantry helping provide food security and connection
- 7 June 2023
Hear how Open Pantry delivers healthy meals and community for the Western Sydney residents.
Music workshops encourage self-expression in Alice Springs school
- 7 June 2023
Hear how students at Yipirinya School have workshopped songs and laid down beats with ARIA Award-winning musician Adrian Eagle, as part of a new relationship between the school and Jesuit Social Services that will provide opportunities for performance, self-expression, and new narratives for First Nations young people in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.
Creative harmony
- 5 June 2023
Hear how Artful Dodgers Studios’ innovative model connects young people to supports and a sense of belonging
Jesuit Social Services staff explore how nature-based therapy can enhance their practice
- 1 June 2023
On a rainy morning in a patch of Kew bushland, Jesuit Social Services staff gathered to learn about nature-based therapeutic practice and the ways it can enhance their work with participants, and improve their own wellbeing.
An ‘open-door’, place-based approach for First Nations people
- 31 May 2023
Recently, Jesuit Social Services’ Centre for Just Places, our hub for place-based action, research and advocacy, was commissioned by the Victorian government to investigate what makes some place-based approaches so effective. Our team, alongside partners RMIT University, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and the University of Queensland, explored existing literature and practice, publishing a research…
Engineering expertise moves the Hub’s community plastics recycling project forward
- 31 May 2023
Three engineering students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Massachusetts, USA, have wrapped up seven weeks at Jesuit Social Services’ Ecological Justice Hub in Melbourne, where they developed a process and workshops for recycling plastic bottle caps using the Hub’s new recycling equipment.
First Peoples Assembly informs Jesuit Social Services staff on the Victorian Treaty process
- 17 May 2023
In line with our vision of building a just society, Jesuit Social Services strongly supports the Victorian Treaty process. Recently, Jesuit Social Services asked First Peoples Assembly of Victoria to deliver an information session on Victoria’s Treaty process to staff. At Jesuit Social Services we work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout Victoria,…
Garden Pathway a breath of fresh air for participants
- 1 May 2023
Garden Pathway program trainer, Carol, has observed the impact growing food can have on people. “From the very first day running the Garden Pathway course, I noticed that everyone leaves the garden in a better state than when they arrived. And I’ve even had some participants get emotional on their final day, because they’re going…

Our stories

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