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.

Fundraising event has Artful Dodgers Studios rocking
- 16 October 2017
“The best ever!” Artful Dodgers Studios’ Paulie Stewart and Angeliki Androutsopoulos address the crowd at the fundraising event. That was the verdict from all those involved with the recent trivia night to raise funds for Artful Dodgers Studios, held at the Collingwood Town Hall and featuring a rocking live band, performances by studio participants, a…
Jesuit Social Services collaborates with St Vincent's Health Australia
- 18 April 2017
Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards is pictured here with Toby Hall, CEO of St Vincent’s Health Australia, after signing an agreement between the two organisations that will see them work collaboratively to improve the health service response to those at the margins of society. St Vincent’s Health Australia and Jesuit Social Services are proposing…
Singing justice: why music and youth diversion make a great mix
- 16 March 2017
Young people in our Youth Justice Group Conferencing program can record their apology to victims as a song. SEZ WILKS chats to studio producer JESSE SULLIVAN about expressing remorse and avoiding ‘tough guy’ lyrics. Jesse Sullivan from Artful Dodgers Studios If sorry is one of the hardest words to say, can singing make it simpler?…
Talking to all kinds of people: Martin is a counsellor with Support After Suicide
- 2 February 2017
When MARTIN RYAN was given a social work placement at Jesuit Social Services in 1978, he never imagined he’d be back in 2009. Now a counsellor with our Support After Suicide program, MARTIN chats to SEZ WILKS about a career spent helping others. “When I dropped out of school in year 12, I suddenly had…
Giving gratefully: Chantelle donates to help people affected by suicide
- 3 January 2017
Image credit: Pexels When Chantelle Bazerghi decided to become a monthly donor to our Support After Suicide program, helping other people learn about the service was front of mind. “Support After Suicide is a totally specialised service – it’s completely unique, and I hope that more people can access it.” Specialist suicide prevention services Since…
Artful Dodgers Studios is a place of possibility
- 3 January 2017
Our Artful Dodgers Studios program offers young people creativity and connection. Emerging artist Kris chats to SEZ WILKS about finding social support in the studio environment. Kris says Artful Dodgers Studios is “a place to you can go to be yourself”. Image credit: Fiona Basile When Kris came to Artful Dodgers Studios in 2014, she…
Creating hope and community after suicide
- 3 January 2017
Alex says the Support After Suicide program “creates a community, and a community can generate hope”. Image credit: Alex Aulich When Alex Aulich’s husband Damien took his life in 2008, Alex was overwhelmed by grief. “My reaction was a common one: interrogate the past, your relationship, everything. The overwhelming feelings for me were horror, self-blame…
Legacy of support: how Connexions improves youth mental health and substance abuse
- 3 December 2016
Connexions is Victoria’s longest-running service for youth facing both mental health and drug and alcohol issues. SEZ WILKS chats to Connexions counsellor BECKY HALLIDAY about the changes one young woman has made through the program. Connexions was Victoria’s first dual diagnosis service for young people with concurrent mental health and substance abuse problems. Image: Fiona…
Totes Making A Diff: bagging funds for Artful Dodgers Studios
- 6 November 2016
A new social enterprise, Totes Making A Diff, has partnered with our Artful Dodgers Studios program in Collingwood. The initiative launched in Melbourne recently with a huge opening night party at Collarts in Fitzroy. Totes Making A Diff engages local artists to illustrate limited edition screen-printed tote bags. Artful Dodgers Studios receives 50% of profits…
Artful Dodgers Studios artist receives gift of music from new fans
- 2 August 2016
Support for the work of Jesuit Social Services comes in all shapes and sizes. A didgeridoo, made in Darwin 20 years ago, was recently donated to Artful Dodgers Studio participant and young indigenous performer Brent Watkins. The musical gift came from members of the Living Faith Church in Greensborough, who were “captivated and very moved”…