-
New program will increase police diversity
Three days a week, Wol Majok goes to his job at a supermarket, completes his shift and then goes straight to class to support his dream of becoming a police officer. Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program participant Wol Majok “The days are very long and it is very tiring but it shows how committed I…
-
Award-winning Homework Club seeks funding
In 2004, Jesuit Social Services began providing an after-school Homework Club to students in the Flemington region of inner-city Melbourne. We recognised that many students in this area come from newly-arrived migrant backgrounds particularly the Horn of Africa, and some were struggling at school. Omnia receives an award at the Centre for Multicultural Youth MY…
-
Prior to emigrating to Australia in 2015, Tadros Hanna was a successful architect and interior designer in Egypt. However, despite his skills and experience, he found it difficult to gain employment in his chosen field, a common theme for many newly arrived Australians. “People who are born here can find it a challenge to find…
-
CAPSA continues to influence hearts and minds
The Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA) continues to actively advocate and support the Catholic schools, organisations, individuals and parishes working to make a difference in the lives of people seeking asylum. Josh and Mimi from CAPSA at the Refugee Alternatives conference In February CAPSA members and supporters successfully contributed to the broader campaign…
-
Advocacy continues for people seeking asylum
The Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA) continues to advocate for policy changes to better uphold the dignity and rights of each person seeking asylum by building on the groundswell of support from Australian Catholics; linking people together, and creating a collective Catholic voice for change. Aquinas College students show their support for asylum…
-
Funding boost for Artful Dodgers Studios and Connexions
We were thrilled to secure Victorian Government funding for our Artful Dodgers Studios and Connexions programs recently. Artful Dodgers Studios participant Casper has been involved with the program for almost five years. The two programs worked with close to 500 young people across 2017–18. Artful Dodgers Studios is a flexible and welcoming space where at-risk…
-
“I’m not using drugs anymore, which is a miracle”
When Chris’* drug use spiralled out of control, he knew it was time to make some serious changes in his life. The Outdoor Experience uses bush therapy to support young people. “I was sick of it. I threw my drugs out of the car and I sat there for ages wishing I could get out…
-
New play tells the story of suicide bereavement
Jesuit Social Services’ Support After Suicide program together with Anvil Productions were proud to produce contemporary new drama 2:20AM, which premiered in Melbourne in September. 2:20AM portrayed stories of suicide bereavement. The play revolved around four people bereaved by suicide, who met at a creative writing class. Playwright Rebecca Lister interviewed a number of program…
-
The Men’s Project releases The Man Box research
Jesuit Social Services’ The Men’s Project recently released The Man Box: A study on being a young man in Australia. The Man Box research was launched at events in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin. The report is the first comprehensive study focused on examining the attitudes to manhood and the behaviours of young Australian men aged…
-
Connexions built on trusting relationships
For young people dealing with mental illness and alcohol and drug problems, finding the right supports can be problematic, particularly if they are expected to travel large distances to access help. Connexions worker Jenny says patience is key when working with young people. Jesuit Social Services’ Connexions program lowers these barriers, offering an outreach model…