-
article
How 16-year-old Steven moved from truancy to carpentry
When Steven dropped out of school, the Navigator program helped him back into training. SEZ WILKS checks in on Steven’s successful shift from school to trade. Jesuit Social Services’ Navigator program helps place young people in education and training. When 16-year-old Steven’s school referred him to the Navigator program, he’d barely been to class all…
-
article
“I want to provide my son a better life than what I had”
The single largest barrier to employment for migrants and refugees in Australia is the lack of opportunity and quality work experience. The African-Australian Inclusion Program (AAIP) breaks down this barrier by providing six months of paid work, mentoring and career coaching to qualified African-Australians. Recently, the AAIP celebrated its 300th participant. Atway Akec shares his story of…
-
article
Spotlight on youth justice #justicesolutions study tour
Senior leaders at Jesuit Social Services recently went on a study tour to parts of Europe and USA in search of more humane responses to youth justice issues. Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards (third from left) and Executive Director of Programs Sally Parnell (right) with staff from Diagrama in Spain Over the past decade…
-
article
Artful Dodgers Studios celebrates 20 years
Last night (November 2) we celebrated the 20th anniversary of our Artful Dodgers Studios at Melba Spiegeltent. The event was a great opportunity to acknowledge some of the past and present participants, staff members and volunteers that have contributed to the Studios over the years. Ella and Jesse Hooper of Killing Heidi perform at the…
-
article
The Men’s Project prepares to launch The Man Box
The attitudes and behaviours of young men towards gender stereotypes, mental health and wellbeing, violence and relationships will be explored in an Australian-first research project launched by Jesuit Social Services’ The Men’s Project in October. The Man Box research is focused on the attitudes towards manhood and behaviours of young Australian men aged 18 to…
-
article
“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…
-
article
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…
-
article
Navigator helps Steven get back on track
When Steven (not his real name), a young Aboriginal boy, engaged with Jesuit Social Services’ Navigator program he was experiencing significant challenges with his education. Steven had a long-standing pattern of not attending school. He has a diagnosed learning disability and was not receiving any extra assistance in the classroom. Our Navigator program provides individualised…
-
article
NAIDOC Week: Working together for voice, treaty and truth
NAIDOC week provides an opportunity for all Australians to join in celebrating the culture, aspirations and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, writes ANDY HAMILTON SJ. It is never easy to see the world from the perspective of other people. If we are passionate about an issue, we become impatient with someone who argues a contrary…
-
article
Launch of Stop it Now! scoping study
Jesuit Social Services’ The Men’s Project, in partnership with the University of Melbourne, was pleased to recently launch a scoping study into the feasibility of a Stop it Now! service in Australia to prevent child sexual abuse and offending involving child exploitation material. Dr. Gemma McKibbin, Matt Tyler, Julie Edwards, Jesuit Social Services CEO, Patricia…