St Francis Social Services is an Australian nonprofit organisation committed to empowering individuals and families, especially those seeking asylum and at-risk young people, to grow in confidence and thrive. Founded in 1978, the organisation focuses on affirming the dignity, equality, and humanity of every person, advocating for systemic change, and providing comprehensive support services that enable clients to achieve their full potential.

Vision and Mission

The vision of St Francis Social Services is to foster a society that recognises the dignity, equality, human rights, and humanity of all people. The organisation pays respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original custodians of the land on which it operates, acknowledging their enduring connection and leadership.

St Francis Social Services seeks to empower the people it works with by offering advocacy and practical supports that promote wellbeing, independence, and social inclusion. Its approach is grounded in values of welcome, respect, and empowerment, ensuring that every individual is treated with kindness and has the opportunity to have their voice heard and acted upon.

Services

The organisation’s services primarily support two groups: individuals and families seeking asylum, and at-risk young people alongside their families.

• Centre 360 Youth and Family Service: This service specialises in counselling and early intervention designed to support young people aged 12 to 24 who are at risk, along with their families. Centre 360 emphasises meeting young people where they are to provide flexible and evidence-based support.

• House of Welcome: This branch provides housing and general support services for refugees and asylum seekers. Services include casework, employment assistance, a foodbank, and community programs designed to help individuals and families settle and integrate into Australian society.

• House of Welcome Catering: A social enterprise initiative that offers paid hospitality traineeships to refugees and people seeking asylum. This program creates employment pathways through fusion-inspired global cuisine, combining skill development with cultural expression.

Advocacy and Impact

St Francis Social Services actively campaigns for policy changes to address systemic issues affecting asylum seekers and vulnerable youth. Its advocacy work is driven by the lived experiences of those it supports and informed by government relations expertise.

The House of Welcome component notably houses around 95 people each night, assists over 200 people with employment services, delivers casework support to approximately 440 individuals, and distributes more than 5,400 food parcels annually. The catering social enterprise has provided eight trainee job placements and served thousands of satisfied customers, illustrating a multifaceted approach to empowerment and community support.

Governance

The organisation’s board features experienced individuals with backgrounds in law, politics, community service, and lived experience. Notable members include Peter Hennessy, a lawyer specialising in law reform, Laurie Ferguson, a former federal and state parliamentarian with a focus on human rights and multiculturalism, and Ambreen Ghazala, who brings both professional expertise and personal asylum seeker experience to the board.

Summary

For over four decades, St Francis Social Services has demonstrated a strong commitment to social justice, inclusion, and support for vulnerable populations in Australia. Through integrated services, social enterprise, and advocacy, it works to create opportunities for individuals and families at risk to build better futures in a society that respects human dignity and equality.

ABN: 67064978347RR0001
(Note: Contact details omitted per guidelines)

Sources: [1][2][3][4][5]

[1] https://www.stfrancis.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/fb86ed2c-39af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60 [3] https://www.stfrancis.org.au/our-board [4] https://www.houseofwelcome.org.au [5] https://communityfoundation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/user-generated/SFSSAnnualReport2023_9fbgdh.pdf