In response to the increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases in Victoria, this week acting CEO Sally Parnell provided updates on the extension of the state of emergency in Victoria and well as the movement of staff in and out of hotspot municipalities. 

In more positive news, Jesuit Community College is beginning to increase the services it is providing to participants, and has commenced enrolments in a number of its courses, including Cafe Operations and Barista training.  

Navigator is a program for young people aged 12–17 who, for a wide range of reasons, have disengaged from school. The program aims to work with young people and their families to understand what’s going on in a young person’s life and address those challenges to get them back on a pathway to learning.

In recognition of the vital role education plays in keeping vulnerable young people connected to community and on the right track, Jesuit Social Services runs this program in some of the most disadvantaged areas across the State.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, we had to re-evaluate the way we deliver services like these that rely so heavily on building strong and trusting relationships between our staff and participants.

Northern Territory Update

It has been a busy time for the Northern Territory team, especially for our team in Katherine who have been involved in the establishment of the new Back on Track program. Back on Track is a newly funded program that aims to support children and young people aged 8-17 who are at risk of involvement or currently involved with the Youth Justice system.

We work closely alongside our consortium partners, the Australian Childhood Foundation and Save the Children and have officially moved into our new co-located premises in Stuart Estate. It is anticipated that this co-location will enable a seamless model of integrated service delivery to young people engaged in the program and will offer a range of opportunities for collaboration including with local agencies such as the Jawoyn Association’s Banatjarl Strongbala Wimuns Group 

Young people engaged in the program have opportunities to participate in a range of restorative responses tailored to their needs and delivered by our NT Group Conferencing team, whilst having access to a holistic range of assessments and referral options to enable re-engagement with education, connection to community, family and Country.

We were very excited with the arrival of our new t-shirts last week co-designed by the team - pictured above is Jesuit Social Services Senior Practitioner Craig Frean (back left) and Jesuit Social Services Case Worker Christine Law (frontleft) with consortium colleagues from the Australian Childhood Foundation and Save the Children.

#WorthASecondChance Community Check-In: What is Restorative Justice & Group Conferencing?

In this #WorthASecondChance Community Check-in, Genevieve Higgins, Manager of Community Justice Programs shares the values and processes that underpin restorative justice and group conferencing, that make this a holistic and therapeutic approach to justice. 

The importance of a virtual studio

Like many of our programs, our Artful Dodgers Studios has been forced to adapt how it provides support to participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear how it has creatively responded to the challenge of moving a thriving drop-in studio online.

Volunteer profile: Justine Sless

In a new series, we will profile some of our amazing volunteers from across the organisation to learn more about what they do and what drives them. 

I live in Brunswick, I have two daughters and a very cute black kitten. I'm a community development worker and stand up comedian and I am completing a Masters by Research in creative writing. I can always be found reading a book, going to the library to borrow another book and writing comedy material for my latest client. 

I volunteer as I have enough time in my week, I live locally and have lots of connections with Jesuit Social Services. I have volunteered since I was 15. I'm a huge advocate for volunteering having created many volunteer opportunities in my various roles as a community worker. Volunteering to me means that I have structure, purpose and opportunities, I connect with my local community, learn new skills and meet new people. 

Recently, I have volunteered with (Ecological Justice Hub Project Officer) Mahira on developing the Our Waste series - an initiative that looks at what we waste in society - food, stuff and people. I volunteer at the Eco Justice Hub in the garden every Tuesday - it's such a great place to hang out, chat and enjoy the space and the great food that Johny cooks. The Ecological Justice Hub is a fabulous resource for the local community. I've made new friends, and felt connected, especially during COVID. I never thought that raking up leaves could be so satisfying, especially after being in lock down with my 15 year old!

Everyone should volunteer. You learn so much, make new friends, feel purposeful and have a great time - what's not to like?  And for those looking for employment - volunteering is a great way to skill up and often volunteering can lead to paid work. 

Elle Jackson, our Manager – Justice Programs in the NT, writes in the Alice Springs News that proposed youth curfews in the Territory won’t reduce youth crime, or support young people to lead productive lives. Read it here.

The Victorian Government recently announced $9.8m to extend emergency accommodation for people experiencing homelessness during COVID-19, which we say is a positive step towards ensuring everyone has a safe and secure place to call home. Read more here.

We have joined a group of leading environmental, social and community groups to call on the Victorian Government to ensure the state’s COVID-19 recovery offers immediate support on energy bills to disadvantaged people, and improves household energy performance. Read more here.

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