YFS’ CEO Christopher John is committed to supporting Logan residents to stay and thrive in the community they call home.
“Logan is a vibrant city which is passionate about its community, and the cost of living and housing affordability is hitting our community hard. Our services are doing everything they can to support people to remain in Logan and not be displaced by price pressures.”
“Our Board and management team understand that gentrification leads to our most vulnerable being displaced, so we are advocating for more social and community housing…and to help people build their capacity to participate in the employment market, which helps with affordability.”
YFS’ commitment to creatively respond to the every-changing needs of the Logan community – like the current housing crisis – is, in Christopher’s opinion, one of its greatest strengths.
“In the past, there have been times when YFS has offered health services or disaster relief, whatever our community has needed.”
“We are part of the community and understand its needs; we’re truly place-based and have an almost laser-like focus on delivering for Logan.”
Christopher points to YFS’ role backing Substation33, now a leading social enterprise, as another example of how a community organisation can think outside the box to respond to challenges their community is facing.
“YFS took a risk supporting our social enterprise Substation33 as it grew from a concept design to its current size where it is making a significant impact.”
“[Substation33] is now supporting 70 employees in jobs that weren’t previously present. It’s creating extremely valuable opportunities for people to build confidence, build skills and get themselves to a place where they can fully participate in our local community.”
“I think that’s a really genuine, sustainable outcome – that doesn’t cost the government anything but has huge impact in our local community. I think there are more opportunities like this for our region.”
Christopher John has been YFS’ CEO for almost two years, guiding the organisation through its change of leadership and responding to increases in unmet need, particularly in the southern Logan region.
Long before he took on the role, however, he admired YFS’ Leadership Team and the organisation’s reputation in the community.
“Like just about everyone else in the sector I knew Cath Bartolo [former YFS CEO] and a decade ago was fortunate enough to do some social impact measurement work with her and YFS.”
“So when the opportunity came to be considered for this role, I was already very comfortable with what the organisation was doing and its reputation in the community, which is absolutely dedicated to Logan and providing quality service delivery.”
A highlight of Christopher’s role as CEO, thus far, is seeing how YFS staff are committed to going the extra mile to help clients.
“YFS staff are really focused on quality…there’s a great level of tenacity in the way they make sure clients not only get the outcome they need but also receive support to be even more resilient in the future.”
“[Staff] don’t just do what’s prescribed in the contract; they do what’s prescribed by the client’s needs so they can be active participants in our community.”
At the heart of everything YFS does and will continue to do, says Christopher, are the people of Logan.
“Ultimately it comes down to the people we’re working for. That’s why we are here.”
“Over the past few months we have shared stories of clients and staff and stakeholders … a real picture of the people who have built YFS over the forty years.”
“They’re the people who have guided us, and keep inspiring us, in the work we do.”
