Samantha Barnett: Christmas Elf
“I don’t ever want a child to feel isolated and different because they can’t access the same things as other kids…these kids are our future and I want all of them to know the world is full of love and opportunity.”
Judith Hunter: Compassion in lifelong learning
“I think the thing that always amazed me was how resilient the people that we were supporting were. They’d get up and try again when things went wrong, they'd find ways to make things work, and with our help they could find really positive, effective ways.”
Karyn Walsh: Partnering for zero
“There’s no border for someone who is experiencing homelessness. So you really need to be collaborating across areas to make sure people don’t have to start all over again.”
Jane: A Strong Family
“I keep coming back to YFS. They really listen to your story and understand the angle you’re coming from.”
Victoria Parker: Transformative partnerships, intergenerational opportunities
“That transference of expert advice from these young mums who have lived experience of disadvantage and housing instability and domestic violence…it has led to this solution.”
Noeleen: Flying Free
“For anyone who’s out there in the same situation, it’s so scary. But I would definitely recommend SHINE. It’s a really good way to escape. They’re totally supportive in every way you could possibly think of.”
Taylar Wright: Building a circle of support
“YFS has been a big, big support for me. I never felt like I had anyone on my side, I always felt like everyone was against me. As a parent, as a person.”
Lillian Ford: A new chapter
“They didn’t have to do that – to spend so much time with me and reassure and support me. Afterwards I was able to calm down and safely get home, which was a massive thing for me.”
Cameron Thayer: Leading with lived experience
“The biggest thing that stood out to me was that they took time to listen. It's probably the first time I ever really felt validated – like someone was seeing me and cared about my story.”
Increased Funding Needed for Legal Services
Urgent Call for Increased Funding for Community Legal Services
YFS is calling on the National Cabinet to allocate additional funding for community legal centres to meet the rising demand for legal services. Despite recent funding commitments, YFS Legal is struggling to keep up with the needs of vulnerable individuals in Logan, Beenleigh, Jimboomba, and surrounding areas.