Michelle Griffin is the longstanding Community Development Program Leader at Logan City Council (LCC). Michelle, alongside Mayor Jon Raven and the whole Council team are committed to supporting the Logan community and partnering with YFS to make it happen.
“In these roles, it’s all about helping people.”
“We get so many requests from our community about where to go for help because navigating services can be difficult and overwhelming. More often than not, we send them to YFS.”
Michelle and Mayor Raven also value collaborating with YFS to develop strong networks of service providers which are well equipped to support the diverse needs of the community.
“The council and service organisations often come together with the goal of figuring out what the challenges are in a specific sector and looking at what we are doing to help.”
“Recognising needs is important for us but understanding them from the local services perspective is essential to address them properly. Knowing that many organisations are hearing the same demands helps us, as a council, identify larger issues that we need to be on top of.”
YFS has been at the forefront of these essential conversations, a partnership that both Michelle and Mayor Raven are incredibly appreciative of.
“We have a special bond and connection with YFS which doesn’t always exist between a local council and a community organisation.”
For YFS and the LCC, doing what it takes to help the community is their primary focus, and the key to their lasting relationship.
“YFS has the mentality of always wanting to help and make things work.”
“We collaborate really well and have shared goals, but we are both aware of our respective functions and the roles which help us meet the community’s needs effectively.”
“I remember people calling me [Michelle] during the pandemic to ask how the council managed to help so many people. I would tell them it was because of our relationship [between YFS and the LCC]. We played our roles and did what we needed to do.”
YFS’ ability to help people with diverse and sometimes complex concerns is, for Michelle, why it has such a positive reputation and impact on the community.
“The integration of services is so unique and important because navigating multiple services is such a challenge. YFS is a one-stop shop with an open door to help anyone in need.”
This welcoming attitude exemplifies, for Michelle and Mayor Raven, what is also so special about Logan as a community.
“There is an abundance of kindness and generosity in Logan.”
“We will never have difficulty finding help for someone, because of the kindness of the people who live here, but also the services like YFS that are here to support them.”
And YFS’ staff are no different.
“The staff are so well equipped in understanding the community and the city. They are always present and aware of the other services that are out there if necessary. And they will always do their best to help somebody before referring them on.”
