Misiafa Fitisemanu is a Senior Mentor with YFS’ Parent Pathways program, providing personalised assistance, guidance and financial support to parents with young children to help them achieve their personal, work, or study goals. With a professional background in disability employment support, Misiafa saw YFS’ large service catalogue as a chance to expand his horizons.
“I started at YFS six years ago. I’d seen an advert on Seek and I really liked the job description. After looking YFS up online – seeing the values and the mission statement – I was impressed with the organisation.”
“I had never worked in a community service organisation where there was an opportunity to not only assist with employment but also education, housing, and finance. The range of services was incredible, and that’s really what drew me in.”
Across all of these services, Misiafa emphasises that integrity is of utmost importance in treating YFS clients with respect and delivering positive outcomes.
“Of all YFS’ values, the one that stands out to me is integrity. Being transparent and honest with our clients about what’s available to them but also working hard to give them the best opportunities and deliver our services at the highest standard.”
“Even internally, integrity in being accountable to your team: to be on time and work hard. It’s really nice working here because everyone chips in and gives it their all.”
Misiafa also recognises that YFS is attuned to the Logan community’s needs and works hard to combat a diverse and ever-changing range of issues.
“Over my six years, I’ve seen so many more contracts added [to YFS’ portfolio] and so many programs developed, which is exciting. It shows that YFS are identifying and catering to the needs of our local residents.”
“That’s one of the best things about the organisation: that they can see needs developing based on data or feedback and develop programs to respond to them.”
Even through this expansion, Misiafa acknowledges that his, and YFS’ focus, has remained unwaveringly on the clients.
“From a service delivery perspective, YFS is excellent at ensuring the client is always first priority.”
“Knowing that our services and our values are first and foremost about people makes me so proud.”
“I see the goodness that YFS does. They make a massive difference in the community.
Misiafa is motivated by seeing these impacts and knows the value of empathy and personal relationships in achieving them.
“I have clients that, when they first come through our doors, they lack a lot of confidence and direction. Sometimes, even achieving the smallest things, that may seem so insignificant to some people, can make the biggest difference and give them that boost of confidence to take the next step.”
“Some of my clients call me just to celebrate these small wins. The people we work with can be going through really difficult times, and often they just need someone to listen.”
“I see other teams across YFS doing the same [listening to clients and their goals] and having a big impact in our community. Doing the little things can make such a difference.”
“Watching my clients grow and seeing their journey, that is pretty inspirational for me.”
Importantly for Misiafa, YFS’ focus on putting people first does not just apply to clients, but to staff and their families too.
“Being at YFS has been a great blessing. YFS has given my family stability and helped us in times of need.”
When Misiafa’s grandmother passed away back in New Zealand, the YFS team came together to support him. Staff rallied to help him financially so he could return home and be with his family during that difficult time.
“Not only has the organisation impacted me, but my family have been taken care of as well. YFS is not just a workplace, it’s more than that—they think about families and helping individuals and their families.”
