“We had so many amazingly generous volunteers in the early days, who interacted with our programs and stepped up until we could get funding – experts in community development and human services who volunteered their time to train others – and parents, teachers, professionals from the community. Everybody contributed their skills.”
“The thing that underpins all of this is kindness – and being genuine, because people know when you're not. We all have a responsibility to tread lightly in this world.”
“We've got an audacious goal to support and equip 10,000 young people with the tools they need to thrive in adult life by 2030 and YFS is definitely helping us on that journey.”
“… [YFS] gives Logan what every community needs. YFS gives Logan a heart.”
“A lot of people, understandably, can feel lost in a courtroom. I see the difference that our service makes.”
“It’s the little things, like being able to cook with something other than a microwave. Or being able to do a load of washing whenever you want.”
“I think there are always going to be challenges for First Nations staff in any organisation across Australia. Racism is strong across all our communities [but] I believe in YFS and our values – we have a genuine, authentic approach to supporting each other and a strong understanding and awareness of diverse needs.”
“YFS is always on the precipice of wanting to better understand the community’s needs, so they can position their service to be as effective as possible.”
“With rapid growth and expansion, organisations and people within them can oftentimes lose their way...I think YFS has done a remarkable job of holding on to its founding ethos of existing for this community – to confront disadvantage and to walk alongside those in need.”
“When [university] students come in we try to give them the best possible placement so they are ready for whatever journey they take. You only get one chance to lay the foundations for your practice and you want to get that right.”