2022-23 Impact Report
Doing what it takes
The theme of this year’s YFS Impact Report is doing what it takes.
The escalating challenges of the housing crisis and rising cost of living have increased the complexity of issues we are addressing. This necessitated more intensive, longer-term responses and led us to review the way that we deliver some of our services.
Despite the challenges, we continued to achieve strong results.
In 2022-23, across the organisation, we found creative ways to do what it takes to support the people we work with. We now reach out to more people where they are and we’re more flexible with time.
We extended our ParentsNext work-readiness program to eight sites across the region, and increased out-of-hours support within our Intensive Family Support and Financial Counselling programs.
Every day we are inspired by the people we work alongside. This report documents some of our highlights and shares some of the stories of our staff and clients – demonstrating how they are doing what it takes to overcome adversity and thrive.
In 2023 we were proud to launch our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan, reflecting our commitment to advancing reconciliation internally and within our sphere of influence. We proudly and publicly backed the Yes vote in the Voice to Parliament Referendum.
We acknowledge the many people and organisations we partnered with during the year, and our donors, funders, and supporters. We also thank the Board directors, volunteers, and especially YFS staff for doing what it takes to make change happen.
Doing what it takes means continuously evaluating our programs and services and implementing improvements informed by evaluation.
We measure impact across the organisation to understand the change we are making. Here is a sample of our program and organisational outcomes.
We work alongside young people to build their capacity to live independently and participate in the local community. Doing what it takes means equipping young people with the skills, connections and confidence to pursue their goals.
YFS supports families to manage life’s ups and downs so parents and their children can live safe, healthy and happy lives. Doing what it takes means working with people to build strong parenting skills and helping them feel confident and connected to their community.
YFS believes that employment is the best way out of poverty for those who are able to work, so we do what it takes to help people to build their ability to earn a decent living. We also support people to take back control of their financial and legal issues, so that they can live independently and participate in their community.
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A safe and stable home is fundamental to achieve independence and participation. Doing what it takes in the current tight housing market means finding creative ways to help people find a secure place to live, and to develop the skills and supports they need to maintain a tenancy.
Doing what it takes means supporting people who are impacted by domestic and family violence to enhance their safety and wellbeing and working with men who use violence to help them understand the beliefs that drive their abusive behaviour. We also work alongside others to raise awareness and prevent violence.
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We work with partners in government, business and community to challenge structural disadvantage, racism, gender inequality and discrimination. Doing what it takes means advocating to unlock access to resources and systems and influencing these to be more responsive to people’s rights and needs.
A key focus for the Board in 2022-23 was succession planning and recruitment of a new Chief Executive Officer to replace Cath Bartolo.
Under Cath’s leadership, YFS has grown into a strong, dynamic organisation achieving great outcomes for the people and communities we work with.
Cath fostered innovation, integration, partnerships, prevention initiatives and rigorous outcomes measurement.
YFS ended 2022-23 in a strong financial position. Our revenue increased by 24% through additional services, philanthropic support, and additional revenue streams for our social enterprise Substation33.
Stories about doing what it takes to overcome adversity and thrive
Every day we are inspired by the people we work alongside. These are some of their stories.
Joshua was referred to Youthlink as he wasn’t attending school. Working alongside his Youthlink case manager Shabir, Joshua is now on track to reaching his goals. He has completed a traineeship, his health has improved and he feels much more confident.
The Step by Step team supported new mum Lauren to navigate the NDIS system, secure housing and enrol in further study. Step by Step’s Bump to Jump playgroup and the Young Mum’s Squad have helped her form friendships and connections with other young parents.
J was living on the streets when he first connected with Resolve. His Resolve coach Kia helped him find somewhere to stay and access mental health support, Centrelink and legal advice. Now he’s pursuing a music career, is a mentor for other young people and is thriving.
When Pep from the Intensive Family Support program first contacted Rebecca and her family they had some specific outcomes that they wanted to achieve. However, Rebecca was experiencing some issues, including lack of transport, which made leaving the house to access help challenging. So Pep offered to visit the family in their home.
Janet from the Home and Healthy team jumped into action to help Matthew find a new house when his home was flood damaged. With Janet’s support he was then able to focus on his own and his children’s health, access NDIS support and work with a financial counsellor.
Paula* says it was a big weight off her shoulders when YFS’ Senior Women’s Advocate, Kirsty, contacted her to offer support. As part of the Responsible Men program, women’s advocates support victims of violence and abuse to address crisis and help ensure their safety.
With support from the Step by Step, ParentsNext and Spark employment mentoring teams, mother of three Kloe was able to identify her goals, build her
confidence, enrol in and complete a training course, and get ready for work.
Aaron from the Next Step Plus team was supporting Cassie to achieve her goals when she transitioned out of the care system. The team came up with a solution to help her find housing by matching her with Claire, another Next Step Plus young person. The pair bonded really well and YFS partnered with the Salvation Army to find a two-bedroom unit they could share.
Joshua was referred to Youthlink as he wasn’t attending school. Working alongside his Youthlink case manager Shabir, Joshua is now on track to reaching his goals. He has completed a traineeship, his health has improved and he feels much more confident.
The Step by Step team supported new mum Lauren to navigate the NDIS system, secure housing and enrol in further study. Step by Step’s Bump to Jump playgroup and the Young Mum’s Squad have helped her form friendships and connections with other young parents.
When Pep from the Intensive Family Support program first contacted Rebecca and her family they had some specific outcomes that they wanted to achieve. However, Rebecca was experiencing some issues, including lack of transport, which made leaving the house to access help challenging. So Pep offered to visit the family in their home.
J was living on the streets when he first connected with Resolve. His Resolve coach Kia helped him find somewhere to stay and access mental health support, Centrelink and legal advice. Now he’s pursuing a music career, is a mentor for other young people and is thriving.
Janet from the Home and Healthy team jumped into action to help Matthew find a new house when his home was flood damaged. With Janet’s support he was then able to focus on his own and his children’s health, access NDIS support and work with a financial counsellor.
Paula* says it was a big weight off her shoulders when YFS’ Senior Women’s Advocate, Kirsty, contacted her to offer support. As part of the Responsible Men program, women’s advocates support victims of violence and abuse to address crisis and help ensure their safety.
With support from the Step by Step, ParentsNext and Spark employment mentoring teams, mother of three Kloe was able to identify her goals, build her confidence, enrol in and complete a training course, and get ready for work.
Aaron from the Next Step Plus team was supporting Cassie to achieve her goals when she transitioned out of the care system. The team came up with a solution to help her find housing by matching her with Claire, another Next Step Plus young person. The pair bonded really well and YFS partnered with the Salvation Army to find a two-bedroom unit they could share.
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