Judith Hunter’s arrival at YFS in late 2015 was somewhat of a homecoming. Judith had first encountered YFS in a consultancy role and had developed an intense admiration for the organisation’s mission and the integrity of leadership displayed throughout. Whilst working alongside (then) YFS CEO, Cath Bartolo on a series of projects, Judith found herself spending increasingly more time onsite, ultimately adopting the Strategic Development Manager position in September of 2015 in nothing short of a seamless transition.
When making the decision to join YFS full-time, the organisation’s deliberate place-based approach and integrated service model were particularly significant in setting YFS apart from other service providers Judith had previously worked with.
“[YFS] is focused on Logan and the Scenic Rim area. Trying to do really good work in a smaller community I think is really important.”
“YFS is really uniquely positioned to help people work through complex challenges because it’s got such a range of services and, over time, YFS has worked out ways to put those services together so that people can address multiple issues at the same time with people who are experts in each of those.”
For Judith, YFS’ provision of continuous care was absolutely essential to address shortcomings in existing systems that were manifesting in people experiencing profound struggles throughout Logan. These struggles only became more apparent and poignant to Judith as she spent time alongside clients at YFS.
“I had no idea what the people we worked with had experienced until I really got to meet them and understand them, and that was such a great experience for me to really learn what people’s lives were like, but also how much we had in common.”
Throughout our conversation with Judith, so many memories of her interactions with clients arose that exemplified their resilience. Clients who had been fighting for work, or for their children or families, and so many that had willed themselves to success. Even after leaving YFS, these memories are still a source of emotion, motivation, and most importantly for Judith…learning.
“If we can learn from our years of work with the staff of YFS and from the people that we’ve supported, if we can work together and understand people and equip people for longer term change rather than just getting out of the crisis they’re in right now… we’ll get somewhere.”
Judith explained that this commitment to listen and learn — from data, research, clients, staff, and communities — is how YFS is able to maintain a holistic framework of service and care despite external pressures and incompatible funding models.
“When YFS first started, it was small and grassroots; there were lawyers and youth workers and housing workers in one building. There was this natural, holistic approach…”
“…[but] over time, as YFS grew, and as government contracting became more siloed and specialised…we had a Housing team that wasn’t working with the same people as the Families team or the DFV (Domestic and Family Violence) team. I think over time what I thought was the most significant change was working towards integration between programs…[putting] together multiple types of support: that, I think, was the big leap forward.”
YFS’ legacy as an organisation that has been conscientiously responsive to the Logan community’s needs is why it has been at the forefront of innovation and service delivery for 40 years.
“Another thing that I’m proud of at YFS is that the Board, to their credit, really invested in research and innovation… they haven’t stopped building on what they learned before. They learned that putting together housing and other forms of support got real traction. As the housing crisis deepened, they’ve now been able to acquire some properties so YFS can keep innovating and learning.”
While pressures on Logan and its surrounding communities may continue to grow, transform, and intensify, Judith has faith that YFS has what it takes to foster support, progress, and unity the way it always has: through listening and learning.
“Keep learning. Keep learning from the people that we’re supporting. Keep learning from research and the understanding of the impact we’re having. Keep learning from experts. Keep learning from each other, because that’s been the story of YFS over the years and why it is such a great organisation.”
