In the past year we have deepened our integration efforts to provide holistic services that back people to thrive. We have also advanced our partnerships, because changing lives, improving systems and influencing social change relies on collaboration.

Our work with government and non-government partners to improve coordination and responses in the housing system has proven timely as we confront an unprecedented housing crisis. Thanks to funding from the Brisbane Sisters of Mercy, we have brought the Advance to Zero approach to Logan as we work with our colleagues to eliminate homelessness through collaborative, coordinated, person-centred, data-informed approaches.

In the past year we have introduced some exciting integration initiatives at YFS, drawing on evidence and clients’ perspectives. Our partnership with Hand Heart Pocket has provided Logan’s young parents with specialist support to address housing, education, employment, wellbeing and social connections goals as well as ongoing backing from skilled Family Resource Practitioners.

We thank the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economies for investing in embedded housing specialists working within our family support teams. We are also trialling the potential to combine case management and family therapy with families at risk of child protection interventions.

Another highlight of 2021-22 was our progress in building strong partnerships with police, courts, corrections and community in the Scenic Rim to improve safety for women and children impacted by domestic and family violence.

We joined with Logan community leaders, businesses and services to celebrate the tenth anniversary of our much-loved electronic waste enterprise Substation33. Over the past decade more than 5,000 people have participated in Substation33’s activities, diverting over a million kilograms of electronic waste from landfill.  

We are particularly proud of the progress we have made in embedding our Cultural Framework through stronger relationships with First Nations people, communities, organisations and leaders. Our consultation with First Nations staff, clients and leaders shows we are on the right track, and provides us with guidance to further improve the ways we back community.

This report documents highlights and challenges from the past financial year, including stories from some of the inspiring people we have worked with.

In keeping with the theme of working together we acknowledge the many people who contributed to our work in 2021-22, including YFS staff, Board directors, managers, volunteers and the many people and organisations with whom we have built partnerships.