Providing Care
Family Services
The Multicultural Family Services Program is a client-centred, culturally appropriate, and trauma-informed initiative designed to support multicultural communities in Western Melbourne. The program focuses on four key areas: Child Parenting Support, Refugee Settlement Support, Homeless Support, and Employment and Job Training Support. By addressing these critical needs, the program aims to strengthen family resilience, foster community integration, and empower individuals to achieve independence and well-being.
The Family Services Program aims to:
- Strengthen parental capacity and family resilience through culturally sensitive parenting support.
- Facilitate the successful settlement and integration of refugees and new arrivals.
- Provide immediate and long-term solutions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
- Equip community members with the skills and resources needed to secure employment and achieve financial independence.
The Family Services Program deliver the following activities in the Western region:
- Child Parenting Support:
Conduct workshops on positive discipline, communication, and child development. Facilitate parent-child bonding activities and provide strategies for emotional connection. Offer counseling and support for families dealing with trauma, separation, or other challenges.
- Refugee Settlement Support:
Provide mentoring, tutoring, and recreational programs for refugee youth.
Deliver workshops on health, well-being, and empowerment for women.
Assist new arrivals with housing, education, and employment through case management.
- Homeless Support:
Offer short-term accommodation and long-term housing solutions.
Provide job training, resume building, and interview preparation.
- Employment and Job Training Support
Deliver workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies.
Connect individuals with vocational training and job placement services.
Address language and cultural barriers to employment through tailored support.
Our Impact
A couple struggling with their toddler’s challenging behaviors attended the Family Services Program’s parenting workshops. Through the program, they learned positive discipline techniques and age-appropriate communication strategies. They also participated in parent-child bonding activities, which helped them build a stronger emotional connection with their child. The couple reported a significant improvement in their family dynamics and expressed gratitude for the tools and support provided by the program.
A refugee family arriving in Melton faced significant challenges in navigating their new environment, including securing housing, enrolling their children in school, and accessing essential services. Through the Family Services Program, they received comprehensive case management support, including assistance with housing applications, school enrollments, and access to English language classes. The family was also connected with a local cultural group, helping them build a support network. Within six months, the family reported feeling more confident and hopeful about their future, with the parents securing part-time employment and the children thriving in their new school.