Jesuit Social Services


Jesuit Social Services is a consolidation of several services under Jesuit auspices, going back to 1977. Centered in a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, and with widespread outreach programs in Australia, by 2006 JSS had an annual operating budget of $6.5 million, with 65% coming from government sources.

Timeline

This effort by the Australian Jesuits began in 1977 when they opened four residences for youth released from Victoria correctional institutions; by 1996 they oversaw housing for 171 of these youth. Over the years the centre addressed youth employment needs, in part through a small farm. They also initiated a youth addiction and mental illness program, buttressed in 1995 with an $890,000 grant. In 1987 outreach to Vietnamese youth was added, with in 1992 “Rising Sun” half-way house.
In 2006 Jesuit Social Services was awarded the International Spirit at Work Award in New York.