Jesuit Social Services

What we do

Jesuit Social Services works to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential by partnering with community to support those most in need and working to change policies, practices, ideas and values that perpetuate inequality, prejudice and exclusion.

Our Vision

Building a just society 

Our mission

Standing in solidarity with those in need, expressing a faith that promotes justice

Our values

Welcoming – forming strong, faithful relationships

Discerning – being strategic about how we can have the greatest impact

Courageous – standing up boldly to effect change 

Whom we work with:

We are part of and work with:

  • Those most in need - individuals, families and communities
  • The broader communities in which we live and
  • The service providers, decision-makers and institutions that affect us.

Jesuit Social Services works in the following areas:

Justice & Crime Prevention

People involved with the justice system

Settlement & Community Building

Recently arrived immigrants and refugees and disadvantaged communities

Mental Health Support & Wellbeing

People with multiple and complex needs

Education, Training & Employment

People with barriers to sustainable employment.

What we do

We work to build a just society by intervening directly to address disadvantage and by influencing hearts and minds for social change. We strengthen and build respectful, constructive relationships for:

  • Effective services – by partnering with people most in need and those who support them to address disadvantage
  • Education – by providing access to life-long learning and development
  • Capacity building – by refining and evaluating our practice and sharing and partnering for greater impact
  • Leadership development – by partnering across sectors to build expertise and commitment for justice
  • Advocacy – by building awareness of injustice and advocating for social change based on grounded experience and research.

How we do it

Building relationships is at the heart of our work; in all we do we strive to be welcoming, discerning and courageous.

Jesuit Social Services values every person and seeks to engage with them in a respectful way, that acknowledges their experiences and skills and gives them the opportunity to harness their full potential. 

Jesuit Social Services thinks about what it does as an organisation and tailors its work to meet the specific needs of the situations, people and communities it works with.

Jesuit Social services works where the need is greatest and where it has the capacity, experience and skills to make the most difference.

Our Strategic Plan 2011-2014

Governance

Jesuit Social Services is a work of the Australian Jesuit Province, operating under an independent Board of Directors as an incorporated organisation.

All Directors have a strong commitment to social justice and to 'Building a Just Society'.

There are currently 11 members on the Jesuit Social Services Board - the Chairman, four Directors appointed by The Provincial of the Jesuits and six Ordinary Directors.

Our legal status is defined as:

  • A company limited by Guarantee
  • A Registered Charity holding an Endorsement for Charity Tax
  • Concessions and Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) status, allowing tax deductions for donations
  • Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exempt.

A commitment to ethical investment

A commitment to ethical investment strategies is integral to the way Jesuit Social Services manages its finances.

Ethical investment (sometimes known as socially responsible investment) refers to an investment strategy that includes a commitment to social good and the consideration of social outcomes of investments as well as financial returns.

Our approach to ethical investment aligns with our vision of 'Building a Just Society' and our commitment to upholding the principles of Catholic Social Teaching: human dignity; solidarity; and the common good.

Our Investment Policy includes a commitment not to invest in a range of 'prohibited investment' areas considered to be detrimental to the common good. These prohibited areas include:

  • Tobacco
  • Gaming
  • Uranium mining
  • Private prison corporations
  • Indigenous exploitation
  • Armaments.

To request brochures or to speak to someone about Jesuit Social Services please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 03 9427 7388.