Our Family Support Program which is funded by the City of Yarra,  is in its 6th year of operation. It has become very well known for the holistic support it has been providing to many Vietnamese families in the city of Yarra undergoing  hardship or crisis.

 

Our family support services include:

Every year the service provides on going services to around 60 families from counselling to crisis intervention and intensive support, and one-off support to 220 families. Most clients are single parents living in Commission flats in the City of Yarra.

 

Regarding activities, we have a group to support Vietnamese Parents and Grandparents which has operated successfully for nearly 4 years with varied activities and programs, such as low-cost outings, cooking classes, card making and make up learning. Yearly, we conduct 2 parenting education programs and various information sessions. We also  celebrate events such as “Mother’s Day”, “International Women’s Day”, or Christmas & Full Moon festival for all 3 generations.

 

Program Brochure: Download

 

INDOCHINESE MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP 

The Indochinese Men’s Support Group had been continue serving Indochinese Men for four consecutive years (under Jesuit Social Services - JSS), funded by City of Yarra Council for residents live within City of Yarra.  This year AVWA is entrusted by JSS to take on the responsibility to continue managing this project and AVWA also expanded this service for Men in the West, funded by Sydney Myer Fund.    

The project is intended to empower marginalised men to function better in their roles as individuals, husbands, fathers & citizens in the context  of their new country so as to help them to either leave the ranks of the socially isolated/unemployed/ under-employed or prevent them from falling into the ranks of the unemployed or those involved in the justice system.
 
1.    Providing them with a community based social support.
2.    Reducing stress through weekly breaks, away from work & family pressure.
3.    Informing men about health issues relevant to their age group through health information sessions.
4.    Challenging men to take proactive role in family life through attending parenting and domestic violence workshops.  
5.    Diverting men from unhealthy activities such as gambling, binge drinking at the weekend through social & educational activities.  
6.        Providing them with the opportunity to share experiences, feelings & ideas with peers under the leadership of trained & experienced community development workers, to clarify their rights, responsibilities & identity.
7         Providing them with information about options & opportunities for vocational training / English language learning & employment, on a needs basis.