1981 - Foundation of St Francis Social Services

St Francis Social Services was established in 1981 by the Franciscan Friars to provide the opportunity for community members to support the continuation of the work of St Francis of Assisi in Sydney by assisting people from the periphery.

Over time, St Francis Social Services has evolved its service offering, now providing three specialist services targeting disadvantaged young people and their families and individuals and families seeking asylum.  All programs are reliant on the support of the community.

1981 – Assumed responsibility for Centre 360 Youth and Family Service (Formerly The Come In Youth Resource Centre)

In 1981, St Francis Social Services assumed responsibility for Centre 360 Youth and Family Services (formerly The Come In Youth Resource Centre.)  Originally set up as a drop-in Centre for homeless young people and latch-key kids in 1978, the Centre offered a safe place to be, warm meals and connection to youth workers. Over time, the demographics of the area of Paddington evolved, as did the needs of young people in the area.

In response, Centre 360 Youth and Family Service increased service sophistication, now offering holistic services that respond to the needs of young people who are experiencing mental health issues and/or family breakdown.

2001 – Founding partner in establishing the House of Welcome

The House of Welcome was set up as an alliance of church organisations seeking to provide a compassionate response to the negative government policies effecting people seeking asylum. 

St Francis Social Services was a founding member that also provided the premises in Carramar for the House of Welcome to operate from.

The House of Welcome exists to provide shelter, empowerment and a safe and welcoming community for refugees, individuals and families who are seeking asylum. 

2010 - St Francis Social Services assumes responsibility for the House of Welcome. 

The House of Welcome continues to rely on the financial, voluntary and pro bono support of the community to provide its services.

2014 – St Francis Social Services assumes responsibility for Greenlight Movement

The Greenlight Movement is a learner driver mentor program matching volunteer mentors with young people who are at-risk of homelessness or living in transitional accommodation or Out of Home Care.  The program works to increase connection to community through the positive relationship that develops between the young person and their mentor as they work towards achieving a shared goal.  Importantly, the program also removes the barriers to achieving a licence that are faced by many disadvantaged young people who are without access to a vehicle or a driving supervisor who can provide the 120 hours of log-book  driving required before a young person in NSW can sit for the provisional licence test.