The Home and Community Care (HACC) program, funded by the Departement of Human Services, covers the NOrthern, Western and Southern regions of Melbourne. There are three main programs that run under HACC, including the Culturally Equitable Gateway Strategy (CEGS), the Volunteer Social Support Program (VSSP), and the planned Activity Group (PAG)- Well for Life- at the VASS Newport Office.

Family violence is a complex and poorly understood issue, one which is shrouded in secrecy and shame. It is of importance to all families, none more so than families of Arabic speaking backgrounds who are newly arrived/settled in Australia

The Arabic Community Drug Education and Prevention Project is a three-year project funded by the Department of Human Service and administered by the Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS). Project commenced in July 2001 and is expected to finish by end of 2003. Amal Diab was appointed by VASS as Project Consultant in 2001.

In September 2006, VASS held a Public Speaking and Leadership course at NMIT Preston. The course involved 17 Arabic youth graduating from a eight day course. The first week involved topics such as team building, communication, leadership and conflict resolution with guestspeakers from MFB, Victoria Police, 3Al Hawa youth radio and Duke of Edinburgh.

Target Group

Arabic Youth.

Northern region of Melbourne .

VASS, the Turkish Elderly Citizens Group and the Broadmeadows Police identified a need in the geographical and ethnic community for a neighborhood watch program. The first meeting was held in June with over 60 community members presents, as well as representatives from the police, VASS and the local MP’s (Maria Vamvakinou) office.

VASS has run a support program for TPV refugees since October 2002. To date the program has assisted over 90 women, over 70 men ands over 40 children. A women’s only groups runs every Thursday as part of this project. This group provides information and support, help with settlement needs and improves their knowledge of the local services

Rituals that link yesterday, today and tomorrow was the theme of the Immigration Museum’s display of VASS’s project depicting the rituals of a diverse community. Thousands of visitors saw the displays of photographs and text panels showcasing Arabic Australian rituals.

Target Group

All community members: Arabic and non-Arabic.

Statewide .

More than 1000 refugees on temporary protection visas live in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne. Over half live in Darebin. Since 2000, The Victorian Arabic Social Services has been funded by local governments of Moreland, Hume and Darebin to employ a part time support worker to provide on-arrival settlement support and services to TPV refugees

In conjunction with Roxburgh College, the Girl’s Self-Esteem group commenced on 17th July 2006 and runs on a weekly basis. The group gives girls from Year 8 an opportunity to voice their concerns, talk about things that are of interest and importance to them in a safe and trusting environment. It is also a group where the girl’s can learn more about services in the wider community

The Arabic Male Youth Mentoring Soccer Program is a youth program targeting Arabic male youth from 12-18 years old.
 
The program was developed to reduce the gap in recreational activities for young people in the Northern region of Melbourne. The program specifically targeted soccer as a recreational activity as it was discovered from evaluative findings from VASS programs as well as findings from other youth service providers that many Arabic male youth are expressing interest in engaging in soccer as a recreational activity but did not know how to access the clubs or establish a team

 Brief Description of Project

In June 2006, VASS in partnership with the RACV Fire Safety Insurance Grant hosted a Multicultural Youth Careers Expo at the Hume Global Learning Centre.
 
This expo targeted CALD young people in the senior years of school - Year 10, 11 and 12, especially those who are from an Arabic Speaking Background, are newly Arrived in Australia and who are at risk of dropping out of school.

Brief Description of Project

Funded by the Office for Youth, VASS continued to run it’s Youth Mentoring Program titled: Mustrakatana: Our Contribution. In 2006, there was a particular focus on peer leadership through mentoring as well as people from Industries mentoring young people. The highlights for 2006 included:

AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS
VASS has a number of publications that are available to be purchased by the public. Publications currently available are:

Resources and Policies

Brief Description of Project

From June 2005 until September 2006, over 70 youth can be involved in sexual health education organised by VASS in conjunction with Multicultural Health and Support Service.

The Victorian Arabic Social Services is dedicated to addressing the welfare needs of the Arabic community. VASS does this by: