On behalf of the Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS), I wish to welcome you to our site, and hope we may be of assistance to you. I am glad you have found your way to our organisation.
I am so proud of the achievements that VASS has made since its establishment in 1986. In the beginning VASS had no place of its own, having to share offices with other, bigger organisations. Now we have several locations across Victoria, many successful programs, over 20 paid staff and dozens of dedicated volunteers. VASS is now the one providing assistance and support to smaller up-and-coming organisations through grassroots community development.
VASS aims to improve the social and cultural wellbeing of the ASB community in Victoria through improved access to services, decision-making and civic participation. VASS provides a wide range of services and activities which included:
- Projects that strengthen community harmony
- Family Support Services
- Aged Care and Disability Social Support programs
- Settlement support programs
- Youth Services
- Leadership courses
- Individual casework
- Cross cultural training
This year has seen an expansion of VASS services physically and to an increasingly diverse client group, as well as many new programs and activities. One new beginning that I am very delighted about is VASS’ Registered Training Organisation – VASS College of Vocational Education (RTO No. 40936). I am excited at the opportunities that the College will present to VASS, individuals, and the community as a whole.
I would like to thank our major supporters, without whom we could not do all they work that we do today. These include, but are not limited to:
- Department of Social Services (DSS)
- Department of Health
- Department of Human Services
- City of Casey
- City of Hobson’s Bay
I hope you enjoy reading about our achievements and programs, and hope that you will continue your support of our work and all we have contributed within the broader Australian community.
Thank you once again,
Ali Mustapha,
VASS Chairman