About us
We strengthen communities by promoting and offering early prevention and intervention support services in areas of Family Violence, Mental Health, Social-inclusion, Community and Career Development.
We exist to bridge gaps and create connections for members of the African- Australian community; provide guidance to existing service providers working with African communities; and assist businesses, organisations, service providers and government agencies to embed a culture of inclusivity in their policies and practices.
AFS is non-profit organisation, working in partnership with the Victorian Women’s Trust, Global Reconciliation and Igniting Change.
NDIS support services
We offer comprehensive support to individuals with disabilities under the NDIS framework.
Our range of NDIS support services is designed to promote independence, enhance quality of life, and foster social inclusion for our participants. From assistance with life stages and transitions to daily personal activities, travel arrangements, and community engagement, we tailor our support to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. Our experienced team collaborates closely with participants, families, and service providers to ensure seamless coordination and effective assistance. Join us in navigating life’s challenges together, empowering you to live a fulfilling and active life within your community.
Our services
Services offered to community members:
Community Capacity Building
We run culturally sensitive workshops, working within the African-Australian community and surrounding CALD communities, to develop and strengthen the skills, abilities and resources needed to adapt and thrive in Australia.
Outreach and Case Management Support
African Family Services engages with individuals or families in an effort to link them to appropriate services. We offer a distinct advantage in support services having developed an authentic understanding of the African cultural complexities and needs that exist; thereby bridging the gaps between the community and existing mainstream services.
Family Violence Support
Understanding of family violence and the supports that are available in Australia is challenging to most migrants. Our role is to provide support services in a culturally sensitive and safe space. We provide access to information and resources for all affected members to make better informed decisions for their safety and well-being.
Open Links
Open Links is a platform for youth, men and women; created to help with career planning, professional development and strategies on how to thrive within the Australian workforce.
Alcohol & Drug Awareness Training Education
African Family Services provides interactive sessions on the impacts of drugs and alcohol abuse on individuals and the wider community. The sessions assists participants to identify the early signs of alcohol and drug abuse, how to take proactive steps and how to work towards the promotion of positive behavioural change and prevention strategies.
Training Packages
Click the button below to download PDF brochure about us and our training packages
Download PDF brochure
Services offered to professionals:
Cross-Culture Awareness Training
Much of Australia’s strength and beauty lies in the diversity of our population. But a cohesive community does not just happen overnight; it takes individuals working together to create an inclusive and welcoming culture that respects difference.
We offer cross-culture awareness training to professionals working in corporate, government and social work sectors increasing awareness of cultural differences and sensitives. Through this training, individuals will be equipped to foster better working relationships with members of the African-Australian community and establish a benchmark for best practice.
Secondary Consultation
We advocate for the African- Australian and surrounding CALD communities by bridging gaps in existing support services through secondary consultation and co-case management. African Family Services stands as the bridge between individuals or families and mainstream services. This ensures that services are effectively and efficiently delivered to clients accessing supports.
Bespoke Research and Consultation Engagement
African Family Services strongly values collaboration. We build on what works, whilst incorporate the strengths of the wider Australian community. Through knowledge sharing and teamwork, we can improve service delivery provision for the longterm. To bridge the gap between current practice and community needs, African Family Services offers bespoke research and consultation engagement to services working in the corporate, government and social work sectors.
Training Packages
Click the button below to download PDF brochure about us and our training packages
Download PDF brochure
Our team
What our clients say
See some facts
Collaboration
Secondary Consultation
Open Links – Interactive Sessions
Inclusion, Leadership and Advocacy
Our Values
MISSION
To provide holistic integrated services which focus on Family Violence, Family Services, Youth Support, Mental Health, Social Inclusion, Community and Career Development.
VISION
To empower African-Australian and surrounding CALD communities a “strength-based approach”.
CORE VALUES
African Family Services has been established to serve the greater Victorian African-Australian community.
Strategic Plan
African Family Services was established in 2015 as a response to the recognised unmet demand for culturally sensitive support services by the rising population of African-Australians living in Victoria.
In 2016, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that the number of people born in Africa living in Victoria had risen to 94,520; recording a 15% rise from 81,727 as reported in 2011.
Partners
What our partners say
Where to find us
African Family Services
Level 2, 134 Cambridge St, Collingwood, VIC 3066.
We acknowledge that our office is on the lands of the Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri Traditional Owners of the Kulin nation.
Contact us
We are here for you. Send us an email through the contact form below and we will respond within 3 business working days.
