This annual report looks at how YFS contributed to the key things everyone needs if they are to be truly included in the social and economic life of our community:

a home, enough money, safety, connections with others, skills and hope. Unfortunately there are still too many people in our area who don’t have these basic elements in place.

At YFS we work with people in Logan and surrounds to build independence and participation. In 2015-16 we spent some time thinking about what independence and participation really means, and how we can make sure our efforts make a significant difference towards it.

YFS is uniquely placed to help the most vulnerable people in our community achieve active, capable, fulfilling lives through our many different services.

In 2015-16 we built on our ability to help people put the foundations in place, particularly by introducing an employment preparation service, ParentsNext, and remodelling our financial capability and counselling services. We focused on safety through our work on community planning for domestic violence and through the successful #R4Respect program.

In July, we opened our Browns Plains office and extended our work in the western region of Logan-Beaudesert, making YFS services more accessible for people in Logan and surrounds.

We launched a new Reconciliation Action Plan which increases the focus on engaging YFS staff and restates our commitment to closing the gap in Logan.

YFS continues to lead change in Logan. It is great to see the collective efforts of organisations like ours generating benefits through Logan Together and the Logan

Leadership Team.

Many people and organisations contributed to our success last year, particularly our Board, our staff, volunteers, supporters, sponsors and funding bodies.

Looking forward: In 2016-17 we will collect organisational outcome information so we can see our impact across all our services in helping people improve their housing stability, their financial situation and their connections.

Cath Bartolo, CEO

and Albert Hili, Chair

YFS is funded by the Australian Government

and the Queensland Government.

YFS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are Australia's First Peoples and the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we meet and work.