YFS celebrates 40 years of community impact in Logan

One of Logan’s most trusted community organisations, YFS, is celebrating 40 years of supporting people in the region to overcome adversity and thrive in the community.

What began in the 1980s as a volunteer-run initiative has grown into a leading place-based organisation supporting more than 7,500 people each year across Logan and surrounding areas, including Jimboomba and the Scenic Rim.

Its coordinated response model connects people with a wide range of services – from housing and homelessness support to domestic and family violence response, legal advice, youth and family services, employment mentoring, and financial counselling.

‘From our earliest days, YFS has been an organisation from the community and for the community,’ YFS CEO Christopher John says.

‘As Logan has grown and changed, so have we – always listening, always adapting, and always standing beside the people who need us most.’

The organisation recently marked its 40th anniversary with a celebration at Kingston Butter Factory, bringing together dignitaries, clients, community partners, and staff past and present. The event included formal addresses, live music, and a video presentation from the Stories of YFS campaign.

ABOVE: Guests gathered at Kingston Butter Factory on 18 June to mark the YFS milestone.

Launched in the lead-up to the anniversary, the Stories of YFS campaign shares powerful, personal reflections from clients, staff and community partners. These stories highlight the resilience, courage and connection that have defined YFS over 4 decades.

Mr John says the campaign captures the real-life impact of community support in action, from stories of clients overcoming homelessness to clients achieving stable employment.

‘These stories capture the heart of who we are,’ Mr John says.

‘They show what’s possible when people are heard and supported to take control of their lives and shape their own futures. Their stories have guided us and continue to inspire us to do the work we do.’

ABOVE: The celebration included showcasing the Stories of YFS campaign.

With Logan being home to more than 200 cultures and having a strong tradition of community-led action, Mr John says YFS has played a key role in that story and, over the past 4 decades, has helped generations of families build brighter futures and create lasting, multi-generational change.

The organisation’s roots trace back to 1985, when a group of Christian Brothers, local families, First Nations Elders and volunteers held the first Annual General Meeting for YFS. Many of those early supporters and their families remain connected to the organisation today.

YFS has consistently innovated to meet emerging needs. In 2012, it launched Substation33, a social enterprise offering job training and reducing e-waste, employing around 100 people and diverting over 100,000 kilograms of electronic waste last year.

YFS also created a First Nations Cultural Framework with Elders and community members to ensure culturally safe practices. During the COVID-19 pandemic, YFS remained open, providing essential food distribution and remote support, showcasing its commitment to the community.

Mr John says looking ahead, YFS is focused on ensuring that as Logan becomes less affordable and experiences gentrification, the people who call it home can remain and thrive.

He says through its place-based model, YFS is well positioned to lead conversations about how governments and funders can better support communities through more integrated, efficient and impactful service delivery.

ABOVE: Past and present YFS leaders celebrating 40 years of community service are, from left, Mick Devlin, Pam Searle, Tony Parsons, Cath Bartolo and Christopher John.

‘As Logan changes, we want to make sure the people who’ve built their lives here aren’t left behind,’ Mr John says.

‘Our place-based approach means we’re not just responding to need – we’re shaping solutions that keep communities strong, connected and thriving.’

Mr John says the YFS 40-year journey is a testament to the power of community, collaboration and compassion.

‘Its impact reaches far beyond individual moments of support – it creates lasting change for individuals, families and future generations.’

Read more about the Stories of YFS campaign here: yfs.org.au/stories

PHOTO AT TOP: YFS CEO Christopher John, second from the right, alongside attending YFS Board members, celebrating the 40-year milestone.