History

1835	The Order of the Good Shepherd Sisters was founded in Angers, France by Saint Mary Euphrasia Pelletier to care for women in need. Today the Sisters of the Good Shepherd are found in around 60 countries.
1863	On June 24th 1863, four Good Shepherd Sisters arrived in Melbourne following a request from Bishop James Goold to Saint Mary Euphrasia. The Bishop believed the Sisters could help care for the many young women in need of support in the new colony. The Sisters purchased a house on the banks of the Yarra River at Abbotsford, now known as the Abbotsford Convent.
1865	The work of the Sisters was quickly established. Services provided included a refuge for women experiencing poverty and homelessness, an orphanage and an industrial school for juvenile offenders.
1973	The Good Shepherd Sisters adopted a policy of deinstitutionalization which led to hostel-type accommodation being provided for women and girls in need, and non-residential services, such as youth and family counselling and tutoring for school "non attenders" being developed.
1976	Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service became an Incorporated Association making it a separate legal entity from the Sisters of the Good Shepherd and set up in Collingwood.
1980	NILS – No Interest Loan Scheme - began, along with Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service's Emergency Housing programs.
1990	Research project undertaken by Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service to identify areas of social need in and around Melbourne. The study revealed a great need for services on the Mornington Peninsula and the Western Suburbs of Melbourne.
1990	Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service opened a site in Hastings on the Mornington Peninsula.
1991	Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service opened a site in St Albans.
1994	The St Kilda Centre which was a Good Shepherd Sister's project was incorporated into Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service.
Today	Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service continues the work of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. The agency seeks to build and promote a fair, just and caring society with a commitment to integrity and ethical service delivery to women, children, young people, and families. Central to this is the strong belief that everyone - regardless of age, sex, culture or religion - has the right to basic quality of life; adequate income, shelter, opportunities for education and employment, quality health care and nutrition. While following the basic value that everyone should be treated with the utmost dignity and respect.

HOME  CONTACT  SEARCH  PRIVACY  ©2007