Case studies
As an organisation we are enriched by the young people and families that use our services, our workers and many stakeholders.
Emily’s story: seeing young people’s potential
YSAS Worker
01.07.2025
Emily Baisman never believed she’d make it to university. “I had really severe mental health for a long time,” she says. “I had to…
Sarah’s story: bringing drug checking to Victoria
YSAS Worker
26.06.2025
Sarah Hiley knows how life-saving harm reduction can be. She’s worked with people who use drugs and alcohol for over 20 years, most recently…
Trish’s story: connecting through food
YSAS Worker
26.06.2025
Trish Serratore grew up surrounded by the healing power of food. Born into a big Italian family, her dad owned a bakery and worked…
Bianca’s story: a warm, empathetic voice
YSAS Worker
26.06.2025
If you’ve ever called YSAS Reception, chances are you’ve spoken to Bianca Walsh. Her warm, calm tone and quick thinking helps callers find…
Dan and Tash’s story: finding meaningful employment
Young Person
02.04.2025
Finding your first job can be tough, something Dan* is currently experiencing firsthand. The 20-year-old has handed out hundreds of resumes online and in person,…
Nat’s story: quality health care for all
YSAS Worker
12.02.2025
Senior Primary Health Outreach Nurse Nat Joyce isn’t your typical nurse. He is dedicated to supporting young people with their health, whether that’s physical,…
Nathan’s story: the healing power of detox
YSAS Worker
08.12.2024
The first time Nathan Akoka was in a drug and alcohol withdrawal unit, he wasn’t a worker. He was a client. When he was 13…
Mia’s story: support without judgement
Young Person
19.11.2024
When I was 15, I drank so much that I fell unconscious on my bed. My dad rang me and I wasn’t able to speak…
Lake and Steph’s story: supporting LGBTIQA+ young people
YSAS Worker
04.11.2024
Lake Majstorovic is passionate about improving the lives of LGBTIQA+ young people. Growing up as a non-binary person in the Frankston area, they experienced…
Marcus’ story: intersectionality in practice
YSAS Worker
10.10.2024
When Marcus Hough first learned about intersectionality, it was a light bulb moment. “It’s a theory from black feminists who are talking about a…
Cihan’s story: supporting Victoria’s Muslim community
YSAS Worker
26.09.2024
Support for young people often takes a one-size-fits-all approach. Youth worker Cihan Tohumcuer has seen how this cookie-cutter model has left Victoria’s Muslim community behind.…
Dave’s story: following his parent’s legacy
YSAS Worker
24.09.2024
Dave Pettingill has felt like a youth worker since he was three. He grew up with many foster brothers and sisters, and eventually, his parents…
Akash’s story: stability and growth
Young Person
03.11.2023
There’s an old saying in social work: if you want to help people, you have to meet them where they are. For Akash Nadar*, that…
Kelly’s story: listening to youth voices
Young Person
03.11.2023
When Kelly* came to YSAS, she was 17 and looking for help. “I was having problems with alcohol,” she remembers, “and using marijuana and ice.”…
Sione’s story: connecting one haircut at a time
YSAS Worker
03.11.2023
Sometimes the best candidate for the job isn’t the person with the longest list of qualifications or the most technical experience – they’re the person…
Georgia’s story: nothing about us without us
Young Person
03.11.2023
The idea of ‘bringing your whole self to work’ has become something of a corporate trend in recent years. But for Georgia Willmott, tearing down…
Scott’s story: Mob Run This
YSAS Worker
03.11.2023
Sport has been a part of Scott Krakouer’s life for longer than he can remember. The son of an AFL athlete, Scott began playing football…
Tara’s story: relationships at the heart of our work
Young Person
06.03.2023
There are many reasons young people come to YSAS. For Tara Schultz, it was a problem with marijuana. “I was nervous,” Tara…