The Family Co. is a local not for profit organisation based at Jannali, and also with offices at Engadine, that has been supporting women and children in the Sutherland Shire and St.George areas for over 30 years.  We exist because we believe that all children and families should have a safe home, strong connections, and opportunities to thrive in life.  

Sadly, for many families, that is not the case, and our work focuses on supporting vulnerable families, women, young people and children who are struggling across a whole range of issues, but particularly those who have been impacted by disadvantage, violence and trauma. 
 
Our programs include services for families like youth & family caseworkers (who help families connect appropriately with available Government & community support services), supported playgroups, an occasional childcare service, specialised parenting education and therapeutic programs for children, our youth centre and a range of Aboriginal support services.  

We also support local families impacted by violence in a number of ways – from court advocacy & support for AVO matters, to caseworker services and safety planning. We also run Domestic Violence support groups, and specialised therapeutic groups for safe caregivers and their children. All our programs are accredited, trauma informed and evidence based programs meaning we only deliver high quality programs that support our client’s physical, emotional and psychological health.

It’s easy to believe that in the Shire we are immune from such tragedies, but disturbingly, there are over 4,000 reports to local police each year for domestic violence matters in our catchment areas, there are, on average, 10 families EVERY DAY that need help. Just last year, SSFS helped over 1,800 local women and families seeking help and support.

Of course, these services, while provided to our clients for free, cost money to provide. SSFS employs qualified social workers, psychologists, family therapists, mothercraft nurses, educators and other skilled welfare workers to deliver these programs to clients. To supplement our limited recurring Government funding, we often apply for grants from private and government sources, but also rely on the generosity of our community and fundraising activities to ensure the sustainability of our services.