Our vision, mission and values
Cafs’ goal is to give every individual the optimal opportunity to live in a safe and nurturing family.
Our vision
Wellbeing, respect and safety for everyone.
Our mission
To deliver quality services with positive outcomes and experiences for the communities we serve.
Our values
Respect
We treat all people, including ourselves, with dignity. We have genuine compassion for our colleagues and the individuals, families and communities we serve.
Integrity
We act ethically and do what is right – even if it’s uncomfortable.
Collaboration
We embrace collaboration. We celebrate inclusiveness and work together with the individuals and families we serve to make a difference in their lives.
Kindness
We genuinely care about people and actively look for ways to offer a helping hand to those in need.
Innovation
We encourage and explore different ways of working and fresh ideas to improve our practice and outcomes for those we serve.
CAFS stories
Cafs Thread Together is leading the change in the local community
The new Cafs Thread Together clothing hub in Ballarat is a life changing moment for those who walk through its doors. However, it isn’t just the “shoppers” who are discovering its power but also the volunteers.
Read moreHow Step Up helped a young boy overcome violent behaviour toward his mum
Dylan was the last child anyone expected to be violent or aggressive. He’s the quiet one in the family. When Dylan was nine, he started lashing out at home.
Read moreHow June and Robert found the right time to become Cafs foster carers
Becoming foster carers can be a life affirming experience. June and Robert always knew that fostering would be in their future; it was just a question of timing.
Read more
How Cafs financial counselling helped
a dad battling with cancer
When you’re a self-employed dad, being sick comes with more concerns than your own health. With no money coming in, Tony was stressed about his family.
Read moreHousing Support: How Cafs ATAR team helped a father avoid eviction
Bruce was admitted to hospital for three months, and while he was in there, he asked his adult sons to take care of the home he'd been renting for the past eleven years.
Read moreHow Cafs helped Chloe and her family find hope
Chloe was 16, and her young life was falling apart. She’d dropped out of school and had started drinking and taking drugs. She also started stealing and self-harming.
Read moreHow Cafs day stay helped one young family establish a healthy bedtime routine
For Bianca and Josh, the excitement of becoming new parents was giving way to exhaustion. They were desperate for more sleep.
Read moreCafs acknowledges our past. In the spirit of reconciliation, we give deepest respect to Australia's First Nations Peoples. Their histories, their stories, their resilience. Their connection to culture and land. The wisdom of their Elders past, present and emerging.