The Child, Youth and Family Services Program (CYFSP) at Woden Community Service provides support services for children, young people, and families who are facing everyday life challenges in the Woden, Weston, South Canberra, and Molonglo regions. A team of case managers and youth workers walk the journey alongside community members needing support with homelessness, domestic and family violence, family breakdown, financial strain, education, advocacy, and service system navigation.

At the heart of CYFSP’s efforts is a wonderful partnership with the Canberra Southern Cross Club (CSCC). This collaboration goes beyond just providing meals, it’s a lifeline for those in need. We support the community with 48 weeks of meals – that’s 30 pre-packed meals every Friday night. But it’s not just about the food, these meals open doors to important conversations, trust-building, and positive influence.

Joel Artup, Team Leader of Youth Services at CYFSP, emphasizes the significance of this support. He says, “Without the support of the Canberra Southern Cross Club, we wouldn’t be able to provide children, young people and their families with nutritious and hearty meals. There isn’t an alternative; without this help, there would be no food.”

Friday night dinners are about providing moments of connection for young people, they are not just about eating a meal; they create a space for talks about safety, well-being, and life choices. Sitting down together, bonds are formed, and trust is built. For some, these meals might be the first proper food they’ve had in days. For others, it means having enough to eat for the whole week. The meals also provide family dinners, as they are often taken home for the whole family to enjoy.

But this partnership isn’t just about filling empty stomachs, it’s about nourishing the soul. When people and organizations come together with a common goal, they can make a positive impact. Sharing a meal becomes a powerful way to create a better future. It proves that kindness has no limits, and when a community comes together, even small actions can genuinely make a difference.

Joel said, “We are extremely grateful for the support, it’s helping us change the lives of the community we support. It’s fundamental.”

We proudly support the Child, Youth, and Family Services Program (CYFSP) at Woden Community Service. Through this partnership, we create moments of connection, trust, and positive change. We are grateful to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and appreciate the opportunity to be part of this transformative journey.

You can help the Child, Youth, and Family Services Program (CYFSP) at Woden Community Service every time you enjoy a meal or drink with us, simply visit Reception to nominate them as your preferred Community Rewards Partner or fill in this form.

You can also make their Christmas better by donating gifts through our Christmas Giving Tree Program at Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden and Stellar Canberra. Your contributions make a meaningful difference. Find out more about our Christmas Giving Tree.