Parent support
While we understand that being a parent is the most rewarding job there is, we also know that it’s the toughest, so we offer a range of services to help.
The Brotherhood’s programs focus on the developmental needs of children while offering support and guidance to parents.
Our services are delivered through the Napier Street Child and Family Resource Centre and the Ecumenical Migration Centre, as well as nationally through HIPPY Australia.
HIPPY is a two-year home-based early childhood program that works with parents of young children in disadvantaged communities. Parents are trained and supported to help their preschool-age children develop literacy and numeracy skills and prepare for a successful start to school life.
Starting the day with a healthy breakfast is a proven way to increase participation in school and students’ concentration. The Breakfast Club welcomes children, parents and siblings for the most important meal of the day every weekday morning before school.
Our Stronger Families program provides services to refugee families whose relationships are under strain, to help them overcome any problems that arise during settlement in a new country, and build and sustain healthy, happy relationships.
Most families can benefit from support, particularly at times of stress or difficulty. The Brotherhood’s Family Support program works with refugee parents and their children to assist in the family’s transition to a new country.
Young children born to refugee families have often experienced prolonged periods in refugee camps and exposure to inhumane conditions. Their parents are often recovering from trauma, grief and loss. This program reaches out to refugee children through home visits in the City of Yarra in Melbourne.
The School–Parent Education Engagement Program (SPEEP) is a pilot project that works with families with children in the middle primary school years who may be at risk of disengaging from education.