Cath Bartolo is a name well-recognised in the community across Logan.
But after nearly 20 years at YFS, Ms Bartolo has decided to step away from her role and seek new challenges from February next year.
“Over the past 20 years I have seen YFS evolve into a dynamic organisation with a strong track record of backing vulnerable people to overcome adversity and to thrive,” Ms Bartolo said.
“I am proud of how our organisation has matured in that time, fostering a holistic place-based approach to back people to achieve real change in their lives.”
At YFS, she has overseen the delivery of a job seeker program for parents, domestic violence perpetrator programs, social inclusion initiative Next Step, and the introduction of a Respectful Relationships Program aimed to prevent controlling and abusive behaviour at a young age.
“We also started SubStation33 10 years ago, which was fantastic – it generated very large employment and work experience.”
Ms Bartolo said her passion for helping those who need support came from her own start in education.
“I feel as if I’ve had a privileged life and I think everyone needs a chance,” she said.
“I value the power of education and I think people need assistance if we’re going to help them break the cycle of poverty.
“To me, that passion of breaking the poverty cycle is important.”
And while Logan has come a long way, Ms Bartolo said there was still opportunity for more equality.
“It’s about how we can be ambitious and work with our people who come to us to find them employment, or get them back into education so that their economic status improves,” she said.
“Often people are quite lonely and don’t have strong family or friends connections.
“So it’s about working out how we can do our work with people and connect them to different friends or to sport or recreation so that they’re able to enjoy just being citizens and having a say.
“It’s not a one size-fits-all approach, these issues are complex, for example, often people who are homeless who seek our services also have a history of domestic violence.”
Ms Bartolo said we need to have a coordinated plan from the three levels of government about Logan; the local, state and federal, and services such as YSF and other community services and businesses.
“I think we need something from all of us– we need to continue to collaborate.”
While Ms Bartolo is moving on to the next chapter, after some travel, she says she won’t be going too far.
“Next year, I intend to take long service leave and to have a break before exploring new challenges.
“I’d like to do some volunteer work back in Logan. “
