The Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS) will be able to continue to support its Arabic women’s social group after Hume council approved funding of $3000 through round two of the 2023 Community Grant Program.
VASS is a not-for-profit association that provides support to people of Arabic-speaking background communities and provides a range of support services, including counselling, casework, referrals, advocacy, community development, mediation, and social, cultural, and linguistic support.
The social group has been running for two years, after community members approached VASS asking for a place to meet other women in the community after being isolated during the pandemic.
VASS Case Manager Lina Hassan says that this funding will reach local women who need support.
“We have an open door policy, we welcome anyone who is feeling isolated and needs support,” she said.
The program addresses gender inequality by educating those who attend about issues such as mental health and financial support to empower women to help themselves in these areas.
Farial is one of the women who attends the social group, she says that it has been an important place for her to connect with others, and help ease her stress.
“I’ve found new members and I am not alone anymore, I can laugh for the first time,” she said.
Hannah Hammoud
