Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting Arabic-speaking communities across Victoria. We provide a wide range of services that promote wellbeing, independence, inclusion and opportunity for individuals and families.
Eligible donations to VASS may be tax deductible, helping supporters contribute to programs.
VASS receives tax concessions available to eligible charitable organisations.
VASS is eligible for income tax concessions in accordance with its charitable status.
A Diverse And Skilled Community
VASS members come from a broad spectrum of occupations including community, welfare and social workers, counsellors, psychologists, teachers, doctors, lawyers, academics, engineers, accountants, artists, business analysts, IT specialists, government workers, self-employed consultants, students and volunteers.
Our members bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and diverse perspectives, contributing to VASS’s ongoing commitment to serving and strengthening the community.
Meeting Community Needs
The Victorian Arabic Social Services is dedicated to addressing the social, cultural and welfare needs of the Arabic speaking background (ASB) communities in Victoria.
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A More Inclusive Victoria
Our vision is for a more inclusive Victorian community that values the strengths of diverse ASB communities. We aim to foster understanding, belonging and equal opportunities for everyone.
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Who Are Arabic Speaking Background Communities?
- Born in one of the 22 countries of the Arab World
- Have ancestral link to the Arab World.
- Speak Arabic as a second language after their native language and have their own identity (e.g. Assyrian Chaldean, Kurdish, Armenian).
At VASS, we believe every person deserves to feel heard, valued and supported.
VASS Board Chairperson
VASS HISTORY
VASS members come from a broad spectrum of occupations including community, welfare and social workers, counsellors, psychologists, teachers, doctors, lawyers, academics, engineers, accountants, artists, business analysts, IT specialists, government workers, self-employed consultants, students and volunteers.
Our members bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and diverse perspectives, contributing to VASS’s ongoing commitment to serving and strengthening the community.
VASS Management Team
Our management team brings together experienced leaders who guide VASS with professionalism, knowledge and a shared commitment to its work.
- Ali Mustapha (Board Chairperson)
- Leila Alloush (CEO)
- Mohammad Dahdoule (Board Vice Chairperson)
- Fares Abdulwahab (Board member)
- Zahra Baho (Board member)
- Hanaa Khaled (Treasurer)
- Samira Zeno (Secretary)
- Mohamad Alman (Board member)
- Mohamed El Turabi (Board member)
- Safaa Hakim (Board member)
- Yousif Dawood (Board member)
Supported By
- The Commonwealth Department of Social Services
- The Victorian Department of Health
- The Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
- City of Hume
- City of Whittlesea
- City of Merri-Bek
- City of City Council
- RMIT University
- La Trobe University
- Monash University
- Deakin University
Organizational Values
- VASS is committed to serving ASB communities by remaining non-political, non-religious, non-sectarian and inclusive of all ASB community groups.
- VASS recognises the cultural, religious and regional diversity of ASB communities.
- VASS acknowledges the common threads that bind members of the 22 Arabic speaking countries located in the world.
- VASS work is underpinned by community development principles which aim to develop the citizenship status of ASB communities through improved access to services, decision making and civic participation.
- VASS supports and adheres to the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.
- VASS adopts an inclusive framework to its operations and does not refuse its services to people of non-Arabic backgrounds.
