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  1. The difference we make
  2. Stories

Stories of impact

Hear from our program participants and their families themselves how VACRO’s work helps make a difference.

To protect people's privacy, we don't use real names, photos or identifying details in our stories. All photos are stock photos and all names are pseudonyms. To share your personal story of the criminal justice system with us, please email [email protected]


Johnny's story

Johnny's story

23-year-old Johnny had fallen through the cracks, until our support helped make a difference. Read more

Published: 22nd September, 2021

Author: Angela Smith

James' story

James' story

Previously, James was straight back into drugs and bad decisions after prison. This time, things were different. Read more

Published: 16th September, 2021

Author: Angela Smith

Leah's story

Leah's story

Our support engaged a young mother with her goals after release – and helped her reunite with her daughter. Read more

Published: 16th September, 2021

Author: Angela Smith

Paul's story

Paul's story

After 15 years in prison, Paul needed a helping hand – our case manager was there on his first day out. Read more

Published: 5th August, 2021

Updated: 22nd June, 2022

Author: Angela Smith

Zayne's story

Zayne's story

Zayne could have been sleeping rough during COVID-19, but our support got him on track to find stable housing. Read more

Published: 18th April, 2021

Updated: 21st March, 2022

Author: Angela Smith

Mark's story

Mark's story

Our support bridged the barrier of COVID-19 isolation to help Mark find his feet after prison. Read more

Published: 18th April, 2021

Updated: 19th January, 2022

Author: Angela Smith

Ahmed's story

Ahmed's story

How our social enterprise coffee kiosk gave Ahmed the skills and confidence to get his life on track. Read more

Published: 26th January, 2021

Author: Angela Smith

Maddie's story

Maddie's story

How Maddie built a new relationship with her son after he was moved from her prison. Read more

Published: 26th January, 2021

Updated: 19th January, 2022

Author: Angela Smith

Luke's story

Luke's story

How Luke’s determination kept him away from dangerous old friends and found him a new skill. Read more

Published: 21st October, 2020

Updated: 27th January, 2021

Author: Angela Smith

Walt's story

Walt's story

How our support got Walt and his grandkids to the prison gate on his daughter’s release day. Read more

Published: 28th August, 2020

Updated: 27th January, 2021

Author: Angela Smith

Joel's story

Joel's story

Joel lost his identity as a hands-on dad when he went to prison, but family counselling helped him get it back. Read more

Published: 6th August, 2020

Updated: 19th April, 2021

Author: Angela Smith

Elsie's story

Elsie's story

How a whole family came together to support their daughter’s successful return home. Read more

Published: 6th August, 2020

Updated: 21st March, 2022

Author: Angela Smith

Sam's story

Sam's story

How a community bicycle workshop gave Sam the skills and confidence to get his life on track after prison. Read more

Published: 23rd June, 2020

Updated: 27th January, 2021

Author: Angela Smith

Acacia's story

Acacia's story

"They’re the only memories my daughter has of her dad, and they were happy memories." Read more

Published: 30th April, 2020

Updated: 31st May, 2021

Author: Angela Smith

Keith's story

Keith's story

Facing homelessness, Keith got his life on track to reunite with his sons. Read more

Published: 27th August, 2019

Updated: 27th January, 2021

Author: Sample Content

Jenny's story

Jenny's story

How a stranger's kindness let Jenny take her life into her own hands. Read more

Published: 5th September, 2017

Updated: 27th January, 2021

Author:

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Showing 10 of 16

Latest

  • TWES - Engagement Worker x 2 (Casual)

  • Response to the Victorian Budget 2022-23

    Response to the Victorian Budget 2022-23

    VACRO welcomes additional funding for supported family-visits. The Victorian 2022-23 Budget, announced on 3 May 2022, has allocated funding to expand our supported family visits program, currently running in both women’s prisons, into the men’s prison system.

  • 150th Anniversary

    150th Anniversary

    Visit this page throughout 2022 as we mark the milestone of our 150th Anniversary through storytelling and special events.

  • Work at VACRO

    VACRO is always looking for passionate people to join our dedicated team.

Most read

  • Volunteer

    Volunteer

    Make friends and build experience by contributing your skills as a VACRO volunteer.

  • Second Chance Jobs

    A new, ground-breaking employment support linking people leaving prisons with jobs 'at the gate'.

  • Do a student placement

    Do a student placement

    Learn new skills at a highly regarded not-for-profit specialising in the criminal justice sector.

  • Second Chance Cycles

    A community bike workshop recycling, refurbishing and donating bicycles in the local Collingwood community.

  • ReConnect

    Personalised, community-based, case management support for people upon release from prison.

  • Resources

    Resources providing practical information and personal support to people and families in contact with the criminal justice system.

  • ReLink

    Supporting adults preparing to exit prison to make goals and plans for a good life post-release.

  • About us

    About us

    VACRO is an independent not-for-profit organisation supporting people in contact with the criminal justice system and their families to successfully reintegrate back into their communities.

  • Our history

    Founded in 1872, VACRO is one of Victoria's oldest independent community organisations. Learn more about our long history.

  • Work at VACRO

    VACRO is always looking for passionate people to join our dedicated team.

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Contact

Level 1, 116 Hardware Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 96051900
[email protected]
Freecall: 1800 049871



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    © 1998 – 2022 by VACRO. All rights reserved. Registered as charity number 47004426162.

    ABN 47 004 426 162



    At VACRO we acknowledge the traditional custodians throughout Victoria and pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge the unique spiritual connections that Aboriginal people have to the land and respect their history, traditions and protocols.