Operation STITCHES is a non-profit community organisation registered as a Public Benevolent Institution. Operation STITCHES outreaches to Melbourne’s inner-city Public Housing estates with its mission of helping  young people make right choices to bring about positive change. Its target is those who grow up within a low socio-economic family status and are disadvantaged by their environment on these inner-city housing estates with social marginalisation, suicide, drug abuse, sexual abuse, family and racial violence surrounding their lives on a daily basis.

Operation STITCHES is pro-active in preventing young persons become the drug pushers, gang members and criminals of tomorrow. It is impacting the future of these young lives through constantly presenting positive life choices through various exciting programs, skills and activities.

Children are our future...this is our city...our kids!

Operation STITCHES program imparts core community life values and skills such as respect for self and others; law and order; self-discipline; honesty; good manners; love of family; forgiveness of others and honour of God and country.  This is all taught with an anti-drug, anti- violence, anti-crime emphasis - teaching the difference between right and wrong choices and the consequences of those choices.

Operation STITCHES uses an outdoor carnival format in the warmer months to create a fun environment that teaches and reinforces the children to say "No" to life binding activities while they are still young and impressionable. After-school activities are also provided during the year on their estate, where they live.

Operation STITCHES invites children to join a "Kids Club" to give them a sense of belonging and keep positive choices . These children receive mailings, receive birthday acknowledgment; taken on bus outings; given access to a STITCHES email chat line; homework club; home visited, and much more...

Operation STITCHES inner-city community centre is also equipped for holding indoor activities and programs. It comprises a stage, sound system, video projection, internet cafe, pool table, table tennis, and several free video arcade games to make young people's events safe, fun, within a positive environment.

Operation STITCHES also reaches out to the disadvantaged parents of these children, who are often dealing with many personal challenges of their own. Our aim is to help and encourage them to face their future with hope and with purpose.

Parents are also assisted in many practical ways. We distribute clothing, computers, toiletries, frozen meals and food parcels to show them someone cares and that they are not alone in their time of need. We offer acceptance, love and hope to all, no matter their race or creed.

Help give Operation STITCHES the power to change more lives.

If you live in Melbourne, perhaps you would consider becoming an Operation STITCHES volunteer. There is always much to be done. Find out how you can help.