Serving Our People Community Support Programs Empowered by $50K Grant

New delivery van and volunteer programs strengthen support for vulnerable Australians in the community

Serving Our People, one of Australia’s fastest-growing charities, has received a $50,000 grant from the ETC Community Support Fund. This partnership reflects ETC’s commitment to supporting organisations that break down barriers to employment and strengthen communities.

This funding will help Serving Our People expand their humanitarian programs. It will also help them buy a new delivery van. This van will allow them to better serve vulnerable communities. This is a pivotal step for Serving Our People’s community support programs as they continue to expand.

A shared commitment to community support programs

ETC supports Serving Our People. This shows our shared commitment to help people overcome difficulties and create better futures. Both organisations focus on practical, people-first solutions – whether it’s through food relief, skills training, or employment pathways. This partnership is a powerful example of how community-focused organisations can work together to create lasting impact through Serving Our People’s humanitarian efforts, a part of their broader community support programs.

From humble beginnings to National community impact

Founded in 2020 by Yas Daniel Matbouly, Serving Our People began with a mission to support older members of the community during a time of crisis. What began as a small project has turned into a national movement.

With 21 programs and four free supermarkets the group works with hundreds of charities across Australia. These efforts maximise the reach of Serving Our People through their community support programs.

“We started because a few elderly people needed help,” said Yas, Serving Our People‘s Founder. “Now, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of individuals every year and have changed lives at many different levels.”

Boosting logistics to assist humanitarian efforts

The grant from ETC has helped Serving Our People buy a new delivery van. This improves their delivery efforts and allows them to provide essential support more efficiently. The delivery van is a key part of programs that support the community. It makes sure help is available where it is needed most.

“Asking for help can sometimes be a horrible situation,” shared Gila Cohen, Vice President of Special Projects. “Some of the people who walk through our doors – families, elderly, homeless – might not speak to anyone else that day. We’re often their only contact.”

Serving Our People empowers volunteers with real-world skills

Serving Our People’s programs extend beyond food relief. Volunteers get real experience in hospitality, customer service, event management, and retail. They gain this through Serving Our People’s café and second-hand shop. These experiences form a vital part of Serving Our People’s community support programs.

“We offer diverse volunteer roles,” said Gui Oliveira, Vice President of Humanitarian Programs. “From hospitality and customer service in our café and supermarkets, to admin, events management, and sales in our second-hand shop. People gather different skills while giving back.”

ETC Board Member Therese Dogra praised Serving Our People’s compassionate approach:

“The love you wrap around people is truly inspiring. Keep doing the amazing work that you do.”

ETC’s ongoing commitment to community organisations and support programs

ETC is a registered charity dedicated to supporting communities through employment, training, and business services. Since 2012, the ETC Community Support Fund has provided over $3 million to organisations addressing barriers to employment, including $2 million in the past three years.

ETC supports Serving Our People as part of its mission. This mission aims to promote inclusion, resilience, and opportunity. It focuses on helping individuals with mental health challenges and other tough situations. Through its work with Serving Our People, ETC helps strengthen Serving Our People’s community support programs.

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