BSL pursues systemic change and finds new ways to address disadvantage so that people can fully participate in economic, social and civic life and create and share prosperity with dignity and respect.
Its founder, Father Gerard Kennedy Tucker, dreamed of building a dedicated group of like-minded people who would serve the church and the community.
He believed that the role of the organisation was to provide a 'fence at the top of the cliff rather than ambulances at the bottom,’ and he deployed a range of clever tactics to achieve social change including producing films, public campaigns, letters to newspapers and other advocacy.
It recognises the importance of family, friends, carers and community and its early childhood services support children younger than nine years with a disability or a developmental delay.
The Brotherhood has 24 community stores (also known as op-shops) across greater Melbourne and Geelong where it sells donated furniture, clothing and other household items.
As well as selling low-cost goods to families and bargain hunters, the organisation offers volunteer opportunities and a place for community connection.
Among BSL's community stores, are two Hunter Gatherer shops specialising in selling hand-picked vintage clothing, accessories and bric-a-brac.