Jo Westh

About 6 years ago Jo’s son and his best mate put two washing machines and two dryers into the back of their old van and started washing clothes for people who were homeless in Brisbane. They started an organisation called Orange Sky. They didn’t know too much about washing clothes so they talked to Jo about coming on board as CEO. Fast forward 7 years and Orange Sky now has 30 vans, 2000 volunteers all over Australia and NZ. Such an extraordinary achievement to help build such a wonderful charity, with her son and his best mate. Jo learned a lot about homelessness whilst at Orange Sky and the immense difference a conversation can make to a person who is marginalised by the majority of the community. Jo also discovered that most homeless women in Australia have fled a violent relationship. It was horrifying to learn that women would prefer to take their chances on the street rather than live in fear with an abusive partner. Her resolve to start 4 Voices deepened with this knowledge and her passion to help girls and women find their voice cemented. Jo and her team are determined to provide connection from the back of a cool-looking purple van which oozes welcome and acceptance. No connection is avoided, no issue too trivial, no referrals needed, no girl or woman turned away. 4 Voices has no customers, clients or patrons, only “partners” with whom it builds trusting relationships.