Most services manage behaviour. We build independence.
A four-stage mentoring model for young people the system called too complex, too hard, or not ready. Trauma-informed. PBS-informed. Delivered across Western Sydney.
Quick answer
Elevate Youth Lab™ (EYL) is a proprietary four-stage youth mentoring framework developed by Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas. Delivered exclusively through Supporting Communities Australia for young people aged 12 to 20 across Sydney, funded through NDIS, DCJ, school, private, or philanthropic pathways.
Elevate Youth Lab in numbers
4
structured stages from engagement to independence
8+
years of frontline experience behind the framework
12–20
age range of young people the framework is designed for
5+
funding pathways: NDIS, DCJ, Education, private, philanthropic
EYL was not designed in a classroom. It was designed in the houses, parks, and community centres of Western Sydney, with the young people the NDIS and DCJ systems are actually serving.Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas, creator of the Elevate Youth Lab framework, founder of Supporting Communities Australia.
We don’t manage behaviour. We build independence.
“Young people don't lack capability. They lack structured opportunity to practise it.”
Elevate Youth Lab is the four-stage mentoring model we built because the system kept treating these young people as too hard. Rather than managing behaviour, it builds the skills, routines and confidence they need to lead their own lives.
It is grounded in a simple truth: independence isn’t assumed, it’s built. Rapport first. Capacity second. Independence always.
Designed for young people aged 12 to 20 with disability, trauma or complex backgrounds across Western and South West Sydney. Trauma-informed. PBS-informed.
The pathway to independence
Engagement & Initiation
Build trust, establish baselines, and explore the young person's goals and strengths.
Supported Participation
Tasks modelled and practised together. The young person begins to lead with guidance.
Guided Independence
Support fades gradually. The young person takes initiative, with a safety net available.
Independence Achieved
Goals met at the young person's own pace. Self-managing with growing confidence.
Independence isn't assumed. It isn't given. It's built deliberately, with the right people beside you.
Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas, Creator of Elevate Youth Lab™
Built on four pillars
Regulate
We support emotional and physiological regulation as the foundation of learning and independence.
Learn
Structured, evidence-informed teaching adapted to each young person's learning style, pace, and needs.
Practice
Real independence built through repetition in real environments, not worksheets or classrooms.
Reflect
Review progress openly with participants and families, adjusting based on outcomes.
This model is designed for:
Young people aged 12–20 with disability and trauma backgrounds
Young people in Out-of-Home Care (OOHC), including those in the care of the Minister
Young people with NDIS funding who are ready to work toward greater independence
Parents, carers and guardians seeking structured, outcomes-focused support
This model is NOT the right fit if:
The young person requires immediate crisis or emergency intervention as their primary support
Intensive behaviour support is needed without existing clinical or therapeutic oversight in place
The young person is not yet ready to engage in structured, goal-focused skill development
The primary need is ongoing psychological or clinical therapy rather than capacity building
Specialised Positive Behaviour Support
Some young people need more than mentoring. When behaviours of concern are getting in the way of daily life, school or relationships, a behaviour support plan written by someone who actually knows young people makes all the difference.
Yosmerys, our founder, is a practising Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner currently taking behaviour support referrals. Functional assessments, behaviour support plans, and the strategies that make them work in real life.
Not a report that sits in a drawer. A plan a family can actually live.
See PBS in detail →Our commitment to child safety
Supporting Communities Australia and Elevate Youth Lab™ are committed to the safety, wellbeing, and best interests of all children and young people we work with, including those in Out-of-Home Care and children in the care of the Minister.
We operate in accordance with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and the NDIS Practice Standards.
Child Safe Culture
Trauma-informed, child-safe practice trained across all staff.
OOHC & Minister's Care
Available to young people in Out-of-Home Care, coordinated with caseworkers.
Safeguarding & Reporting
Clear safeguarding policies and mandatory reporting obligations.
Empowerment & Voice
Every young person heard, respected, and involved in decisions about their own support.
Free guide · Sound familiar?
Supporting young people can feel harder than it should.
- ·You repeat the same reminders, day after day.
- ·Big emotional reactions catch you off guard.
- ·You feel stuck between protecting and pushing.
- ·Refusal, shutdown, argument, avoidance keep showing up.
Behaviour is the message. The guide shows you how to read it.
Free PDF + fortnightly newsletter. Unsubscribe any time.
Ready to refer a young person?
Whether you're an NDIS planner, support coordinator, DCJ caseworker, or family member, complete our short referral form. We respond within 2 business days.
Submit a referral now →Google reviews
What families & teams say.
Frequently asked questions
What is Elevate Youth Lab?
Elevate Youth Lab (EYL) is a capacity-building model for young people created by Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas. It delivers programs focused on independence skills, leadership development, and real-world preparation for young people across Greater Sydney.
Who created Elevate Youth Lab?
EYL was created by Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas, Founder of Supporting Communities Australia, drawing on over eight years of frontline experience.
Where does Elevate Youth Lab operate?
EYL operates across South West Sydney, Western Sydney, and Greater Sydney.
Does Elevate Youth Lab provide behaviour support?
Yes. Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas is a practising Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner currently taking behaviour support referrals for young people aged 12 to 20.
What is NDIS capacity building for young people?
NDIS capacity building is funded support that helps young people with disability grow their skills and independence. For young people aged 12 to 20, this usually means building daily-living skills, social and community participation, self-management, and preparation for adult life.
Do you take referrals in Western Sydney?
Yes. Delivered by Supporting Communities Australia, a registered NDIS provider based in Liverpool, servicing Western Sydney, South West Sydney and Greater Sydney.
How is EYL funded?
Through multiple pathways: NDIS Capacity Building, DCJ case management, NSW Youth Justice, NSW Education wellbeing, philanthropic grants, and private family pay.
How can I get involved?
Contact us at info@supportingcommunitiesaustralia.com or call 0480 800 521. We welcome participants, mentors, and partner organisations.
Make a referral
Refer a young person to EYL
For young people aged 12 to 20 across Greater Sydney. We respond within 2 business days.
Find us
Based in Liverpool, NSW. Servicing South West and Western Sydney.
Location
Liverpool, NSW 2170
Servicing South West & Western Sydney
Phone
0480 800 521