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About Supporting Communities Australia

Building capacity and independence for young people with disability and those in Out-of-Home Care across Liverpool, South West and Western Sydney.

Our Story

"I founded Supporting Communities Australia because I saw a gap. Young people needed more than support. They needed structured, evidence-informed capacity building that recognised their potential and built real independence."
Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas
Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas Founder of SCA · Creator of EYL™

Supporting Communities Australia (SCA) was founded to address a real need. Young people with disability and those in Out-of-Home Care deserve more than crisis-responsive services. They need structured, outcomes-focused support that builds their capacity, recognises their potential, and empowers them toward genuine independence.

Based in Liverpool, NSW, and servicing South West and Western Sydney, SCA delivers the Elevate Youth Lab™ model, an evidence-informed capacity-building program designed specifically for young people aged 12–20. We work with young people with disability under the NDIS, those in Out-of-Home Care (including children in the care of the Minister), and their families. Every young person's journey is different. We meet them where they are and build from there. As we grow, our vision is to bring this model to communities across Australia.

As an NDIS registered provider, we are committed to child safety, trauma-informed practice, and measurable outcomes that matter.

Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission

To empower young people to build independence through structured, evidence-informed capacity-building. We create the conditions for real, lasting change, not through doing for them, but by supporting them to do for themselves.

Our Vision

A community where every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Where disability and care history don't limit possibility. They guide support.

Our Values

Integrity in all we do. Empowerment, not control. Cultural safety and respect. Evidence-informed practice. Child safety, always. These values guide every decision we make and every interaction we have.

Meet Our Founder & CEO

Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas, Founder and CEO of Supporting Communities Australia
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Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas

Founder and CEO of Supporting Communities Australia and Creator of the Elevate Youth Lab™ model. Yosmerys holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminology from the University of the Andes (Venezuela) and a Diploma of Counselling completed in Australia. With this foundation and a deep commitment to empowerment and justice, she has dedicated her career to creating meaningful, evidence-informed support for young people who have been underserved by traditional systems.

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Driven by Purpose

Yosmerys believes that young people with disability and those in care are not problems to be managed. They are people with untapped potential. She founded SCA to prove that the right support, delivered with respect and evidence-informed practice, can transform lives.

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A Global Perspective

Originally from Venezuela, Yosmerys brings a global lens and multilingual background to local community needs. She is passionate about culturally responsive, trauma-informed practice and about creating systems that work for everyone, especially those who have been historically left behind.

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 (OOHC) 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, ensuring every young person who accesses Elevate Youth Lab™ does so in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.

Child Safe Culture

We foster a culture where child safety is everyone's responsibility. All staff are trained in trauma-informed, child-safe practice.

OOHC & Minister's Care

EYL is available to young people in Out-of-Home Care, including those in the care of the Minister. We work collaboratively with caseworkers and carers to ensure coordinated, safe support.

Safeguarding & Reporting

We have clear safeguarding policies and mandatory reporting obligations. The safety and wellbeing of every young person is our primary obligation. Always.

Empowerment & Voice

We uphold the right of every young person to be heard, respected, and involved in decisions about their own support, consistent with the National Child Safe Principles.

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Community isn't built on perfection. It's built on people who show up, who believe in one another, and who refuse to give up on young people.

Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas

Let's Connect

Have questions about Supporting Communities Australia, the Elevate Youth Lab™ program, or how we can support a young person in your life? We'd love to hear from you. Get in touch and let's have a conversation.

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Or call us: 0480 800 521

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Find Us

Based in Liverpool, NSW. Servicing South West and Western Sydney, with a vision for national reach.

Location

Liverpool, NSW 2170
Servicing South West & Western Sydney
Expanding our reach across Australia

Phone

0480 800 521
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Last reviewed: 18 April 2026 · Author: Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas, creator of the Elevate Youth Lab framework