SCARF is a volunteer-driven community organisation that supports families and individuals from refugee backgrounds as they build new lives in the Illawarra. The support we provide is focused on helping to create connections and build wellbeing and a sense of belonging through social inclusion, education and employment support. Since 2005, SCARF has connected local volunteers with people from refugee backgrounds, providing community, friendship and practical assistance to more than 2,000 people. SCARF facilitates a range of targeted social inclusion, education and employment support programs – including befriending, education and tutoring, learner driver mentoring, youth leadership, social inclusion, employment readiness support, and diversity and inclusion activities – to help former refugees overcome barriers and build a secure, vibrant life in their new home. SCARF also provides cultural responsiveness training and cultural capacity building services to organisations wishing to build diverse and inclusive workplaces. In October 2021 SCARF joined forces with the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra Ltd (MCCI) through an agreed merger in the community’s interest. SCARF will continue to serve the Illawarra’s refugee community and, together with MCCI, work towards creating connections and generating opportunities that build a sense of belonging; promote social and economic inclusion; and empower individuals and families to lead independent lives.
