OUR MISSION
Most employers want someone with a bit of experience but how can you get experience if no one will give you a job? This is a problem felt by a growing number of youth and in the migrant community. And, it's a problem that has grown at a faster rate
in the western suburbs than anywhere else in the country. Our mission is to train 1000 students.
To give indigenous, refugees, unemployed and youth-at-risk access to industry experience and for them to feel included in the community.
OUR TRAINING
We are proud to work with community initiatives that assist groups such as youth at risk, homelessness, mental health, non-English speaking backgrounds and mature aged workers.
“Every day we see the instant impact that we have.”- John Cafferatta
In working with students; our belief is that once you invest in knowing how to become a barista or coffee roaster then you have endless possibilities for employment, travel or business as we see a progression from student to barista and then working towards
store management or ownership.
The locations that Darcy St Project currently operates and future locations all act as training hubs and offer the opportunity for practical work experience.
OUR PEOPLE
It’s common to see lots of fresh faces when you enter Darcy St Project because the team is made up of volunteers and students learning the art and business of coffee. Darcy St works with a range of organisations and charities to train and upskill people from
all backgrounds to get them ready for the workforce.
Giving people the necessary skills to become a barista opens up a world of opportunity in an industry that can take them anywhere and has longevity. It also provides people with a progression plan as the goal of one day opening their own café is more accessible
and financially possible then reaching the upper levels of other industries.
Our people are at the heart of our mission because they are the truest representation of what we do and how we can help the community. We believe in treating everyone with respect and dignity, and we bring together a wide range of cultures and nationalities.
PAYING-IT-FORWARD
The aim of paying it forward is to help start a ripple effect of kindness in the community. The simple act of buying a complete stranger a cup of coffee can have a profound effect on someone’s day. Whether it be a homeless or disadvantaged person or someone
who simply has forgotten their wallet or needs a smile; the pay it forward system connects people.
“Coffee can be the catalyst for so much more.” - John Cafferratta
One good deed might not seem like much, but if everyone did something good for someone else, then the cycle of generosity and kindness can spark us to become better people. Darcy St Project aims to become a true “pay it forward” business by sharing the training
and coffee for free, paid-forward by sponsorships and the general public.
OUR CARTS
Each coffee cart is made by volunteers and carpentry students using upcycled materials. Equipment is sourced and refurbished. The carts then provide an opportunity for students to manage a coffee site of their own. Students that gain successful completion
of the barista program are provided with practical work experience on one of these mobile “brew spots”.
Businesses can sponsor these carts which provides greater learning experiences for students and allows Darcy St Project to expand into new areas without the large overheads of a storefront. Coffee carts, alternative brewing and latte art demonstrations in
side streets/laneways of Parramatta city also adds to the value of the area and actively promotes public spaces and attraction to Parramatta or other areas.
OUR PODS
The Darcy St Community Pods started with the aim of bringing the same level of quality to the home/office market, allowing people to get the same Darcy St blend wherever they are; also giving them the opportunity to support the students and community projects
that Darcy Street Project is involved with.
“Diversification is key in any business, social enterprise is no different.” - John Cafferatta
Each pod is filled with the freshly roasted signature Darcy St blend with single origin and stronger blends in production for the future. Ethical buying for the office is a great way to build community goodwill by association. The aim is to increase the
number of businesses using community pods as a way to become sustainable as a social enterprise and to support the ongoing training of students and expansion into other suburbs.
OUR INDUSTRY
Coffee is consumed all over the globe, making it one of the most valuable primary products in world trade. It is an important source of income for an estimated 25 million people living in more than 70 tropical coffee-producing countries. As an export, it is
crucial to the economies and politics of many developing countries.
“The industry is not doing enough. It’s very much every man for themselves.”
- John Cafferatta
The industry has grown strongly over the past ten years, owing much of its success to Australia's love for quality coffee and vibrant coffee culture.
OUR FRIENDS
Darcy St Project continues to become a community hub. Organisations and charities have come together over coffee and we continue to build relationships with like-minded people.
“It’s a daily decision to do more, to create an impact and to give back.” - John Cafferatta
Some of the friends that we have or continue to work with include local government, non-profits and private enterprise such as: Parramatta City Council, Parramatta PCYC, Woodville Alliance, Community Resource Migrant Centre, Mission Australia, Father Riley’s
Youth off the Streets, Friends of Sole Parents, Information Cultural Exchange –ICE, Western Sydney University, TAFE NSW, Samoan Weave, AFFORD, Liverpool City Council and Fairfield City Council.
Darcy St Project continues to welcome opportunities that benefit both communities and the growth of coffee culture.
LEARN MORE
You can learn more on our
website. Also, be sure to follow us on
Twitter and
Facebook.