The 2024 TCG Grant played a critical role in enabling the strategic expansion of Hair Aid Community Cuts (HACC) in New South Wales. With TCG’s support, HACC established eight new locations, engaged dozens of volunteers, and delivered free haircuts to 147 individuals experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or economic hardship.

This intervention significantly enhanced wellbeing, restored personal dignity, and facilitated pathways to employment and housing for several recipients. The outcomes of this grant represent a clear return on investment through measurable social impact, increased service reach, and sustainable program growth.

Program Expansion Details

Number of New Locations Established:

• 8 new Community Cuts sites across New South Wales

Volunteer Engagement:

• Each site staffed by a minimum of 2 volunteers
• Some sites supported by up to 6 volunteers
• Total estimated volunteer involvement: 16–48 individuals

Services Delivered:

• Free professional haircuts to 147 individuals in need
• Service recipients included people facing:
  • Homelessness
  • Domestic violence recovery
  • Severe financial stress

Infrastructure and Coordination Enabled by the Grant:

• Volunteer recruitment and onboarding
• Uniforms and equipment procurement
• Insurance coverage for volunteers
• Coordination of service delivery logistics
• Support for regional outreach and travel

Direct Beneficiary Impact

Quantitative Outcomes:

• 147 individuals received a professional haircut
• 8 new communities accessed services where none previously existed

Qualitative Outcomes:

• Restored dignity, improved confidence, and enhanced mental wellbeing for all recipients
• Elevated personal presentation enabling improved access to employment and support services

Individual Success Stories

1. Employment Secured: Two recipients gained employment after receiving haircuts and attending job interviews, attributing their success in part to their renewed presentation and self-confidence.
2. Stable Housing Achieved: One recipient transitioned from unstable accommodation into permanent housing following personal revitalisation and improved outlook.
3. Image Transformation & Reintegration: One woman connected with Dress for Success post-haircut and has since begun a comprehensive image transformation process aimed at re-entering the workforce and rebuilding her life.

Financial Utilisation

The TCG Grant enabled operational and service delivery support across all new locations. Funds were directed toward:

• Volunteer coordination and training
• Public liability and volunteer insurance
• Uniforms and haircutting supplies
• Administrative costs associated with onboarding and outreach
• Logistical support for regional rollout

Without this funding, expansion to these eight locations—and the associated service outcomes—would not have occurred.

Sustainability and Future Plans

Hair Aid Community Cuts is committed to long-term sustainability. Following the success of these eight new NSW sites:

• Two additional locations are currently being finalised for launch this month.
• All ten locations are now established as permanent sites and will continue operating throughout the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, ensuring ongoing support to vulnerable individuals in these communities.
• Systems and infrastructure developed with this grant now serve as a scalable model for replication across other states.
• Volunteer retention strategies and local community partnerships have been strengthened to ensure continuity of service.

Acknowledgments

On behalf of Hair Aid Community Cuts, we extend our deepest gratitude to the TCG Grant Program. Your investment has brought dignity, opportunity, and hope to some of the most vulnerable individuals in New South Wales.

The lives transformed through this project underscore the power of community support and the tangible difference strategic funding can make.

Prepared by:
Selina Tomasich CEO & Founder, Hair Aid Community Cuts

‍