Clients

We’d like to let the women of Lou’s tell you why they come to this women’s drop-in centre in their own words.

We asked them to either write it down or talk it through, and this is what they said.

I come here for everything! I come here for help.

I have been coming to Lou’s Place for around 10 years.  I am a rough sleeper, meaning I have been on the streets for the larger percentage of this time.

Lou’s is a friendly place where everyone has a right to feel safe.  There are many social activities which benefit most in many ways.  You can have showers, do washing and there are lovely home cooked meals always made from fresh produce.  I also find the staff, who are lovely ladies, do their best to assist with just about anything, such as D and A counselling, employment, housing and chat.

It is a relaxed environment and you can do things at your own pace.  I am currently in the process of establishing a foundation by gaining stable housing.  Once I’ve reached this goal I will move on to employment and training, then bigger and better things.

There is a doctor who attends Lou’s weekly as well as legal assistance and case workers.  I always find that no matter what there is a friendly smile or a shoulder to cry on at Lou’s.

-KT

I was a rebel, a wild one.  This place tamed me, taught me my manners and skills of running a house.  My responsibilities as an adult.  Having a house, an animal and taking a course at TAFE to better my career.

-KI

Two Clients’ Experiences at Lou’s

Client K

Client K had been homeless for 12 years when she came to Lou’s Place.  She was a heavy user of heroin and worked in the sex industry to support her drug habit.  Our dual diagnosis drug and alcohol and mental health worker began working closely with K in January last year.  Over a couple of months she persuaded her to go to the MTAR Rehabilitation Unit for 3 months. During this time we were able to find her an apartment in Daceyville through the Department of Housing.  We then helped her with budgeting so that she could pay her bills on time, instigating a folder system for this purpose and also to manage her medications for mental illness.  She is now losing weight and attending jewellery making and sewing classes at Lou’s.  We continue to monitor her progress.

Client S and Baby T

Just last week a woman at Lou’s Place went into labour and refused to go to the hospital as she had a problem with marijuana and was frightened DOCS would take her baby away. An ambulance was called and a staff member accompanied her to the hospital. Client S gave birth to a healthy baby boy who was put into care while Lou’s Place secured accommodation for S and helped take her through her options and reflect upon her choices. As of today, Lou’s Place has secured S a place in 24 hour supported rehabilitation at Triple Care Farm where she will be reunited with her baby son. There is a long road ahead but at least Lou’s Place ensured the health of the baby and mother were not compromised at birth and has now placed them in circumstances where both baby and mother can be monitored, educated, nurtured and protected.