This year, Lou’s Place hit a major milestone— its 25th birthday. And like any great celebration, there was plenty of cake, fun and reflection. During the day, we celebrated with clients, serving up a special BBQ lunch and cake, culminating in a few rowdy games of Bingo. That evening, we swung open the doors and welcomed a large group of supporters and friends. For some, it was the first time seeing our new, much larger space, while for others, it was an opportunity to chat with staff about their different roles and how our drop-in services and programs support the many women now coming to Lou’s.

Alexa Haslingden, Chair of Lou’s for the past 8 years, thanked everyone for their contribution in helping Lou’s become the midsize, well-respected women’s service it is today. She also formally introduced Rebecca Fitzpatrick as the new Chair, passing the baton. However, by far the most poignant moment of the evening came when Maureen (name changed), who visits Lou's Place, shared her story. The room fell silent as she spoke about the impact Lou’s has had on her life, reminding us all why we were there.

Maureen’s Story

My name is Maureen, and I am 45 years old.

The first time I ever engaged with Lou’s Place, I was an absolute mess, emotionally and physically. I was pregnant with my fourth child. My other three children had been removed from my care a few months prior. I was still with their abusive father and I had no family to turn to.

My mother went missing when I was 8 years old after leaving me in the care of my father. It wasn’t until 4 years later that she was found buried under a house. She had been violently murdered by her new partner. My father kicked me out at the age of 13, and I had my first child at the age of 16.

After having my first child, my life was filled with abuse at the hands of my partner, the father of all my children. I eventually turned to drugs and alcohol. For many years, all my life consisted of was abuse, drugs and alcohol, which then eventually led to the removal of three of my children. In 2006, I found out I was pregnant with my fourth child, who was removed from my care at birth.

After having my newborn baby unable to leave the hospital with me I found myself at my lowest point possible. I started drinking uncontrollably until I would black out. I gave up my house and became homeless. I had lost all hope. I eventually came to the CBD and found a refuge on Victoria Street.

I was lucky enough that this refuge was close to Lou’s Place. I started coming to Lou’s Place and they helped me with drugs and alcohol rehabilitation, helped me gain access to housing and supported me with clothing, toiletries and furniture when I needed it.

They also offer an amazing, parenting program called “Always Mum” which helped me gain access to my youngest son, gave me confidence, and gave myself and other struggling mothers a safe place to share our stories in and environment where we didn’t feel judged.

Lou’s Place were able to later help me with doing a construction course and to get my traffic control ticket which then helped me gain employment.

A few years ago, my daughter was having some struggles, and I was able to bring her into Lou’s Place. They jumped right into action to help and support her. The first day she came in, they provided her with crisis accommodation and vouchers and then eventually assisted her with permanent housing and then later they helped to have her eldest child returned to her care after them being separated for 7 years.

Lou’s Place is truly a community of women helping women. We all have our own issues but we never feel judged here. I have made a lot of great friends at Lou’s and I am always happy when I am able to bring a friend here that is needing support.

Here at Lou’s Place, they provide breakfast and lunch 5 days a week and for some women, the only time they have a decent meal is when they drop in here.

Coming to Lou’s, you know you always have access to food, toiletries, a free phone to make any calls you need, access to computers and internet, support with housing, access and referrals to other support services, assistance with filling out forms, assistance in times of crisis, financial hardship assistance, support letters and everyday things that especially homeless people can’t easily get.

Lou’s Place is the only drop-in centre that is solely for women and does not allow men. A very amazing thing is that you don’t need a referral to come here, like you do with pretty much every other service.

I am an alcoholic, I don’t take any other drugs, but I do drink about 2 days a week, I also have COPD, a lung disease. This makes it difficult for me to work at times, especially in the colder months of the year as I work in traffic control and often have 1am starts. But it’s a massive relief to know that I can always rely on Lou’s Place to help with assistance or even just to be able to come in for a meal or a friendly chat.

Lou’s Place is one of a kind, and a safe haven for women, no matter who they are.

I currently have my own home, I am employed, I have a great relationship with my children and grandchildren, and I’m part of an amazing community of women here at Lou’s. I’m no longer homeless, or in an abusive relationship and I no longer take drugs.

I know where I was, I know where I could have been, but look where I am today, and I have Lou’s Place to thank for that.

Lou’s marks its 25th birthday celebration