The wonderful Kim Chandler who created the book "Postcards from Tomorrow" two years ago, is very kindly doing another fundraiser for us - this time with Archibald winning artist Wendy Sharpe. We would love to support this initiative, please join Kim and Wendy at Her Shoes Fundraising Art Exhibition Opening Night, April 29, 2022 at 6:00 PM Juniper Hall, Paddington.
Read MoreOur new premises in Redfern is a busy place these days. A talented Irish concrete team has just finished building a new access ramp to enable all women to come into Lou’s. Our builder, James Taylor, and his team are framing up a new kitchen and bathroom. He has looked after us for many years in the Cross. It’s been heart-warming how many tradespeople are helping to make our new premises possible by doing work below regular rates.
Read MoreNurturing our women through delicious meals remains a key element in helping the women of Lou’s Place. Thanks to an incredible group of regular volunteers, our home-cooked meal service never stopped throughout the lockdowns; it has merely changed shape. Lunches have been cooked at home and placed in take away containers for the staff to hand out to anyone who comes to the door.
Read MoreWhat a huge success Lou’s Closet 2021 was. A new location and shorter sale time frame could not deter this amazing group of volunteers from breaking all previous records!
We held our 2021 Lou’s Closet Sale in June at the Manly Golf Club, the first time it had been held in a function room in the 12 years since its conception. The Closet has always been held in private homes across Sydney. With the arrival of Covid in 2020 and subsequent restrictions, last year’s sale was postponed.
Read MoreWriting is a powerful tool that can give clarity to thoughts and help us connect to our own self and others. With many face-to-face contacts between mums and kids in out of home care being cancelled due to COVID restrictions, letter writing can be a meaningful, creative and novel way to connect with them during this period.
Read MoreWe’re always busy at Lou’s! There have been 90 new intakes since lockdown began in June. Our staff have been busy pivoting our programs and offering support over the phone and in the digital world.
Read MoreOne of our clients, Jeanette (name changed), has been participating in the Lou’s Place online Domestic Violence groups during lockdown. She feels grateful to have found a safe place to be herself and feel supported during these isolated and difficult times.
Read MoreWe are extremely excited to announce Lou’s Closet will be open for business in the stylish Manly Golf Clubhouse where you can discover a gorgeous array of donated clothes and accessories.
Read MoreI live in a house, but I desperately want to live in a home. To live in a home filled with love is my number one priority. A home is where I can feel safe, where I can make it my own, and where I can develop a sense of pride. I want to feel the contentment of coming home after a day out, where I can breathe and relax and feel safe. This is where I can start to work on my self-knowledge and self-improvement. I want it to smell fresh and inviting. And be proud to have visitors feel comfortable there.
Read MoreOur General Manager, Nicole Yade, was recently awarded a scholarship from the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to complete the General Manager Program (GMP).
Read MoreLou’s Place is thrilled to announce the new staff position of Domestic and Family Violence Case Manager. Lavender Bates (previously Lou’s Place Community Services Coordinator) has taken up this 12-month role, which complements her recent completion of a Master of Social Work.
Read MoreJean Parker, our new Community Services Coordinator, initially joined Lou’s Place as a student in late 2020. She is completing a Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) and has several years’ experience in the community care sector, client relations and business management.
Read MoreWe are thrilled to say – YES WE ARE BACK! 2020 was a difficult time for our playgroup. We closed in March and re-opened in November in a modified, COVID safe way, with an average of 6 families per week. 2021, however, has seen as many as 26 families attending each week, with tremendous gratitude from them for our support. A huge shout out to our dedicated team of volunteers, and Leanne, our teacher, who help to make this possible.
Read MoreAlways Mum is a program at Lou’s which works with women who have children in Out of Home Care (OOHC). The mothers complete a 10-week group work program which offers comprehensive case management and advocacy, while helping them to rebuild their relationships with their children.
Read MoreWhile International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day to celebrate the achievements of the wonderful women in our lives, it’s also an opportunity to consider how far we must go to protect women and children from violence. 66 women in Australia have lost their lives as a result of violence since January 2020.*
Read MoreThank you to the author Kim Chandler McDonald for her tremendous effort in pulling together the book, Postcards from Tomorrow, a compilation of letters from over 270 Australian and international women to their 21-year-old selves. What would you say to your 21-year-old self? If you had the chance, what would you like young women today to read about and ponder?
Read MoreLou’s Place is very excited to announce a Capital Campaign to raise funds for a larger, more suitable permanent home, so that we can double the number of women we care for. 21 years ago, Lou’s Place opened in our warm, homey terrace house on Victoria Street, Kings Cross. Our terrace has not only been a symbolic home for many of our clients, but it has allowed us to provide a safe, supportive place for women in need, while helping them to heal and rebuild their lives.
Read MoreFor Homelessness Week (2 – 8 August), Lou's Place worked with the theme 'Home Sweet Home,' calling for a home for every homeless woman in our community. With the assistance of Sophie Cox, an embroidery artist, and a team of volunteers, 25 artworks were embroidered and sent to State Parliamentarians, the Governor of NSW and the Sydney Lord Mayor.
Read MoreLou’s Place welcomes The Governor of NSW, her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AO, QC, as our new Patron. The Governor has had an extraordinary career, grounded in her commitment to human rights, social justice and service to the people of NSW. There is no one who better personifies our values or mission.
Read MoreWe all know that at Lou’s Place our volunteers are our heart and soul. The incredible dedication of a small group during our initial lockdown in Sydney has been a most poignant indicator of their compassion. As everything closed around us, Lou’s remained open. Everyone was pivoting to try to manage as well as possible.
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