It is just over eighteen months since a new era for Lou’s Place commenced and it opened its doors from its new home in Redfern. The bigger facility has meant helping more women and for the first time in its 24-year history, they have needed to roster women for their busier classes. The premises are now truly a home-base for many of the women and its daily lunch service now regularly serves 40+ meals!
Lou’s Place is Sydney’s only community-based day-time refugee for women and provides free meals, drop in services including legal and medical aid, individual case management and therapeutic group work programs. It is a low-barrier centre which means even if clients are still struggling with addiction and mental health issues they still will be welcomed.
Two unique programs provided by Lou’s Place are at the core of their support services. Always Mum is a ten-week program supporting mothers with children who have been removed and are in out-of-home care. 102 mums have completed this program since 2019 and 22 children have been restored to their mother’s care. The second program, known as Connecting through Change, is a seven-week workshop which investigates the drivers and impact of domestic and family violence. Its aim is to focus on both the victim and survivors’ strength and resilience to help the women through their healing journey.
The Ottomin Foundation is a long-time supporter of Lou’s Place and recurrent donor. In addition to our annual financial support, this year the Foundation has funded $57,000 for the replacement of the leaky roof.
