New Lou's is getting a helping hand
Our 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.
Our 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.
Several organisations in our generous community have donated time or goods. Balagna Design provided the architectural plans and is still helping us navigate certification and the build. A team from Decus Design, Rug Culture and Emma Blomfield Interiors are assisting with a fabulous fit out and procuring furniture from their wide network of suppliers. Winning Appliances, a new neighbour in Redfern, but a long-term friend to Lou’s Place, is donating high-quality laundry and cooking appliances.
We are so grateful to everyone who has brought us this far, but there is still much more to be done. Please jump on board and become a part of the renovation. Contribute to our joinery or plumbing budget! Donate the $500 we need for a microwave. Give $100 so we can buy new chairs - we need a lot of them! Head to our website and make a donation, making sure you put in the notes what it’s for.
If you’re feeling you could do more or want to talk about something specific, please send me an email. We’d love to hear from you. Alexa@lousplace.com.au
Lou’s Place Kitchen Volunteers
Nurturing 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.
Nurturing 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.
Oz Harvest continues to deliver produce, and TwoGood has been delivering meals as well. The Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah has also been delivering meals as part of their Saint Elesa Food Initiative. Most of the women coming to the door are our most vulnerable, unwell and often homeless. Lou’s staff have handed them groceries and multiple meals to encourage them to stay home (when they can) and other donations.
A few kitchen volunteers have shared their experiences:
With only my husband and me at home, and no opportunity to cook for large groups of friends and family, doing a big cook-up at home for Lou’s has been a most satisfying activity. When I’ve dropped off my meals, I have been greeted by some of the lovely women who come to Lou’s, and their gratitude has been heartfelt. I love the connections that I have made at Lou’s and can’t wait to get back in the kitchen … when we’re all allowed to be together again. – Ali
I miss my shifts at Lou’s. I love cooking while chatting to my kitchen buddy Jo. I miss the interactions we have with the women who come in, finding out what they’re up to, what they like to eat. Cooking at home for Lou’s has been fun too. Last week was super exciting with a police car on my tail on the way home. I was hoping they would pull me over so I could tell them about Lou’s Place! – Josephine
My big cook-up and drop off yesterday made for an extra busy morning but once delivered, the feeling of being able to contribute far outweighed all the effort. As much as I was on a high after dropping off the boxes, it's not quite the same as cooking on site. Food is such a binder… everyone appreciates a meal cooked from the heart. I am grateful for being able to contribute and I look forward to returning to Lou's kitchen real soon. - Jo
We are very grateful to Oz Harvest, Two Good and the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah for their continuing support. And a big thank you to all the kitchen volunteers – Ali, Josephine, Jo, Jan, Katie, Cristina, Sarah, Antonia and Judy. We look forward to having you cooking in the new kitchen again soon!
Lou’s Closet 2021
What 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.
What 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.
What a wonderful outlook across the fairways through large picture book windows! The relaxed atmosphere helped create an exciting mood in the clubhouse. With abundant space, the room looked fabulous with so many racks and tables of donated clothes, accessories, homewares, books and of course, jars of marmalade.
We didn’t know how Covid would impact the sale this year. Moving the event across two bridges, we weren’t sure how many people would make the trip. But our nerves settled after the doors opened on Monday at 9 am. We were thrilled with the number of people who came - and returned - over two days instead of the usual three days of trade.
$103, 000 was raised for Lou’s Place, breaking our 2019 record of $93,000. It’s a lot of work to curate this event. Many enthusiastic volunteers helped make this event possible, so we extend our gratitude to all of them for their time and energy.
We look forward to another wonderful Lou’s Closet in 2022. Please mark 2-3 May, 2022 in your diaries when we look forward to seeing you all again at the Manly Golf Club – Jenny Pridham & Jo Hyde
Always Mum Online Workshop Series
Writing 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.
Writing 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.
Amanda, a creative writing volunteer at Lou's Place, was a guest speaker for workshop 5/6 of the Always Mum Online Workshop Series. Amanda facilitated a one-hour letter writing workshop, where the mums were encouraged to think about fond memories they’ve shared with their kids. Amanda then supported participants to express this in letter format using descriptive words, feelings, senses, and creativity. All participants were given the opportunity to share their writing within the group, and receive Amanda’s feedback and suggestions. It’s been a therapeutic tool to create meaningful connections with their kids during difficult and uncertain times. All participants enjoyed this workshop and are excited to attend more.
85 women have completed Always Mum since its inception, and we have another 15 mums ready to start when we open again.
Lou’s Place is always open
We’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.
We’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. Always Mum staff created a workshop series with a suite of guest speakers so mums can come together, learn something new and gather evidence for their case. Mahasti created a group called The Happiness Chemical to help boost mood during lockdown and also ran a workshop during Women’s Health Week (6-12 September). Genavieve created DIY jewellery kits for women to get crafty at home. Lavender is running her regular domestic violence programs – A Women’s Worth and Boundaries: Birthright. Lavender and Jean are running a weekly check-in called Alone, Together. So many activities to help our clients connect!
A Good News Story
One 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.
One 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. Joining the groups and regular case management has made her feel like she is not alone. Lou’s also sent her some art and craft supplies, and she has taken comfort from this creative outlet. She is taking it day by day and enjoys the opportunity to connect with others and do activities that she loves. In doing A Woman’s Worth she said,
“Before the group I didn’t want to end the relationship, now I know I deserve better.”
We are so proud of everything Jeanette has achieved!
Lou’s Closet: June 7 and 8, 2021 - New Location
We 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.
We 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.
We need you to open your own closets for a thorough clean out and put aside the items you think someone may love to wear, thereby giving fresh life to a much-loved garment. We only accept donations in near new or pristine condition so please launder or dry clean before donating. The Closet has established itself offering high quality items, so we need to maintain this standard. We will come and collect from you or you can drop to the dedicated addresses (details below).
Drop off points:
- Pam Bartlett: 20 Wyuna St Point Piper: 0407 362 419
- Jo Hyde: 35 The Scarp, Castlecrag (on doorstop inside front gate): 0419 435 504
- Jenny Pridham: 1/31 Fairlight Crescent, Fairlight: 0414 942 725
- Jennie Kovacs: 5 Silex Rd, Mosman: 0415 451 475
- Alexa Haslingden: 25 The Crescent, Vaucluse: 0410 737 001
- Kate Armati: 1 McBride Ave, Hunters Hill: 0412 434 969
Manly Golf Club has a COVID-19 safety plan to ensure a safe shopping environment. As Lou’s Place celebrates its 22nd year of operation, the Closet is very proud to have played a significant supporting role for 11 years. It has raised more than $450,000 and in doing so, has highlighted the current social and environmental issues of re-using and extending the life of fashion resources, reducing landfill and the cost of fashion to the buyer. It has also strengthened the philosophy of Lou’s Place: “women helping women.” Your support is needed even more this year following the cancellation of last year’s event. Lou’s Closet’s success is incredibly important to the operation and inspiration of Lou’s Place. Please don’t forget us this year!
Thank you in advance.
The Lou’s Closet Team and the women of Lou’s Place
Creative Writing
I 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.
I 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.
- Lou’s Place Client (Anonymous)
Photography: Anna Turner, ‘The Doors Are Open’
Scholarship for Nicole Yade
Our 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).
Our 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). The General Manager Program is a 5-day intensive program bringing together general managers from different sectors and backgrounds. It focuses on the development of adaptive leadership and executive practice to tackle complex problems, while also providing a great networking opportunity.
As a result of the program, Professor Patrick Sharry and 2 MBA students have joined the Lou's Place team as volunteers. They’re working with Nicole to discuss how Lou's Place can reach more women in the years to come.
A New Staff Position for Lou’s Place
Lou’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.
Lavender and Mahasti at the client Christmas party
Lou’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.
Lavender’s position comes from Lou’s successful application for COVID stimulus funding through Women NSW. Lou’s Place is now able to expand its therapeutic and educational groupwork to clients who have experienced domestic violence. Two new groups have been established: the first, focusing on boundaries; the second, on mental health and wellbeing.
Lavender has also recently attended MATE Bystander training through Griffith University. MATE stands for ‘Motivating Action Through Empowerment.’ The program educates lay people to feel empowered to act against violence in our community. So often at Lou's Place, we receive calls from community members who suspect violence is happening to a loved one or even a neighbour, and they are unsure about what to do. This program seeks to change that. MATE is an innovative and evidence-based approach to changing domestic violence at a community level - because always leaving change to people who are experiencing violence is no longer considered enough.
We wish Lavender well in what will be a busy and challenging new role!
Lou’s Welcomes a New Community Services Coordinator
Jean 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.
Jean 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. Before joining Lou’s, she worked for the Department of Communities and Justice. She has extensive experience in assisting people with complex issues, particularly in relation to mental health, alcohol and/or drug use and trauma. She is responsible for the smooth running of the house, as well as supporting volunteers, students and clients. Jean says she has already learnt a great deal, and she is really looking forward to building more meaningful relationships with clients.
Plunkett Street Community Playgroup
We 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.
We 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.
We have a popular new yarning circle for our weekly story and music time. One of our favourite moments this term has been watching a 6-month-old baby sitting on his own, mesmerised by the story time book. He was so engrossed that Mum was able to leave him, go grab something from the other side of the room and come back without him noticing at all! What a joy to witness.
We have many children for whom English is their second language. A little girl who would not speak at all last year, now will not stop in her excitement to communicate. We currently have 5 families who speak Russian, and 3 of those children have no English. Our play teaches them and connects them with other local children. In addition, we provide information, developmental milestone guidelines and support brochures for our families.
Lastly, we’re also thrilled to have a paediatric physiotherapist visiting our group once a month. Thank you and welcome to Mandi Chau!
Always Mum
Always 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.
Photography: Anna Turner, Portrait of mother and child
Always 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. One such way is through mothers writing letters and emails to their children. We also offer the mums the opportunity to record themselves reading a story to their children in OOHC. Children missing their mums can hear their voice. We help the mums choose an age-appropriate story which they can connect to. For example, it was Mum’s favourite as a little girl, or it’s an Aboriginal story sharing culture and belonging. Volunteer Maryanne Galea has shown such compassion in helping the mums record their stories.
Anna Turner, our volunteer photographer, has been taking portraits of the mothers for the last two years, and her framed photographs sit on many bedside tables. Having a photo that mums are proud of helps them build their self-esteem, while reflecting their hard work and the change taking place in their lives. We are very grateful to both volunteers Anna and Maryanne for their involvement with Always Mum.
International Women’s Day 2021
While 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.*
While 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.* Lou’s Place held a vigil in Martin Place on Monday, 8 March. 66 pairs of shoes were placed on the ground to represent each life lost. Passers-by were invited to stop, reflect and place a flower beside a pair of shoes to honour the memory of each woman who died in tragic circumstances. Women of every age are at risk of violence and death every day in Australia. IWD provides a tremendous opportunity for Lou's Place to have meaningful discussions with community members about domestic violence.
*Thank you to the researchers at Destroy the Joint. 66 known deaths were registered from January 2020 to February 2021. Thank you also to Best Buds Florist for their donation of beautiful flowers, and for their ongoing support of Lou’s Place.
Postcards from Tomorrow
Thank 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?
Thank 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?
With messages from women of comedy, theatre, TV, dance, broadcasting, journalism, activism, philanthropy, politics, business and innovation, solo adventurers and Olympic champions, Postcards from Tomorrow is an intimate sharing of stories that provide personal histories filled with surprise, heartbreak, delight and inspiration.
In honour of International Women’s Day, Kim and many of the letter writers have shared excerpts from their letters on social media and throughout their personal networks. Lou’s Place is proud to share an excerpt from philanthropist and Lou’s Place supporter Skye Leckie, OAM.
We are also very grateful to artist Wendy Sharpe for her original artwork throughout the book which helps to capture the emotion and unique femininity of each letter. Throughout the book, you will also enjoy entertaining shots of many letter writers at the age of 21! Of course, most haven’t changed at all.
All proceeds from the book go to Lou’s Place (Thank you again, Kim). We hope you will consider purchasing a copy (click on the link below) and sharing it with family and friends.
Bursting at the seams – a new home for Lou’s Place
Lou’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.
Lou’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.
Sadly, our increasing client numbers have meant that we’ve really outgrown our terrace, and almost daily we have to put a sign on the door that Lou’s is full. This is hearbreaking, but we always find a way to see those in acute distress. However, it shouldn’t be this way. To continue with our mission, we are looking for larger premises to enable more women to access our case managers, resources, and therapeutic programmes. We also need to offer more accessible premises for our older and less able clients, who struggle with our steep internal stairs. Up to 20,000 women are homeless on any night in Sydney (ABS Census 2016) and this number continues to grow. We need to be able to help more vulnerable women in our community. COVID-19 has significantly impacted these women, not only with homelessness, but also mental health issues, domestic violence, unemployment, substance abuse and suicide.
Please join our campaign in whatever way you can. We have raised over 70% of the funds needed to purchase a new home, but we need more donations to get us across the line. Every contribution makes a difference. If you know an individual, foundation or family trust who may be interested in supporting our campaign, please contact Jacinta Clark, Capital Campaign Manager, and a Marmalade Foundation member. We would love to hear from you!
Email: Jacinta@lousplace.com.au
Home Sweet Home
For 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.
For 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.
We were thrilled that the Premier, the Lord Mayor and the Governor of NSW supported our work and posted pictures of themselves with their embroidered piece. Other state parliamentarians also got involved, including our local MP Alex Greenwich, and Bronnie Taylor, the Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women. This work has significantly raised the profile of Lou's Place on social media. More importantly, it has helped us keep women's homelessness front and centre in the minds of our decision makers.
We used embroidered pieces as we believe that the time, and love that goes into each piece makes homelessness harder to ignore. It’s also a good fit for Lou's Place given the many art and craft activities we run. 'Craftivism' or 'slow protest' is becoming more popular worldwide While it’s certainly easier to sign a petition online, some say it’s easier to ignore. With each piece of craft taking at least 3 hours to sew and assemble, the dedication and hard work of our community is indeed difficult to ignore!
Shortly after Homelessness Week, our General Manager, Nicole Yade, was called to State Parliament as an expert witness in the inquiry into the Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places. Nicole discussed homelessness as a gendered issue and called for more social housing and services to support women who have experienced complex trauma, including improved supports for women with mental illness and addiction. ‘Home Sweet Home’ is something that everyone in our community deserves.
L - R: Lord Mayor Clover Moore, ‘Home Sweet Home’ embroidered artwork by Sophie Cox, New South Wales Governor Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley.
Lou’s Place welcomes our new patron
Lou’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.
Lou’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.
The Governor has always made an effort to better understand the issues facing women experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges in our community. The Governor visited Lou’s Place soon after her appointment. She toured the service and sat with a group of Lou’s clients, asking them about their lives, and what had brought them to Lou’s. She was interested in their stories and what services and programmes Lou’s clients had found most helpful.
Like all of us, the Governor has had to pivot and re-imagine how she navigates her appointment. Recently, she invited Nicole Yade, general manager, and Alexa Haslingden, the Chair of The Marmalade Foundation, to a Zoom Catch up. She asked by name about each woman she had met at Lou’s, and what we were seeing at the coal face during the pandemic. With this kind of empathy and intellectual curiosity, we know our new patron will make a difference during her appointment. We are so grateful to be included in her patronages.
Our marvellous kitchen volunteers
We 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.
We 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. A small team of regular cooks, some with their families assisting, were the answer to being able to continue our essential lunch service. Our COVID-19 cooking team prepared beautiful meals and packaged them in take-away containers. The staff distributed meals from the front door, often giving several meals to encourage and enable our women to stay home as much as possible. Extra meals were frozen to keep our stocks up. Cooks worked in Lou’s kitchen every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
So, to those kitchen volunteers, a huge and heartfelt thanks for their steadfastness, bravery and the vital nourishment that they provided. And to everyone who has reached out with offers of help, thank you! As we continue to open up and bring more classes and services back into Lou’s Place, we need you now more than ever!
Lou’s Place art and writing competition
Lou’s Place would like to extend congratulations to Fiona, Sonia, Tara, Claire and Angelina as the winners of our 2020 Art and Writing Competition. Entries included poetry, autobiography, and a chapter of a book. We thank everyone for taking the time to share their insight, experience and beautiful messages.
Lou’s Place would like to extend congratulations to Fiona, Sonia, Tara, Claire and Angelina as the winners of our 2020 Art and Writing Competition. Entries included poetry, autobiography, and a chapter of a book. We thank everyone for taking the time to share their insight, experience and beautiful messages.
WOMEN
Women are wonderful, wild, wilful, whimsical at times.
Women are tender, gracious, thoughtful at times.
Women are strong, fierce and full of life.
Women are special and go through lots.
We support, guide, care and sometimes want to hide.
Women get hurt, ignored, mistreated, abused and contrived.
Women find love and hope to give life.
Women are peacemakers, we can smile through pain.
Women can also be a pain, but they smile through that and find peace again.
If you know a woman, be so grateful for that.
Give her a smile, hug, love and some light in her life.
Tara, April 2020