The mission of Lisieux Community is to provide support and education for women who have survived trauma, addiction, prostitution, and life on the streets. We believe that these women do not begin a life on the streets on their own, but through the culture in which we live; we want to inspire change to transform the culture itself, while supporting each woman as she strives to achieve her goals. Our little home off Summer Avenue has served hundreds of women – some daily, some weekly, some monthly. Others we have met just one time. The community that is Lisieux includes a combination of dedicated staff and volunteers who live and breathe the vision to “meet women where they are.”
We do not ask questions. We have no agenda. We are just here to love each woman that walks through the door. On Mondays, from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m., we are open to the public for showers, a hot meal, laundry services, and community. We provide the women with essentials: toiletries, snacks, feminine hygiene products, Narcan, condoms, and other things they need to survive life on the streets. We provide a respite – a safe place they are welcome to just be who they are. Over time we hope to establish a relationship with each woman. Sometimes, they trust us enough to ask for help. The remainder of the week we help each woman maneuver and manage the community resources available to help them. We help them get an ID and Social Security card. We help them apply for food stamps. We connect them to healthcare, mental healthcare, and dental care. We even take them to their appointments, and if necessary, stay with them so they are more comfortable. If they have no other means, we pay for their medications. If they ask, we help them with detox and rehabilitation services. We help them connect to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. We are their advocate. On Thursday evening we provide street outreach to the women who call Summer Avenue home. We provide each woman with necessities: a care bag of snacks and toiletries, feminine hygiene products, Narcan, condoms, blankets and sleeping bags. When possible, we provide them with a meal. Whether on the street or at the drop-in-center, our trauma-informed services are offered without strings attached. There is never an expectation and never a cost.
