Place Shields family

A PAKENHAM family has been given a helping hand from a generous donation. Sudanese refugee and single mother of three, Nyapar Chol was one of the first families to benefit from Windermere’s most recent and significant donation, named Malcolm’s Place.
Malcolm’s Place has been used by Windermere Child and Family Services since Noelene Shields donated the three-bedroom house to the organisation after her son Malcolm passed away in 2011.
The home has provided vital short-term assistance to families at risk of homelessness, housing two families since it was donated.
Ms Chol and her children, Kwalat, Nyamar and Latjor were homeless and couch surfing before being referred to Windermere’s housing program through WAAYS; they stayed at Malcolm’s Place for seven months.
“I am so happy and so grateful for Malcolm’s Place, and to Windermere for helping me and my children,” Ms Chol said.
The stability of regular housing allowed Ms Chol to find permanent accommodation through community housing and gave the young mum the opportunity to stay focused on her goals of providing for her children.
Ms Chol said their stay at Malcolm’s Place provided stability and a sense of security for the young family.
Since then, she has been able to complete her aged care course with placements, and is now in steady employment, providing in-home care for people with disabilities.
Windermere continued to support the family throughout their move, and still stays in contact.
More recently a mother and child moved into Malcolm’s Place, this family was referred through Windermere’s Victims Assistance Counselling Program. Victims of significant family violence and trauma, the mother and child needed somewhere safe to stay during their transition period.
Malcolm’s Place provides Windermere with a wonderful resource for clients, with access to much-needed stable accommodation in a time of need. Through the transition period, Windermere provides clients with support through its various programs and work together on exit options, with the ultimate future aim being private rental. Based on their stay at Malcolm’s Place, Windermere can then provide references for these families.
Windermere is able to continue providing transitional housing and support to those most in need, thanks to the generosity of Mrs Shields.
For more information, contact Windermere Child and Family Services on 9705 3200.