“Lakewood Co-op is a big part of my life and holds a lot of special memories for me. I have made a lot of great friends and am part of an amazing community,” Lakewood Co-op member, Sally.
Finding a place to call home took some time for Sally. Living in ‘limbo’, Sally moved from bedsit to bungalow. “I wasn’t able to really live. I’d never experienced true stability with regards to housing. Being on a pension and finding rent that I could afford was a stressful rat race. There was no point in unpacking boxes because I was always on the move.”
An opportunity, over 10 years ago, to take part in a personal and community development program run by CEHL (at Lifeworks in Ringwood) led Sally to become one of the members of Lakewood Housing Co-operative.
I cried tears of deep joy when I received the letter to say that I had been offered a home at Lakewood and I have always viewed it as a wonderful gift from CEHL.
I never thought in a million years that I would ever have an opportunity to settle.
Through the support of co-op members and CEHL’s Co-op Development Coordinator, Sally’s confidence in her own abilities has grown, she’s taken on roles as Co-op Secretary and is now is on the Member Selection Committee.
Being part of the co-op, I’ve come out of my shell.
While the extensive refurbishment works are underway at Lakewood, co-op members are currently rehoused in the local area. It’s been especially challenging during COVID lockdowns and Sally can’t wait to get back to Lakewood and connect with her co-op community.
The best thing about being part of a co-op is the sense of community – not feeling alone and making so many new friends.
I can’t wait to get back to my apartment, games nights, sharing food – we are like a big family.