Impact Stories

Gemma had felt alone her entire life.

Trapped in thousands of dollars’ worth of debt, Gemma took on midnight shifts at work just to get by - but that took her further away from time with her son and left her feeling stuck in a never-ending cycle.

One day Gemma heard about CAP from a co-worker - who also happened to be a CAP Debt Coach - and that one conversation led her to discover so much more than freedom from debt.

Watch the video below and hear Gemma tell her incredible story of what happened when God reached into her life... and transformed everything.

Want more? Check out Gemma's tips for how to find riches in things that are free, and ways to teach tamariki the value of money.

Just two years ago Adam, who works full-time in logistics, was thousands of dollars in debt.

“I’d just spend [money] as it came, not thinking about tomorrow. I needed some help to get back on my feet."

So when he heard about a CAP Money course running at the marae connected to his local church, he knew he had nothing to lose.

Once there, Adam learnt money management skills which transformed his spending habits, and he found he developed a whole new mindset about money.

“Do I really need this? I ask myself that question every day… It's helped me shop wisely and on a budget.”

Since attending the course, Adam has managed to pay off ALL his debts! He’s also mastered the art of putting money aside for a rainy day.

A short time ago, Adam’s car needed costly repairs, and soon after, he needed an urgent tooth extraction. Before doing CAP Money this would have made him ‘stressed out’ – but Adam was able to use savings to cover both unexpected bills!

Adam is now relishing the ability to go after his dreams, including going away on a proper holiday, and saving hard to buy his first home. Adam's financial freedom has also given him the opportunity to explore new passions:

"I bought myself a violin two weeks ago. I don't know how to play... but this year I decided that I wanted to do something different. I've just gone through how to tune it, and then the next stage will be how to play it! CAP Money is keeping me focused and helped me to go for my goal.”

--

Sia, a brave mother of six, recalls having nothing in the cupboard before calling CAP.

"I would go looking for coins between chairs, just so we could get some bread... I would tackle a bill and another would pop up. I didn't know how to get out of it... I wondered is this it? Is this life?"

One day, Sia read an article in her local newspaper about a family - just like her - who'd received free help from Christians Against Poverty. Sia decided she wanted the same help, and courageously picked up the phone to call CAP for the very first time.

"I started feeling happier, like I was full. When I was with CAP, I had people that had my back, who believed in me." 

You can help another family like Sia's by giving regularly to CAP.

Dom's story

True friends know us, care about us and remind us that we are deeply valued. At our core, each of has a deep longing to be loved and to belong – a reflection of that fact that we were created for relationship. Sadly though, for many New Zealanders trapped by poverty, this longing goes unfulfilled. 

This was true for Dom, who craved relationships but kept everyone at arm’s length out of a deep-seated fear of being judged and rejected.

So when Dom began attending CAP Life Skills - and eventually a Release Group - she found so much more than just new skills...she found she belonged somewhere. A place where she was fully seen, known, and loved - just as she was.

Job Clubs: Lena's story

Rejected. Alone. Useless. 

This is how Lena began to feel about herself in the months she searched for work.

Lena just couldn’t get a foot in the door… that was, until she started attending her CAP Job Club. Check out the difference you’ve made for Lena!

Job Clubs: James' story

For years, James enjoyed a thriving career, until he injured his back. Suddenly, he was unable to continue working. He found himself struggling both physically and psychologically.

He started attending his local CAP Job Club - and discovered he wasn’t alone in his search for work. Best of all, his confidence has returned and he feels encouraged to continue his job search.

Watch his story below!

Job Clubs: Henry's story

When Henry moved to New Zealand with 15 years of work in the IT industry, he assumed he would be able to find work. He soon discovered it wasn't so easy.

So after months of searching for work, a friend suggested he try a CAP Job Club. Check out what happened next!

"There's no greater feeling on earth than saying 'Yes' to our kids!"

Before CAP, Mark and Carol were deeply in debt and just couldn't make ends meet. With their financial situation "snowballing" and their marriage on the rocks, Mark finally reached out to CAP for help.

"I felt like I was in this massive hole, and I was trying to get out. And then by calling CAP, there's this ladder coming over the hole coming down to meet me."

Two years on, life looks totally different for Mark, Carol and their family. Check out their powerful story and be inspired by their incredible turnaround!

What a year 2018 was! Thanks to you, CAP and local churches all over the nation, over 4100 people were helped through a free CAP service.

In many ways, 2018 was the biggest year yet for CAP - a record 263 people went debt free, and 202 people made a commitment to Christ.

But as you’ll read inside the Impact Report, beyond these numbers are people… 

They’re people whose lives have been turned around - marriages and families restored, children living in a stable home with food and warmth; people who have discovered a place of belonging as their local church* meets the unique needs of their community.

And – most importantly, they’re people who have discovered a fresh start in life through relationship with Jesus.

So, what are you waiting for? Download your copy and be inspired today!

Download your 2018 Impact Report

"CAP just bring the rainbows back!" - Lynda's Life Skills story

With a long-term injury that kept her out of work and mounting debts she’d struggled to pay off for years, Lynda couldn’t see a way forward.

“I didn’t know how I was going to make ends meet, [and] I went through depression; it felt like no light at the end of the tunnel.”

Yet one phone call would change everything. After booking an appointment for CAP Debt Help, Lynda got plugged into her local church.

With the support of a Debt Coach, Lynda realised she could start paying off her debts on her own. And, she decided to go along to the first-ever Life Skills course in Christchurch.

Lynda loved the group aspect: “Everyone was open, and they could share their stories, and I found that was more powerful than anything.”

She also picked up some life-long tips, like asking herself if something is a ‘want’ or a ‘need’ before buying. But most of all, Life Skills gave Lynda her confidence back. “My passion was starting to come back, I feel alive again,” she shares.

--

Life Skills is a friendly, fun community group that empowers people to thrive on a low income. Click here to find a Life Skills course near you - or, click here to find out how you can run Life Skills in your community!

Being in debt affected every area of Pam and Richard’s lives.

Richard was frustrated at the hopelessness of their situation, Pam felt she was treading on eggshells - and their six kids would completely avoid their dad. It got so bad that Pam used to hide in bed under the covers because she couldn’t face the day.

Thankfully, the couple found out about CAP Debt Help at a Work and Income appointment - and began to get the help with their debts they needed.

After beginning their journey with CAP Debt Help, their Centre Manager invited the family to a 'CAP Discovery Break.' As well as being a much-needed four-day holiday, the family attended workshops dealing with big issues in life, like unforgiveness and anger...and at the second session the whole family gave their lives to Christ!

And as they prayed, Pam recalls looking over at Richard: “It looked like he had just changed, a whole new person in front of me…it was like wow!”

They’re now regulars at their local church, and they play scripture games at dinner time!

Their home life is now completely transformed:

Pam says the kids – who were once scared of their dad and didn’t even talk to him - now joke around with him and tease him! “After coming from a home that’s like you got no food, you got nothing, and [now] they’re doing so well...and they love going to school, and they love going to church.”

In fact, the kids can’t wait to go to church and start asking very early in the week if they’re going this Sunday. And they’re up ready and waiting at 7:30am!

In a new city isolated from friends and family, and with mounting debt, Sean and Bex struggled to see a way out.

One day, they heard about CAP...and started a journey that would change their lives!

Click below to watch their full story!

Few words describe poverty better than the word loss.

And loss is exactly what Andy and Kathy were facing.

Unmanageable debt was forcing them closer and closer toward the complete loss of their marriage, their health - and their family life.

Desperate to escape the stress, Andy turned to alcohol. Some weeks they were left with just $80 to feed their family.

The couple hit rock bottom, and realising they were going to lose everything, Andy reached out to CAP.

Watch their story of transformation below!

For every family like Andy & Kathy's, there is another one who is on the brink of complete loss.

By giving a one-time, or regular gift, you can restore life to another Kiwi family!

Check out the newly-released CAP Newsletter!

The latest CAP Newsletter is a celebration of the thousands of Kiwis who received life-changing help in 2017 - made possible by the amazing generosity of people all over New Zealand.

It celebrates the milestone of 1,000 people going debt free over the last 10 years, and a total of 10,000 people through the CAP Money course. 

But, most importantly, it's full Kiwis who now have new-found freedom and joy. 

People like Sharon, Trina, and Gavin and Tennille.

So go on - hit download, and be inspired by the transformation happening in Aotearoa through CAP, the local church, and people like you!

Download March 2018 Newsletter

"I'm just out of words mate! I've paid off my debts!"

Almost every day, Kiwis receive the incredible news that they're debt free. Thanks to thousands of financial supporters who ensure CAP's services are available, people like Michael can be supported every step of the way.

Take a listen below to hear Michael's reaction to the news - it might just be the best minute of your day! 

And, to find out more about how you can support CAP, click the donate button above!

“CAP helped me get through some of the most difficult times of my life.”

Before Alpesh came to CAP life was a living nightmare.

“I didn’t know what to do or where to start or what was going to happen.”

Alpesh and his wife had a lot of debt – through bank loans and credit cards. The repayments seemed affordable when things were going well...but when Alpesh and his wife separated, all the debt went to Alpesh. A move to Auckland to find better employment proved futile and Alpesh found himself in a desperate situation.

“My rent was $150 a week and I was getting $148 a week in income, including money for food. It was a very difficult time,” he shares.

Alpesh began withdrawing from friends and people around him, afraid of being judged. He began ignoring phone calls from creditors – as many of our clients do prior to coming to CAP. But as his situation worsened he knew he had to do something, and he bravely took that first step and made a call to CAP.

“That first visit with CAP was very emotional...I felt like I was talking with friends. I felt so relaxed with them and I felt like they were people that were keen to help me. For the first time I felt like I wasn’t alone.”

With CAP’s Head Office team working hard to negotiate with Alpesh’s creditors, and working out a liveable budget for him, Alpesh was able to begin his journey out of debt.

CAP does everything by partnering with the local church, and as Alpesh found, this ensures clients receive holistic support, not just the practical, financial help that’s needed.

“CAP helped me get through some of the most difficult times in my life. When I was very stressed and had no idea what to do, they gave me ideas and support – financially, emotionally and spiritually.”

Alpesh was invited by his Centre Manager to attend church, and as he began to attend regularly, he found that his faith started to grow.

Today, Alpesh is debt-free and he sees a very bright future for his family. With a big smile on his face, he shares:

“The kids are so happy now, they’re so proud of me... I feel that we’re back on track, but the only reason for that is CAP. God planned it, but He used CAP to do it.”

Jan 2017

Church club rallies around woman, helps her find first job in New Zealand!

For Elaine, moving to New Zealand was supposed to be the answer to a better life, a safer home, more time with her kids and grandkids. She came with 20 years of work experience and a CV packed with solid references. After nearly 2 years of job-searching with no success, Elaine questioned everything –her skills, her value, and the God she once believed cared for her.

But when she walked into the CAP Job Club at her local church, she found a community that embraced her.

What did she learn most from that Club? ‘We had an employer come in and share about what they look for in interviews. It helped me think like an employer would, and it helped me learn to be myself in interviews.’

And, Elaine commented that it was ‘so good to meet people in the same situation’ she was in. She didn’t feel alone anymore – in fact, she started to make new friends! As Elaine became more comfortable in the group, her Job Club Coach Barry helped her strengthen her CV and coached her through mock interviews.

With the support of people who believed in her, Elaine began believing in herself again –and believing that God had something good for her.

After just a few weeks at the Job Club, Elaine secured her first interview in more than a year, which led to a second and third interview for that role.

Barry coached her throughout the process and at the end – they celebrated! In Elaine’s words – “Finding work totally lifted me up!” It made her believe she does have worth, and even more, that God had not abandoned her.

Budget, save, spend: How CAP Money changed one Kiwi’s life!

Elizabeth* is one of the many Kiwis whose life has been transformed by the CAP Money Course.

Before taking the course, she held a full-time and a part-time job, but still couldn’t make her finances work for her. In fact, she was working nearly 60 hours a week just to make ends meet.

“Before CAP Money, I used to just respond to emergencies – like the car, or the dentist – and I made no allowance for regular expenses. Life was stressful and I was always broke.

Instead of having money set aside in case I needed a tooth fixed, I just reacted when something happened. A lot of times, that meant my dental bill would be paid out of money I needed for food.”

1. Track expenses

On the first night of the course, Elizabeth saw just how quickly small purchases here and there add up over time.“ What I found was that I was spending up to $50/week onc offees and chocolate bars without really even realising it,” says Elizabeth.

2. Use Tools

To help track all of her incoming and outgoing money, Elizabeth started using CAP’s online tool – free to anyone who takes the course.

“CAP Money online has a line for every possible expense you should come across in a household. It made my budgeting so simple,” she shares.

3. Pay Cash

To keep better track of her money, Elizabeth draws out a week’s worth of grocery, petrol and pocket money in hard cash.

“I was skeptical because it seemed too simple, but it’s really helped me a lot,” she says. “It’s good because you can see exactly how much you have to spend.”

4. Set Goals

Setting savings goals is another cornerstone of the CAP Money Course –whether it’s for a holiday, a home or paying off debt! Elizabeth now has a five-year plan in place, and is moving towards her goal of putting down a deposit on a house. “I’d say within the next two to three years I’ll be ready to go!”

“The CAP Money course is such a service to New Zealanders; you meet others in the same situation and it’s free – which is the big difference. Without a doubt, I can say the CAP Money Course changed my life – and I’ve ditched the part-time job!”

*Name changed at request of interviewee

Overwhelmed by “mounds of debt”, Emma felt helpless and without hope.

Barely able to afford basics like food, Emma and her son eventually resorted to living in a garage just to get by each week. Simple extras like buying a birthday present left Emma sleepless and gripped by fear.

“I felt worthless as a mum…I was genuinely terrified. I didn’t know what to do.”

One day, Emma discovered CAP and chose to reach out for help. Watch her story to find out what happened!

Find out how you can help more Kiwis like Emma by visiting the donate page above.

“As an Occupational Therapist, my whole focus was to help people find purpose in life and to set goals. But with CAP, I’m able to give people a true sense of purpose – because I’m working through the church.”

Jo Knowles, Manager, Dunedin Debt Centre

When Jo Knowles was growing up, there were times her family struggled to make ends meet.

She trained as an Occupational Therapist, and became even more aware of others’ struggles and, as she went about her daily work, she witnessed real poverty and debt in the community around her.

While Jo loved her work as a therapist she felt a sense of frustration because she couldn’t openly share the love of Jesus with clients – and see them truly set free!

Fast forward several years when, as a stay-at-home mum of three, she came across this scripture which set her life on a different course:

Stand at the crossroads and look; Ask for the ancient paths, Ask where the good way is, and walk in it (Jeremiah 6:16)

Jo believed she needed to take a risk and ‘walk in it’… and that led her to put her hand up when Musselburgh Baptist decided to reach the Dunedin community by opening a CAP Debt Centre.

While deciding to become a CAP Centre Manager was a huge step of faith, Jo can now confidently say she has a clear way to both practically and spiritually help people:

“I love CAP! With CAP I go into homes but now I can share God’s love with people as well as give them a hope and a real practical solution – that just makes sense to me!”

As Centre Manager, Jo is taking Dunedin by storm; she’s excited about the church and local agencies working together to break the cycle of poverty… and change people’s lives!

One of Jo’s favourite moments so far was when she ‘did a food shop’ for a new CAP client who had nothing to feed her family:

“Seeing the joy in her face when we dropped off the food was incredible.”

The next day Jo took this same client to the bank, and to Spark to figure out some of the mess she was in. Jo said “Each time she experienced breakthrough and realised there was going to be a way out of the mess, I could see it sinking in with her… I just love seeing it happen right before my eyes.”

Josh and Ann.… enjoying the little things that mean so much.

Deeply in debt, Josh and Ann felt trapped: “It felt like we were sprinting on the spot. Life is not meant to be like this.”

The couple’s conversations were all about money…and their marriage was suffering. When they did have money, their choice became - should they buy food for their young family, or pay a bill? And which bill should they pay first?

It became easier to keep the kids home from school some days, because there was just no food for their lunch.

Josh and Ann had constant phone calls from creditors demanding money. A debt collection agency even came to their home and took the family car.

Being in so much debt isolated the family. And like two-thirds of our client families prior to CAP, Josh and Ann stopped leaving the house, even to attend family events:

“We didn’t want to see anyone, we kept to ourselves. We were ashamed. At birthdays, weddings, things like that we didn’t have any money, so I’d make up an excuse of why we couldn’t go.”

The couple called CAP, and thanks to you, the family could receive the help they desperately needed to break out of their impossible situation: “As soon as CAP came into our home, a whole weight was just lifted off – we didn’t have to deal with it.” The constant pressure from creditors stopped – and they could buy food for the family!

Ann now tells everyone about CAP and how their lives have been transformed. The couple who used to avoid family events, now have family members marvelling at how far they’ve come.

One of Ann and Josh’s hopes for the future is that their children won’t repeat their mistakes: “We try and teach them, and advise them about budgeting. I tell them…if you want something, pay cash.”

When CAP rang the couple with the good news that they were debt free, Ann was so overwhelmed: “I just stood there and cried.”

What do Josh and Ann enjoy doing now as a family, that they couldn’t before? Getting ice-cream!

Yes that’s right – they can go out together for ice-cream. It’s these little things in life that are so important to a family – and they’re simply out of reach when you’re drowning in debt.

So from their family to you – THANK YOU! Their family life has turned around, because of you:

“Going for ice cream is a big thing. We can go along the beach in public, eating our ice-cream, without feeling guilty we’re not paying a bill!”

2015

“Every time I talk about my job, it just brings out a big smile on my face.”

When Nia joined a Job Club at her local church, she’d been out of work for eight years.

Nia left the workforce to be a stay-at-home mum for her four children.

As her children grew up, and the years ticked by, some doubts about re-joining the workforce crept in. Her self-belief suffered. Nia doubted herself so much that she wondered if she’d ever find work again.

“I had no confidence in myself to go back and look for a job.”

Nia heard about Job Clubs after attending another CAP programme, CAP Money. She decided to go along, but doubted Job Clubs could help her! Even when she turned up for the first time Nia wondered to herself “Am I in the right place?”

But Nia soon realised that everyone there was in the same boat: Although everyone was from different backgrounds, their common goal was needing support to get a job.

And, very quickly, all the Job Club members found they were a support to each other!

“We were really motivated by each other and inspired by all our different stories and backgrounds.”

Nia had no hesitation going back to the Job Club, week after week.

What impacted her the most? Finding out that her stay-at-home-mum skills are actually transferable to the paid workforce! Over many years of running a household, Nia is an expert in time management and has developed great organisational abilities!

Barry, her Job Club coach, helped Nia write these skills into her CV, in a professional way.

He also set her a ‘homework’ task – to talk to a good friend, and ask what were the best qualities she saw in Nia.

So Nia talked to her friend Janice, and later, when she saw a teacher aide job advert, Janice immediately thought of Nia. Within days, Nia had applied for her first paid job in over 8 years and had a job interview booked!

Barry helped Nia prepare for her upcoming interview by coaching her with interview skills. They also role-played the interview together – with Barry acting as the employer. “That helped me with my confidence as well because it’s been years since I had been for a job interview,” says Nia.

Happily the interview went extremely well and – you guessed it – Nia got the job!

Nia now works alongside Year 1 and 2 pupils as their teacher aide and she just loves it! What’s more, the hours are perfect and she can be home after school for her own kids.

Already this former stay-at-home-mum is going the extra mile in her job, by running a Samoan cultural group for the school.

“I went in to the Job Club feeling inadequate, but when I left, a confident person walked out.”

“Having gone through everything we’ve gone through, we want others to know there is hope and that God loves them.”

When Robert and Katie came to CAP, they were desperately searching for a way out of the debt that was ruining their marriage and breaking down their family.

Today, because of CAP, and their local church, they have paid off their debt, and their family is stronger than ever. Katie also now works for CAP – supporting local churches around New Zealand to help even more families to find the same freedom from debt that she and Robert experienced!

Abbey engages with church leaders and congregations up and down the country – sharing about CAP, and journeying with them, as they consider taking on a CAP ministry at their church.

Abbey, what inspires you?
I’m inspired everyday by the stories that come in from our church partners and the clients they are working with – the love, courage, grace and salvation that is happening in communities is so inspiring.

What do you love about your job?
I love that we really do walk that journey alongside a church – answering questions, providing resources and encouragement, workshopping and trouble-shooting challenges.
More than 27 Christian denominations partner with CAP, with churches ranging in size from 30+ and people of all ages and backgrounds step into ministry – I love that!
I love that as a team, we are able to support churches across the country in prayer…. and that’s not just for churches who we partner with…we pray for all the churches we connect with!!

What do you have faith for this year?
I’d love for CAP ministries to be in new churches and new communities across New Zealand. Every week, there are people calling for help, and there isn’t yet a church running a Debt Centre, Job Club, Release Group – or our new Life Skills – in their communities – and that is heartbreaking. I’d love to be in a place where we never have to turn away someone who is reaching out for help.

And the best thing about working for CAP?
The PEOPLE!! I work with extraordinary people every day – in the Head Office, in our network and in churches across the country!!