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”
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 Support 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.”
