Allie came to Good Shepherd for a loan. While working with her, our team member learned she was experiencing economic harm due to family violence. Allie did not qualify for a loan. We decided to tap into our grant fund as part of wider economic harm support. In response, Allie sent the following email (lightly reworded and anonymised to keep her safe).

“Hello, my name is Allie. I’m 34 and mother to five children. Recently I finally took steps to leave a life of violence and emotional pain — more for my children than myself if I’m being honest.  

Life wasn’t kind to me growing up. I didn’t feel safe or happy. I thought violence and cruelty were normal things. We lived in poverty and I thought this kind of life was standard. 

I had next to nothing when I left my relationship. It was a hard and humbling experience. I was struggling to get out of bed and do the most basic tasks. I have a degenerative disorder that causes pain and fatigue, and affects many areas of my health including causing heart trouble, hair loss, skin tears and digestion issues. It also makes my teeth crumble. 

A few years ago my teeth were wiggling like a young child’s. Years of violence and poor health made the pain in my teeth unbearable. With no money to fund new teeth, I was desperate to have them gone, so I had them pulled out. After this I didn’t leave the house much. I could see people staring at my mouth when I spoke and I felt so embarrassed. 

Recently my therapist recommended getting in touch with Good Shepherd for help with debt resulting from abuse in my relationship. I didn’t want to because I thought I would be judged for poor spending choices — when you’re not doing well you don’t always make the best choices. I applied for a Good Shepherd loan, expecting this to be another let down and believing I deserved that. I was contacted by a kind man who didn’t judge me, gave his time freely, and showed me empathy. He also connected me with his colleague Vanessa. 

I didn’t qualify for a loan, but she helped me make a plan for managing my debt and chatted to me like I’m a normal person. It felt amazing to be supported by this kind and bubbly person. I really didn’t expect what happened next. I found out I’m getting teeth! Vanessa said a grant would pay for the dental work I need. After four years of having no teeth and no confidence in any situation that requires talking, I am being helped with teeth. Now I’ll be able to talk to my kids’ teachers, and have simple appointments where they won’t look at my mouth when I speak.

It’s the beginning of maybe a more confident, newer self. I’m so incredibly grateful for your help.

P.S. Your staff are those people on the planet who make it less crappy”.