This is Tessa’s story, edited to keep her from being identified and to help you read. Quotes are Tessa’s own words. Names have been changed.

Before I connected with Good Shepherd, life felt a bit like an uphill battle. As a solo mother of three, I was facing financial struggles without any family support to lean on. 

“I felt really alone and desperate and in a corner. I was struggling with a lot of other things, not just my finances, as a solo parent. Life was in a dark place.”

It wasn’t until my car was on its last legs that I found out scammers had been using my account, which completely tanked my credit score. It was a nightmare that took several months to sort out. I can’t begin to describe the anxiety I felt every day, driving an old car that could break down at any moment. I needed a new car badly, but my credit score made it nearly impossible to get a car loan from a traditional lender.

“I was also really worried that if I was accepted somewhere how I was going to pay the interest. Some companies advertised saying they would help, but the interest rates were just insane.”

I first heard about Good Shepherd through a Facebook group called “Mums on the benefit.” Women like me shared stories of how Good Shepherd had helped them without judgement. I did my research and decided to give it a shot. What drew me to Good Shepherd was their Christian values, their genuine care for people and their commitment to thoroughly understanding each applicant’s financial situation. It was a relief to know they wouldn’t just look at my credit score and dismiss me. I’ve been through a lot in my life. As a single mother on a benefit with no family support, I’ve faced a lot of stigma and tough deals — but my experience with Good Shepherd was different.

“I applied for finance before, and it was a horrible feeling. It felt like they were there to make money off of me… It was so different with Good Shepherd. I imagine it would be more like how a family member would treat you, where they were seeing how they could help you.”

Working with Good Shepherd was a game-changer. They gave me a loan to buy a car, and the impact was immediate. My constant anxiety started to lift. Having a reliable car gave me peace of mind and started to make everything easier. But it wasn’t just about the car. It was about how Good Shepherd made me feel — respected, uplifted and hopeful. By going through my finances with me in detail during the application process, it showed me I could not only afford the loan, but I could also trust myself to manage it responsibly.

“It gave me a strong feeling of hope because they looked really closely at my finances, and they could see that I could afford it. It really made me feel really good. It gave me a renewed outlook on humanity in general.”

My financial struggles haven’t disappeared, but having a functioning vehicle has made a huge difference. I’m proud to say I have been successfully paying it off too. There are still tough days. I had to put my work on hold because of burnout. I also worry about potential mechanical issues with the car — but I’m managing. It feels good to know Good Shepherd will be there if anything else goes wrong.

I have big hopes for the future. I want to continue to heal from the trauma of the past, build resilience and find work that fits my family’s needs and my values. Ultimately, I dream of moving off the benefit, making enough to take care of my family, and achieving a healthy balance between work and home life. I don’t want my kids to miss out on anything.

“I’m hoping to be building from strength to strength. I want to heal and grow stronger.”