Veronica, shows the strength, resilience and success that can turn a person’s life around with the practical help that organisations such as Bowden and Westside can provide.

Veronica first came to UCW Bowden in October 2009 and she was suffering. Her self esteem had taken a battering as she was trying to come to terms with a marriage break up. The break up had resulted in financial difficulty and she was left with a five year old child to support and guide through life. Their stress as a one parent family was compounded because they had no where to live – this was not how her life was supposed to be.

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Nick Amri is a UCW Bowden client who, at a recent parenting course, told the group about his 5 month journey of life change. Nick lives with a disability, and although he is unable to work, his family has always been able to get buy on the limited funds they do have.  This year in May was the first time Nick had sought assistance at UCW Bowden.  His son was soon to obtain his driving license and Nick dreamed of buying a family car however couldn’t see how this may be possible.

After making an appointment with UCW Bowden’s Multicultural Officer, Masoud,  Nick was helped to complete the paperwork and fortunate to obtain a Step Up Loan.  Masoud was also able to obtain additional finances to install a remote controlled roller door at Nick’s home to make it easier for him to open with his disability.   

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Tom’s mum first contacted UnitingCare Wesley Bowden whilst she was being treated for breast cancer. She and her two daughters, who suffer from mental health issues were being cared for and supported by Tom, who is not even a teenager yet himself. Tom has little help from other family members as his grandparents are very ill and his father is not around.

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A courier driver who came to UnitingCare Wesley Bowden for assistance was working long hours but not making much money after having to pay $220 per week to hire the delivery van that he drove.  With the help of a counsellor his wife applied for a Step Up loan to purchase their own van.  The counselling team were all delighted when the NAB approved the loan application because it was going to make such a huge difference to their financial situation by no longer having to pay $220 per week to hire a van.

Max’s daughter, Emilia was diagnosed with a terminal illness four months ago. She had already been through so much prior to her diagnosis and she was facing the prospect of even more hospital visits and operations.  If this wasn’t enough, the expense of medical bills was stacking up against Max and he was not able to work full time hours due to taking care of Emilia. Max had reached a point where he could barely afford to pay the bills for all of Emilia’s treatment and the prospect of having to feed and clothe his family was too much for him.

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Calla and her young 4 children were living in a 2 bedroom unit. With no job and no partner to support her Calla was struggling financially and emotionally to keep control of the situation. The final straw came when Calla’s ex husband removed the children from her care during an access visit.

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A story relating to ill health

A financial counsellor at UnitingCare Wesley Bowden met with a middle aged couple who both were working.  The husband had been diagnosed with a rare blood cancer and given a very poor future outlook. They both had to quit work, as he needed 24-hour care.  The husband was put on to Disability Support Pension and his wife on a Carers Payment.  The couple had debts; the main ones being a credit card and a personal loan which were both in the wife’s name.  The couple were very stressed and depressed, asking the financial counsellor about bankruptcy. The wife was on anti depressants and they were in no condition to be haggling with the bank.

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