Jess, a young woman from Hawke’s Bay, came to Birthright with big goals and a long history of challenges. After time in care and years of instability, she was ready to invest in herself—starting with something as simple, yet symbolic, as getting braces. But a $180 consultation fee felt like a roadblock.
Supported by her Financial Mentor, Jess negotiated a $20 weekly repayment plan. It was her first small win—but it built confidence. From there, she began facing more daunting issues. She addressed gambling habits formed as a way to manage trauma, replaced them with gym sessions, and self-banned from online gambling sites.
Housing stability came next. Living in a cabin on her mum’s land, she negotiated down rental arrears and arranged automatic payments through Work & Income. Her next hurdle was a vehicle loan she couldn’t afford. With support, Jess made the bold call to return the car in exchange for a full debt write-off. Her experience was so well-documented that her financial plan was used as a training example by the Commerce Commission.
Then came a surprising victory: a creditor admitted to overcharging her and refunded $300 just before Christmas. For Jess, this wasn’t just about money—it was about feeling capable. A credit check confirmed she had no outstanding debts, a moment of relief and empowerment.
Now working with a Birthright counsellor, Jess is setting her own goals and achieving them. She’s living proof that long-term, wraparound support can transform lives.