The Salvation Army is an international movement operating in more than 125 countries. It has been serving the Australian community for 139 years, engaging with every demographic and every age group. From big cities to country towns and isolated homesteads, The Salvation Army gives hope where it’s needed most to over 152,000 people every year.

A recent review of Salvation Army clients found that more than 60% of people who access the Salvos’ Moneycare financial counselling service are women. Moneycare provides information and support to help individuals, couples and families through a range of financial situations. This includes establishing budgets and repayment plans as well as dealing with debt collectors. In the past 12 months, Moneycare supported more than 18,000 people with financial counselling.

These services are a lifeline of hope for people like Elizabeth. Divorced with adult children, Elizabeth was grieving the loss of both parents, living with her sister in a new town, battling health issues and had bills piling up.

Eventually, Elizabeth took the advice of her counsellor and contacted The Salvation Army’s Moneycare service. “A weight lifted off my shoulders,” she says. “We got all my finances worked out.”

Elizabeth’s financial counsellor, Debbie, helped develop a budget and payment plan. Debbie also liaised with companies Elizabeth was in debt to and helped her communicate with Centrelink.

After working with Debbie for many months, Elizabeth was able to secure her own rental accommodation, which she shares with a flatmate. She also secured two NILS (No Interest Loan Scheme) loans for necessary medical apparatus.

With her life back on track, Elizabeth began to volunteer with her local Salvos and Moneycare service. Thanks to The Salvation Army, Elizabeth says, “I have a life now!”

Every day, The Salvation Army Moneycare service supports people who are facing financial trouble due to problems managing debt, budgeting issues and their own health. More than one quarter of the clients who recently accessed Moneycare’s services were over 55 years of age.

“Older women have become the unexpected face of poverty in Australia,” says Salvation Army Officer Major Paul Moulds. “Their life as a primary carer, in the majority of cases, sets back their superannuation and employment options later in life.”

The Salvation Army is committed to transforming the lives of Australians. This life-changing work is only possible through the incredible support of partners such as Equity Trustees and their committed philanthropists.

For further information on financial inclusion through The Salvation Army, contact your Relationship Manager.