“I had never experienced anything like that in my life.”

Meet Zachery

“I grew up in a household where drugs and alcohol were being used, and struggled with them most of my life. I started getting in trouble with the law when I was 11 years old, dropped out of high school and community college. I was in a lot of bad relationships as a chronic codependent. All I ever knew was that kind of life.

Basically, I'd spent my first 36 years absolutely lost. This whole process has been God acting in my life to get me to where I’m at right now.

Before I participated in Financial Catalyst, I never had more than a thousand dollars in my bank account. I lived paycheck to paycheck, spent money before I had it, and never had anything of true value in my life. A large amount of money was spent on drugs and alcohol. Today, I’m able to take care of more than just my needs, but the needs of those around me, too.

The impact of Financial Catalyst helped guide me towards my end goal, and I couldn't have done it without the support of Financial Catalyst within Watermark CDC. The support I received from Veritex Bank (one of Watermark CDC’s bank partners) and my small group leaders was absolutely amazing. I had never experienced anything like that in my life. These are people that genuinely care for others without expecting anything.

When I began the Accelerated Savings Program, part two of Financial Catalyst, I chose to go with the small business asset purchase. I had never successfully completed anything in my entire life, so when I was told the program was 15 months of saving, it was something I didn't believe that I could do. Completing the program was a great accomplishment. I learned about budgeting, good debt vs. bad debt, saving vs. spending, achieving financial goals, and more.

In January 2022, I completed the Accelerated Savings Program, and I started SmartVend, a vending machine company, and Get ATM, an ATM company— it absolutely changed my life! The relationships that I was able to develop during Financial Catalyst continue to carry me through life today. The banking relationships, the volunteers, and the extended network I developed continue to support and nurture my development.

The change in my life has been profound. I used to hold money like I was grasping water, it would just flow through my fingers. Today, I am building considerable wealth that's more than just money.

Money is a tool that God uses to do His work. This whole process was guided and is part of God's design.”

Zachery

Financial Catalyst Steward