FREE LOAN eNOTES
April 2006

LERNER FAMILY ADOPTION ASSISTANCE LOAN FUND
In the mid-1990s, JFLA heard about what was then being called an infertility crisis within the Jewish community, referring to the often insurmountable costs of adoption and fertility treatments, which both cost upwards of $15,000 – a tremendous amount for many young families. JFLA’s response to this community need was the creation of the Lerner Family Adoption Assistance Loan Fund. This fund makes available interest-free loans of up to $15,000 to couples going through the adoption process, domestic or foreign. A few years later, the program expanded to include similar loans for assistance with the cost of fertility treatments. Since 1997, JFLA has granted interest-free loans totaling over $677,000 to 68 families who are thrilled to have a child. This includes a set of twins, a set of triplets and several families who returned to JFLA to continue expanding their families. If you or someone you know is in need of a loan for adoption or fertility treatments, please contact (323)761-8830 or info@jfla.org.

JFLA E-AUCTION
JFLA’s 2nd Annual Online Auction will launch June 1st on eBay with all proceeds benefiting the JFLA annual operating budget. Last year’s auction sold about 25 items and raised approximately $1,200 for the agency. The auction also provided a unique opportunity to raise awareness about JFLA and created an opportunity for businesses and donors to support a great cause. This year’s goal is to auction 50-75 items, so please visit www.JFLA.org on June 1st to bid on great items including concert tickets, sporting event tickets, celebrity memorabilia, designer clothing & jewelry, an espresso machine, artwork, restaurant gift certificates, gift baskets, soccer lessons, hotel stays and much more. If you would like to contribute items to the JFLA online auction, please contact info@jfla.org or call (323)761-8830.

NOSH & NETWORK WRAP UP
JFLA’s second Nosh & Network was held on Wednesday, April 5th at the Bernard Milken Jewish Community Campus in West Hills. Professionals from a variety of community organizations were invited for lunch to network and to learn about the invaluable service JFLA provides. It was an opportunity for community service professionals to meet the JFLA staff and client advocates, and to establish strong referral relationships to better assist those in need. Approximately 25 professionals from throughout the valley attended the event, resulting in several new client referrals. We look forward to holding another Nosh & Network in the city later this year as part of our expanding community outreach campaign.

ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVAL
For the second year, JFLA staff members and Genesis Advisory committee volunteers will host a JFLA booth at the Israel Independence Day Festival on Sunday, May 7th at Woodley Park in Encino. The expected attendance of over 30,000 will have a chance to visit the JFLA booth to meet staff members and lay leaders and learn more about our loan programs and outreach efforts. If you plan to attend, we encourage you to visit the JFLA booth. For more information about the festival, please visit www.israelfestival.com.

STAGGERING STAT
JFLA continues to make more loans and larger loans to help meet growing community needs. In March 2006, JFLA granted over 80 loans to those in need, representing a 10% increase over the same period last year. Interest-free loans granted in March included 15 loans for education, 3 for home healthcare, 3 for small business, 2 for adoption and fertility treatments, and 17 for housing needs.

THANK YOU JFLA
“JFLA is really a great help to people.”

“I’ve never had such a pleasant and positive financial experience in my life. Thank you.”

“JFLA provided me with an opportunity to go to college. They made the process of borrowing money fast and easy with no complications.”

-Emergency Loan & Student Loan Recipients

ABOUT JFLA
The Jewish Free Loan Association is a nonprofit agency offering assistance to people of all faiths facing financial challenges. For over 100 years, JFLA has provided a helping hand instead of a handout to hundreds of thousands of people through interest-free loans for emergencies, education, developing small businesses, healthcare and life cycle events. JFLA is a source of economic justice in the community . The assistance JFLA provides is unique and invaluable, providing cash in hand while empowering borrowers. JFLA loan programs change lives and save lives, working to fight poverty and help make dreams come true.

Jewish Free Loan Association
6505 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 715
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 761-8830
www.JFLA.org

OR
22622 Vanowen Street, West Hills, CA 91307
(818) 464-3331

Alan Spiwak, President
Mark M. Meltzer, CEO
Evelyn Schecter, COO
Danielle Walsmith, Director of Communications
Elana Taylor, eNotes Editor

JFLA is an agency of the United Way and the Jewish Federation