Sabina
My name is Sabina, and I am a Los Angeles County employee and the proud mother of three amazing children. Like many working parents, I’ve experienced seasons in life when unexpected hardships made it difficult to stay financially afloat. During some of the most challenging moments of my life, the Jewish Free Loan Association was there for me not just once, but multiple times. I will always be grateful for the hope and stability JFLA brought to my family.
The first time I turned to JFLA was when I was escaping a domestic violence situation. One of the biggest challenges of leaving an abusive relationship is that many survivors don't have the financial freedom to save money. In my experience, I wasn't able to build any savings because my finances were constantly affected by the abuse. My credit was damaged, bills piled up, and any opportunity to prepare financially for leaving seemed impossible. When you're trying to escape, you often need help immediately - not months later.
JFLA understood that urgency. Their interest-free loan gave me access to the funds I needed right away, allowing me to secure a safe home for my children and me. It also helped me purchase basic necessities, including beds, so my children had a safe place to sleep. That loan wasn't just financial assistance, it gave us the opportunity to leave a dangerous situation and begin rebuilding our lives with dignity, hope, and safety.
Years later, I found myself facing another difficult chapter. Both of my parents became seriously ill, and I made the decision to take time away from work to care for them. While I wouldn't change being there for them, the lost income caused me to fall behind financially. I found myself drowning in debt while still trying to provide for my three children. I worried constantly about how I would buy groceries, put gas in my car to get to work, and keep up with my financial responsibilities.
Once again, JFLA was there when I needed help. Their interest-free loan gave me the breathing room I desperately needed. Instead of falling further into debt through high-interest loans or credit cards, I was able to catch up on my finances, keep food on the table for my children, and continue working while caring for my family.
Today, I continue working hard to build a stable future for my children. I am focused on becoming debt-free, improving my financial health, and creating long-term security for my family. Every loan I received from JFLA represented more than money - it represented compassion, trust, and the belief that people deserve the opportunity to recover from life's unexpected hardships.
I will never forget the kindness JFLA showed my family. During moments when I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about the future, they gave me hope and a path forward. I am deeply grateful to the donors who make these interest-free loans possible. Their generosity didn't just help me overcome financial obstacles, it helped my family find safety, stability, and the confidence to keep moving forward.
Thank you, JFLA, for believing in families like mine and for making such a lasting difference in our lives. I hope my story encourages others who are struggling to reach out for help and reminds your donors that their generosity truly changes lives.
With gratitude,
Sabina