Yelena fell in love with Edvard and, at the same time, with Judaism. She studied her Jewish heritage in special classes after arriving here from the former Soviet Union -- where she also met Edvard. When they decided to marry, they wanted a traditional Jewish wedding, but could not afford the expense. Hebrew Free Loan made it possible with a "life cycle" loan. Yelena and Edvard got married under a chuppah, surrounded by family and friends. It was this traditional wedding, Yelena told us, that made her feel like a "real Jew, in my heart and soul. For the first time, I felt deeply a part of the Judaism of my grandparents and my ancestors."

Rachel and Carl purchased their first home.

Like most young couples, Carl and Rachel were looking forward to a home and family - the American dream. Carl, a Jewish educator, was thrilled to land a job at a Bay Area day school. He and his wife, Rachel, a graphic designer, planned to relocate here, purchase their first home and start a family. Out-of-reach housing costs were about to derail their plans - until they learned about Hebrew Free Loan. With a first-time home buyer loan from Hebrew Free Loan. With a first-time home buyer loan from Hebrew Free Loan, the couple could make a down-payment on a three-bedroom home near Carl's school. Now Rachel works at home while baby Lily sleeps, and Carl works hard at his job teaching youth about Jewish values that guide his and Rachel's lives.

Suzanne adopted a daughter.

At 38, Suzanne desperately wanted to adopt a child, but the costs would exceed her savings - and leave her with no financial cushion for her new family. She turned to Hebrew Free Loan for an adoption loan. When she first saw Carly, her daughter-to-be, at an orphanage in Moscow, she found a severely dehydrated and malnourished 14-month old baby who had never been outside. Carly drank her milk from a bottle tied to the rungs of her crib. Suzanne brought Carly home to Oakland -- to live with a loving mom and with an extended family nearby that adores her. Today, Carly is a happy, healthy and well-adjusted nine-year-old child attending fourth grade. Suzanne told us, "Hebrew Free Loan completely changed our lives. Without your help, I could not have afforded to adopt a child, and I'm not sure that Carly would have survived. Thank you - from the bottom of our hearts!"

Viktor started a new business.

Viktor emigrated from Ukraine with his family and a few hundred dollars, but with unlimited dreams. He studied English, worked very hard as a software engineer, and then was ready for a business venture of his own. "I'm a very proud man, a proud Jew and a proud American, and it was not easy to ask for help. Hebrew Free Loan made me feel that they were making an investment in me," he said. At age 50, Viktor's business loan from Hebrew Free Loan gave him a new lease on life, for himself and his family.

"You gave me back my dignity," Viktor told us. I can provide for my family and soon will be doing well enough that I can turn the tables and proudly begin to give back. Thank you!"

Rachel completed her education.

Rachel was completing her first year in graduate school at Smith College when her father died, leaving the family in emotional and financial chaos. Rachel was almost forced to drop out of school, when a family friend suggested she talk to Hebrew Free Loan about getting a student loan. With help from Hebrew Free Loan, Rachel was able to return to Smith, complete her MSW and begin work in a San Francisco high school as a social worker and social justice educator. Rachel wrote to us, "This loan has made a lasting and profound impact on my life and I am very grateful. I feel like my life has real meaning and that the work I do will make a difference in our world. Thank you!"

Esther kept her family home when a divorce left her without financial means to pay her mortgage.

Esther and her kids Jake*, 8, and Becca*, 13, were finally settled into their routines after a bitter divorce. Esther soon realized that, due to the financial pressures created by the divorce, she might lose her house. The house -- their family home -- had offered her children a semblance of normality and continuity during this difficult time. Esther came to Hebrew Free Loan distraught, with fear and concern for her children. A loan from Hebrew Free Loan offered Esther a financial bridge she desperately needed. "I felt like we were sitting on a precipice and any slight wind would push us all over the edge," she said. "You were the conduit to a safe place. You saved our family. I can't thank you enough."

This profile is based on a real case, but some of the names have been changed to protect the loan recipient's privacy.

Yana fought to remain in the U.S.

Yana and her husband had moved to the Bay Area from the former Soviet Union with their respective parents many year ago. They both had jobs, a 20-month old son and Yana was pregnant with a second child when, in October 2003, authorities said that her immigration papers were not valid and she would be deported shortly. Devastated by the thought of leaving her husband and child and returning to a country where she no longer had any family, Yana turned to Hebrew Free Loan for financial assistance to pay for legal fees.

Although it was not clear if she could ever pay it back, HFLA gave Yana a loan. We also joined with others in the community to advocate on her behalf. Unfortunately, Yana lost her battle and was forced to return to Russia. Legal efforts continue and we hope that Yana will be reunited with her family here in the Bay Area one day soon.

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