The COVID-19 pandemic has increased collaboration between organizations that assist members of the Jewish community, including between the Jewish Interest Free Loan of Atlanta (JIFLA) and JF&CS, which are able to coordinate assistance with possible aid from both organizations.

“This has been a real opportunity to see how we can work closely together,” JIFLA’s executive director, Nancy Weissmann said. “This is a game-changer for the community. All of a sudden we have these programs that have been vetted and tested,” such as JIFLA and JF&CS, she said.

COVID-19 may also help raise the profile of JIFLA as it provides financial assistance to people in need.

In her fourth year as JIFLA’s executive director, Nancy Weissmann is working to overcome the agency’s lack of identity. “We’re raising awareness and making sure everybody knows about us has been a big priority,” she said. “We’re here to help.”

Last year, JIFLA made nearly three dozen interest-free loans totaling some $140,000. The largest loan that JIFLA will make is for $7,500, while emergency loans to individuals, such as to the single man and the elderly couple impacted by COVID-19, can be for up to $1,500.

A recent article in The Atlanta Jewish Times speaks of this important organizational relationship and how it can help those in need during this pandemic.

You can support these efforts by donating to JF&CS.