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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE – NOVEMBER 2022
As I write this update, I realize there is so much I want to share! Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego is becoming an important financial resource in the San Diego Jewish community, helping those in need as they strive to attain financial security and others striving to improve their lives or businesses. We have received almost 150 inquiries this year, and over 220 cumulatively. The HFLSD application to loan ratio is over 50% and growing! We have completed loans in almost all of our loan categories, including our very first small business loan. What we are building is exciting and growing exponentially every day!
Every loan recipient has their own story. Every situation is unique. Sometimes the stories are sad and it is hard to see a way to help. Often the stories show hope and the desire to work hard to make a better existence for the borrower, their families, and the people around them. Whatever their story is, we look at each potential loan recipient individually with compassion and offer dignity through the process. At HFLSD, our mantra is that even though we will not be the right fit for everyone that calls, everyone will be referred somewhere that they can feel heard. And the people we do help are forever grateful. One borrower shares “This loan allows me to focus on getting my finances back in order and concentrate on reaching my financial freedom more quickly. I want to cry -I am so grateful.”
As an organization, we track many data points and constantly review loan inquiries, loans granted and referral sources, among many other points of interest, to see where there is room for growth. We are constantly looking at ways to increase our outreach and welcome any opportunity to collaborate – both with other Jewish organizations and any social service provider that deals with people in need. HFLSD is aware that not all in need are affiliated, and we want to make sure that our reach is wide! We have helped many families on their path to financial security. A recent borrower presented a unique situation, but by thinking outside of the box, we were able to collaborate with Federation and the Jewish Community Foundation to help this loan recipient maintain a stable living situation. He states that “For the first time in a while, I am excited about the future and what it holds. This loan has changed my life.”
That is what this is all about. Helping others to feel empowered to help themselves. And we are doing this everyday by creating greater awareness of HFLSD in our community, building even stronger collaborations with other Jewish and local organizations, and broadening our donor base to build a solid capital base for future expansion.
Join us on this journey!
Graeme Gabriel proudly serves on the Board of Directors for Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego.
Most recently, Graeme was honored by the North County Philanthropy Council (NCPC) and was named one of their 2022 Volunteers of the Year. He was recognized at the NCPC’s 2022 Volunteer Awards Luncheon in October.
Graeme is originally from South Africa and grew up in San Diego. He is currently the Co-Chairman at ColRich after serving as the Chief Operating Officer of ColRich, a residential real estate development and investment company based in San Diego. He is active in both the Jewish and secular community in San Diego, currently serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors at the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego, a current Board Member and Past President of Congregation Beth El, a current Trustee at the Francis Parker School in addition to other philanthropic and trade organizations. Graeme is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. Graeme and his wife, Dr. Simone Kanter, have three children.
We are so thankful for all of Graeme’s contributions to HFLSD and the San Diego community![/vc_column_text][vc_zigzag][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
BORROWER HIGHLIGHT – THE TUNCAS – NOVEMBER 2022
Meet Ilana and Sancar Tunca, borrowers of a Small Business Loan provided by Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego (HFLSD). Ilana is a San Diego-based physical therapist whose dream is to work for herself and Sancar is a mechanical engineer and an entrepreneur whose dream is to have his own business. Ilana, who has a doctorate in Physical Therapy (PT), was running her own mobile physical therapy business throughout the COVID-19 pandemic until her husband encouraged her to start her dream clinic so that she could help more patients more efficiently.
They intentionally picked a location close to their home so that Ilana would not need to travel much anymore, and in a growing neighborhood. However, the city would not let them open without changing the zone from an industrial building to a medical/commercial building. It took 7 months to get the proper permitting while they were still renting the empty building but without generating income from it. All the while they were still working their other jobs full time and buying equipment for the clinic. Ilana and Sancar approached HFLSD to help them navigate this difficult time and make sure that they could get all of the equipment and technology they needed for top quality care.
The Tuncas are grateful for the support they received from HFLSD. “We are thrilled to be a part of the HFLSD family and we are already flourishing in the community, and helping so many patients.” In turn, as part of Ilana and Sancar’s professional journey, HFLSD is continuing its mission of aiding and empowering the San Diego Jewish community through interest-free loans.
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