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“The JELF organization helped my family afford college for both me and my brother.  JELF provided an invaluable service to us.  Going to college was made more affordable, and the repayment of the loans was easy to manage once we graduated from school.  JELF was introduced to us at a very important time in our lives, and it has contributed to our success.”

Thank you so much for your support during the past four years of my education! To have additional support from this community was extremely impactful during my time in school. The fact that my class had to face a pandemic while trying to complete our education was incredibly difficult. However, with JELF’s help, I did not have to worry about my finances while facing the altered learning situation the pandemic caused. I am happy to announce that I graduated Summa Cum Laude this past May. It would not of happened without JELF’s support. I thank you all so much, from the bottom of my heart. Being apart of the Jewish community is something that I hold very close to my heart. It is wonderful to be able to celebrate with this wonderful community as I continue my journey into my career.

“While doing my undergraduate work at Indiana University, I received a JELF loan. After college, I went on to obtain a Master’s degree and Educational Specialists degree in Counseling. In 2013, I received my PhD in Psychology. Currently, I am in a private psychotherapy practice with offices in Midtown Atlanta and Smyrna, Georgia. I work with adults on a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, relationship issues, and weight loss.

This is a picture of me and my daughter, Florie. Being a mom is my other job and also my favorite!”

Even with the scholarships I got to attend undergrad, I was coming up short to attend college. There was no other way for me to go to school. Without the help of JELF I know I wouldn’t have been able to go to undergrad. Not only did they help me financially, but mentally as well. I got cards and letters of encouragement for my attendance and grades from the staff. The letters were so encouraging, I knew I could handle any post grad work I decided to follow. It secured a promise that I made to myself during those years, I will always support JELF financially and physically to the best of my ability throughout my life!

“JELF made it possible for me to attend Wesleyan University where I founded a preschool program for low-income children, worked in the Cognitive Development Lab, volunteered at a local clinic, taught a student forum on education policy, became a leader in a feminist activist group and wrote a 150-page thesis.  I graduated with high honors and accepted a position as Assistant Dean of Admission of Wesleyan.”

Hi! My name is Danielle Brawrmen and I am a current freshman at Indiana University – Bloomington. I am a first-generation student in the United States and am pursuing a BA in Media with a concentration in Media Technologies, Games, and Culture and a specialization in Digital Journalism. JELF’s last dollar assistance has allowed me the opportunity to pursue my ideal major at my dream school, and I am forever grateful for that.  

I am fortunate enough to have my family contribute to my tuition, but without JELF, none of it would have been possible. Before graduation, I hope to study abroad and participate in some sort of internship in order to develop a better concept of what is expected of me post-graduation. After graduation I would love to be a creative consultant/editor for some sort of magazine. Since I was younger, I have always wanted to be part of that fast-paced environment and I am working hard in order to achieve that goal. I am extremely grateful to JELF for allowing me the opportunity to pursue the best education for me and am thankful to everyone who played a part in helping me be here. 

When it came to college tuition, Spencer Weiser knew his family would have a shortfall. His father, a management consultant, lost his job during the recession. Family medical bills had eaten significantly into savings. Spencer’s dad went looking for ways to help pay for his son’s education. Spencer was able to get a scholarship from Northwestern, as well as work/study and federal loans–but it wasn’t enough. Thankfully, JELF funded the rest.

Because of JELF, Spencer was able to be more involved in both his university and fraternity, and have time to do the important climate change research that he was passionate about. Since graduating with a double major in economics and environmental studies, Spencer has been working as a strategy consultant in an environmental practice. He plans on going back to school for a master’s degree and will apply to JELF for funding once again. As he put it, “Honestly, I can’t thank JELF enough.”

My sister and I would not be where we are today without the help of the Jewish community and organizations such as JELF. I plan on donating to JELF when I am successful and financially able so that I can help students like myself who go through similar struggles and financial barriers.

“JELF helped me go to SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design. I’m a Junior, and currently a painting major, minoring in art history.  JELF is also helping me to follow my dreams to be a painter like my Zayde, who was also a Holocaust survivor.”

The financial assistance JELF provided allowed me to attend college after high school, as opposed to working and going back to school later. Once I graduated, I was able to pay JELF back with the income I was making using my degree. As a social worker, I always knew I wanted to help people. Thank you JELF for helping ME achieve MY goals! I couldn’t have done it without you!

“My JELF loan is giving me the opportunity to study education.  Knowing the Jewish community is supporting my education and helping me accomplish my dream of going to college is very comforting.  Thank you for believing in me.  It is a wonderful feeling that the Jewish community is behind me and is helping me accomplish my goal of becoming a future educator.”

When I was adopted in 6th grade, the Jewish community welcomed me with open arms.  With the continued support of the Jewish community and the JELF loan, I was able to choose the perfect college for me and not worry about how to pay for school.  This has helped me make a dream come true by attending college.”

Anything that helped assist me through college has gotten me to where I am today – married, with kids, and in a Director position! School is stressful enough as it is and JELF has helped me with taking a load off my shoulders.