UU Church West’s “Split the Plate” program is one of outreach and generosity. Each month we give half of all undesignated offerings to a non-profit organization, to help us live out our Unitarian Universalist values and serve our community.

Our Split the Plate partner for May is the Milwaukee Jewish Free Loan Association (MJFLA).  When you support MJFLA, you are helping hundreds of people in our community each year to remain self-sufficient and resolve their own financial challenges without having to give up their dignity. An interest-free loan at just the right time can provide a moment of kindness that sets someone on a better path. MJFLA is the only non-sectarian, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Wisconsin offering interest-free loans.

When you support MJFLA, you are helping hundreds of people in our community each year to remain self-sufficient and resolve their own financial challenges without having to give up their dignity. An interest-free loan at just the right time can provide a moment of kindness that sets someone on a better path. MJFLA is the only non-sectarian, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Wisconsin offering interest-free loans.

Nelson’s Story
Nelson is a 64-year-old, single man with no family to turn to when he needed assistance. He was approved for an emergency loan to help him move and pay his security deposit, and first and last month’s rent after he and his roommate were forced to relocate (each finding their own place) from their duplex apartment that was finally deemed unsafe after years of neglect from a negligent landlord. He worked at Barnes & Noble and his hours were cut due to COVID-19. Nelson is very responsible and contacted MJFLA immediately to ask about lowering his payment amount. He never missed a payment during the entire term of the loan, which is now paid in full. Nelson is a great example of someone looking to maintain self-sufficiency with dignity and just needed a little help at a particular moment in time. In a thank you letter to their executive director he wrote: “Beyond just the vital assistance your loan provided me, I hold even more to the memory of the grace kindness, dignity and genuine concern provided to me through every single MJFLA interaction.” MJFLA is proud to serve those in need in our community by providing a hand-up rather than a handout.

To support Milwaukee Jewish Free Loan Association any time this month, go to the UUCW website’s “Donate” tab and select “Split the Plate” from the menu provided. For more information about Milwaukee Jewish Free Loan Association, visit their website. For more information about Split the Plate, contact Kathy Herrewig.