Berman Center, JIFLA Form Partnership
Interest-free loans will help Jewish patients in need of treatment for addiction and/or mental illness.
JIFLA (Jewish Interest Free Loan of Atlanta) and The Berman Center in Dunwoody have established a loan referral program to expedite and ease the loan application and approval process for people in treatment.
The Berman Center is an intensive outpatient program for adults who suffer from addiction, mental health issues or co-occurring disorders. JIFLA provides interest-free loans up to $7,500 for Jewish people unable to get money through traditional lending sources.
After reading about The Berman Center in the Atlanta Jewish Times, JIFLA reached out to the center to learn more, and representatives of both organizations participated in the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s learning mission to Israel at the end of January as part of the Front Porch initiative.
After exploratory conversations, the two organizations recognized how working together will help ensure access to much-needed care.
“Providing access to a loan for those who are unable to get a loan through tradition sources is a game-changer for those seeking treatment,” said Justin Milrad, the CEO of The Berman Center. “Deductibles are so high these days that often the insured needs to satisfy their deductible before insurance starts paying for their treatment. Once again, the Jewish community demonstrates their commitment to community, healing, wholeness and tikkun olam.”
Milrad explained that deductibles, which can be as high as $10,000, can prove too much for people who need treatment. JIFLA is expanding its portfolio to provide interest-free loans for Jewish patients seeking mental health and/or substance abuse treatment at The Berman Center.
JIFLA Executive Director Nancy Weissmann said: “Interest-free lending is a key value of the Jewish people. Ensuring that a patient can participate in this intensive outpatient program while maintaining financial stability is a double blessing. We are proud to partner with The Berman Center in this manner.”
comments