SANTA ROSA, CA, January 10, 2000 - Low-income parents in Sonoma who need assistance borrowing money to maintain their jobs or continue their schooling may be eligible for new low-interest loans under the Step to Work Family Loan Program. The program, supported by The McKnight Foundation and locally administered through Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS), is designed to assist families who are striving to increase their self-sufficiency and who are unable to obtain other financing. Loans are available to qualified families regardless of race, sex, or religious affiliation for car purchase or repairs, tools or uniforms for work and school, and other critical needs that may affect the economic stability of the family. Applications are currently being accepted.

"The availability of the new family loan program in Sonoma County means that local families have another avenue of financial assistance to help them meet immediate financial challenges," says Diana Altschuler, director of JFCS in Sonoma. "JFCS is proud to be a partner in this effort to meet the needs of the community."

Local support for the program is also provided by Sonoma County Human Services - SonomaWORKS, Sonoma County Human Services Commission, Schulz Donor Advised Fund, California State Automobile Association, State Farm Insurance, United Way of Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino Counties, Codding Foundation, and the Sara H. and William R. Kimball Foundation. Exchange Bank is providing its own loan fund and is servicing the loans for recipients.

Applicants must be parents with legal custody of one or more minor children, employed for three months or longer and/or pursuing education in an accredited program (excluding GED). Applicants must have sufficient income to make modest monthly loan repayments, generally $30 to $135 a month. A loan committee is made up of community volunteers who approve each application. Loans are available for up to $1500 for car repairs, $3,000 for mortgage payments, $850 for child care, and $3,000 for a car purchase. Loans are also available for other needs.

About JFCS
For 150 years, Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties has been a catalyst for change, transforming our deeply held belief in the intrinsic value of each human life into a creative vision for alleviating suffering, enhancing potential and healing all who are in need - cradle to rocking chair.

JFCS in Sonoma County reaches out to both the Jewish community and the general community with social service programs and services that help children, families and individuals of all ages find solutions to the challenges they are facing. JFCS provides for people's educational, physical and emotional needs, including counseling, case management services for adults and the elderly, family support for children in the Child Protective Services (CPS) system (in cooperation with the Superior Court and Sonoma County Family Youth & Children), financial assistance, and many volunteer opportunities.

To obtain a loan application or for more information, contact Terry Nussbaum, Loan Coordinator, Jewish Family and Children's Services, at (707) 571-8131 or TerryN@jfcs.org