JFLC Borrower-Turned-Guarantor Shares His Story
Three years ago, Darman L. received a $5,000 loan from JFLC after immigrating to the US from Afghanistan. Now he is serving as a loan guarantor for one of his close friends.
What led you to request a JFLC loan?
I came to Chicago in June 2022 from Afghanistan. It was hard financially at first, displacing from one country to another. I was living paycheck to paycheck, so I could not save enough money to buy a car. You can’t think of anything besides necessities when you are living that way. One of my friends told me about this program, and I decided to apply for a loan.
“The car changed a lot for me and allowed me to get more opportunities. When I first came to the United States, I found two or three jobs but I lost them because I didn’t have a car. I don’t know what I would have done without a JFLC loan.”
What did you use the loan for?
I used the loan to support my wife and children by getting a car. Before, I was relying on the bus system for transportation to appointments and for daily tasks like getting groceries. The car has helped me a lot. I no longer have to use public transportation and am free to go where I want with my family. When my wife was pregnant with our third child, she needed to go to the hospital every month and I could use the car to take her.
What was the long-term impact of your loan?
Before the loan, it was very difficult for me to manage everything by myself with doctor appointments, kids, and groceries. The car changed a lot for me and allowed me to get more opportunities. When I first came to the United States, I found two or three jobs but I lost them because I didn’t have a car. I don’t know what I would have done without a JFLC loan; I would be living the same as I was then.
Was it difficult to repay the loan?
The repayment was easy, it was not a burden on me. I paid $200 a month and I could use the car to work as a rideshare driver and earn extra money.
What was your experience with JFLC’s staff?
The staff was very polite and knowledgeable. They explained everything very well. [Founder and Executive Director] Leah was especially helpful, she handled all the paperwork.
Would you recommend JFLC to others?
Yes. I recommended JFLC to my friend Muhammad. I am the guarantor for his loan, which was approved recently.
What are you up to now?
It’s my third year working as a supervisor with a home care agency. I just started my master’s degree in accounting and I hope to become a Certified Public Accountant in the future.