Shari and Craig Jankowsky, HFLA Monthly Donors. Courtesy: Shari Jankowsky.  David Cohen with wife Kimberly, Member of the Full Circle Club – Former Borrower turned Donor. Courtesy: David Cohen

By Debbie Cohen and Hannah Lapin

At Hebrew Free Loan of Austin (HFLA), they believe in the power of dignity, community, and second chances. Their Monthly Mitzvah Makers—sustaining donors who commit to recurring monthly contributions—are the backbone of this work. They make it possible for HFLA to meet the growing needs of the community with interest-free loans that uplift, empower and recycle hope.

HFLA is proud to spotlight two generous families who are making a lasting impact: Shari and Craig Jankowsky, longtime supporters of HFLA, and David Cohen, a borrower-turned-donor whose story is a reminder of why this work matters so deeply.

A Legacy of Support: Shari & Craig Jankowsky

The Jankowkys have been with Hebrew Free Loan of Austin since its founding in 2011. What first drew them in still resonates today.

“Growing up in smaller Jewish communities and learning from our parents and grandparents, the mission of HFLA hits close to home,” Shari shares. “We really value the opportunity to invest in a manner that helps community members with dignity. And where the ‘proceeds’ of those loans are in turn reinvested in others in the community.”

Over more than a decade, their support has been steadfast, grounded in a belief that people are stronger when they lift each other up.

“No single story stands out,” Craig adds, “but what we’ve seen is that HFLA has made a difference across our growing community—including a number of stories close to home. And if HFLA helped Rosen’s Bagels to grow… well, we’re kind of fans of their bagels!”

When asked how they hope their ongoing monthly gifts will help, their answer reflects the very soul of this work, “By surrounding someone with the support of our community and giving them a hand up—in the best tradition of Maimonides. And in a way that recycles that help to the next person in need.”

Their message to those considering joining them as sustaining donors is clear: “HFLA is a ground-level way to engage and invest in our Austin Jewish community, as our tradition commands. Your recurring gift has multiple lives.”

From Borrower to Donor: David Cohen’s Full Circle Journey

David Cohen never imagined he would one day be in a position to give back.

In 2018, Cohen found himself in a crisis. What began as a difficult divorce spiraled into years of challenges as he became the sole caregiver to his teenage daughter, amid repeated runaways, arrests, and rehabilitation attempts. “I drained all my savings trying to keep her safe,” he recalls. “My dad introduced me to Hebrew Free Loan and co-signed my loan. It was a lifeline.”

With support from HFLA, Cohen stabilized his life and career—only to face another setback when COVID-19 hit and he lost his job.

But the story doesn’t end there. In 2021, he re-entered corporate America. He repaid his loan faster than scheduled, rebuilt his finances, and eventually found personal happiness and stability. Today, he and his wife, Kimberly—whom he lovingly calls his “upgrade”—are debt-free and thriving, with three investment properties and a renewed sense of purpose.

“I give monthly because Hebrew Free Loan was there for me when I was at my lowest,” Cohen says. “I always knew I would pay it back—and now I can pay it forward.”

He recently joined HFLA’s Full Circle Club—borrowers who have become donors—and his monthly contributions are a testament to gratitude and resilience. “This is a very special organization. The support is so gracious, and it changes lives.”

A Community in Rising Need

Stories like these are the reason HFLA exists—and the reason sustaining donors are so critical. In the first five months of 2025 alone, HFLA distributed 57% more dollars to community members than during the same period in 2024. Demand continues to rise, and so must our ability to meet it.

That’s where Monthly Mitzvah Makers like the Jankowskys and Cohen make all the difference. Their monthly gifts don’t just help once—they are recycled again and again as loans are repaid and reinvested in others.