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20 years: 1998-2018

“I congratulate PATF on twenty years of service to the people of Pennsylvania. With each loan PATF has empowered people with disabilities to be more independent, be part of their community, find meaningful employment and pursue their dreams.” —tom ridge, former governor

1998

First Loan: In October, Harold Fry of Lancaster, PA gets a loan for a home modification.

Program launch:

  • Incorporates as a consumer directed Alternative Financing Program (AFP).
  • Creates affordable, no-fee loan program.
  • First bank partnership formed.
  • First state appropriation so PATF can guarantee loans.

2000

FAC program: Establishes statewide support through the Funding Assistance Coordinator (FAC) program.

2002

$1 million in Loans

Fixed interest rate of 4.5%. Establishes a fixed-interest rate for borrowers that is below usual market rates.

% 100th Borrower: George of Monroe County receives a guaranteed loan for an adapted vehicle.

2005

Establishes Mini-Loan Program, offering 0% interest loans up to $500.

2006

$10 million in loans

2008

Information & Assistance: Officially incorporates I & A program, helping borrowers make informed decisions and promoting consumer choice.

1,000th Borrower: John of Allegheny County receives a low-interest loan for an outdoor ramp.

2009

$20 million in loans

2012

CDFI Certified: Becomes state & federal Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to providing financial & educational programs to low-income individuals.

$30 million in loans

2013

Financial Education: Publishes the first and only financial education book of its kind, Cents and Sensibility: A guide to money management.

2014

Pilot Program: Launches pilot Money Club in Narberth, PA to teach young adults with disabilities about money management.

2016

Interactive Website: Develops interactive website, www.StudyMoney.us, to complement Cents and Sensibility.

2017

Smart Homes: Forms a Smart Home Advisory Committee and launches www.SmartHomesMadeSimple.us.

Financial Education:

  • Publishes educator’s companion guide for Cents and Sensibility.
  • Money Club West is held in Pittsburgh, PA.
  • Translates all financial materials into Spanish.

On the horizon…

  • Greater loan capacity
  • Smart home technology
  • Expansion of financial education program
  • Spanish-speaking outreach initiative ¡Hola!

1998-2018 numbers in the making over the last 20 years

  • Over 14,000 53% of borrowers considered low-income (annual income below 200% Federal Poverty Guidelines).
  • 53% of borrowers would use PATF again and would recommend PATF to a friend or family member.
  •  $36,266,048 dollars loaned, loan loss rate 1.8%
  • 99.5% Pennsylvanians served by PATF programs since 1998.

My Life, My Choice, My Technology

When Linda called PATF for help, she wasn’t sure what she wanted, but she knew she needed something. Linda was recently diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, resulting in short-term memory loss and balance difficulties. She worried about falling while navigating the bumpy streets of Philadelphia. Also, she would often forget to turn off the faucet at the bathroom sink and water had ruined her flooring twice. When her family suggested she move into a nursing home, Linda gave PATF a call, hoping they could help her find a way to stay in her own home. She told PATF: “I would rather lay down in the middle of Broad Street than move into a nursing home!”

“I am so grateful to PATF for helping make it possible for me to live in my own home.” – Linda

PATF helped Linda enroll in a program that provides services to people who have disabilities and are aging so that they can continue to live in their own homes and be active in the community. Through this program, Linda was assessed for a quad walking cane that provides greater stability when strolling around town. PATF also helped Linda take out a Mini-Loan to purchase a magiceye faucet in the bathroom. Now the water stops running when she moves away from the sink, and Linda is happily and safely living in her own home.

Types of AT funded:

  • 35% Adapted Vehicles
  • 30% Hearing Devices
  • 15% Home Modifications
  • 8% Computers/Tablets
  • 4% Daily Living
  • 4% Farm Equipment
  • 2% Durable Medical Equipment
  • 2% Vision
  • 1% Scooters

Technology holds great promise for people with disabilities. We will continue to bring that promise to life.” —Susan Tachau, PATF CEO