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This month marks the 20th anniversary of the first step Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) took as an organization toward becoming one of the strongest state Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) in the country!
In March of 1998, PATF became incorporated as a nonprofit in Pennsylvania with an unpaid staff of one and a committed board of directors. By October of 1998, we extended our very first loan to a fellow from Lancaster for a home modification. Now, 20 years later, take a walk with us down memory lane as we reflect on what we've been able to accomplish with so much help, dedication, and commitment from our board, staff, volunteers, supporters, collaborating organizations, partner banks, and, of course, from the disability community.
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| A New Tagline and Outreach Initiatives |
PATF has used various taglines over the years, including "Independence is priceless...we help make it affordable" and "Loans that Change Lives". As we enter our 20th year, we are wrapping up a branding project that has culminated with a new brochure featuring our brand new tagline, which we hope will lead us forward into the next 20 years:
Funding Solutions for Independence
With this tagline, we will continue to work to promote independence for Pennsylvanians of all ages and all disabilities through our various programs: low-interest and 0% loans for assistive technology (AT), information and assistance about funding resources for AT, and financial education.
We are also making a concerted effort to reach out to the Spanish-speaking community, and we have recently had nearly all of our print materials translated into Spanish, including our brochure, loan documents, and financial education book
Cents and Sensibility. Our website also features a translator tool provided by Google offering the option to translate the entire site to the language of the user's choosing.
Know someone who needs to know about us?
Let us know! Or pass along our contact info:
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PATF Annual Press Conference in Harrisburg
Save the date for our annual press conference on Tuesday, June 12 at 12:00 p.m. in the Capitol Upper Rotunda in Harrisburg, where we will release our 2018 PATF Annual Report. This report highlights how assistive technology devices help Pennsylvanians with disabilities go to work, live in their own homes, and participate in community activities. With speakers including local legislators such as Senator Kim Ward, Chair of the Labor and Industry Committee, as well as borrowers, such as Tyler Morris, sharing the impact of assistive technology, it is sure to be a great event.
We hope to see you there!
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Welcoming our New Development Director
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Josephine Tramontano
Please join us in welcoming our newest staff addition, Josephine Tramontano, PATF's first Development Director. With Josephine's help, we look forward to securing the funds needed to extend even more loans that help Pennsylvanians access the assistive technology they need.
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Better than "A penny saved is a penny earned" Our favorite financial tips
April is Financial Literacy Month - or as we like to refer to it, Financial
Education Month - and we'll be blogging about various financial topics all month long. To kick it off, we've asked each of our board members and staff members to share their favorite piece of financial advice.
Here are just a few of their quick tips:
Automatic payments mean on-time payments, and good credit.
"Set up automatic payments on your credit cards so you are never late on a payment. Being late really messes up your credit score."
- David Gates, Board Member
"Save enough to cover one year's worth of fixed expenses, in case of an extreme emergency (i.e. medical, illness, loss of employment, etc.). An example of fixed expenses? Mortgage payment or rent, utilities, insurance."
- Tom Giamoni, Vice President
Save that loose change!
"We deposit all of our loose change - from coat pockets, clothes heading for the laundry, etc. - into a water cooler-sized glass jar. After a few months we've saved enough in this 'rainy day fund' for a vacation!"
- Sue Davis, Program Specialist
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Upcoming Events
Senior and Disability Resource Expo
The Expo will feature a variety of informational booths geared toward senior citizens, individuals of all ages with a disability or multiple disabilities and their caregivers. Exhibitors will range from state and federal agencies to local non-profit organizations as well as local disability advocacy groups that provide services affecting health, safety and welfare of senior citizens and individuals with a disability. The event is free!
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There are Lots of Ways to Make a Difference
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You Shop, AmazonSmile Gives
United Way
Give to the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and designate PATF by writing in donor choice #13064 in the comment section on the form.
Donate
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