December 2021 Update | A Light at the End of the Tunnel |Exodus Lending - Exodus Lending

December 2021 Update

By Kaitlyn Szabo December 20, 2021

A Message from Our Executive Director

“Heartfelt.” “A lifesaver.” “Truly a blessing.” “A light at the end of the tunnel.”

These are just some of the words participants used to describe their experience with Exodus Lending. Individuals come to us feeling desperate and trapped in debilitating payday loan debt. But after discovering a way out of the vicious spiral through our program, participants are overwhelmed by entirely different feelings of relief and gratitude.

I have been fortunate to witness the transformative impact of our program since I joined the organization in 2016. Back then, we had just enrolled our 72nd participant. Five years later, we have served more than 500.

As I prepare to retire, I could not be more thankful or humbled by the unwavering support from our fiercely dedicated community. Individual donors, staff, churches, board and committee members, institutional funders, volunteers, participants, and consumer advocates all bring unique gifts, expertise, and perspectives that drive our work forward. 

Exodus Lending has always been, and always will be, a people-powered organization.

We appreciate every contribution as all gifts help us remain a “light at the end of the tunnel” for Minnesotans.

Exodus Lending is a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN: 47-1706853).

Gifts of all sizes are appreciated and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

With your support, we will help more individuals, one by one, break free from the debt trap. But beyond that, we will dream bigger about emerging possibilities for our organization. In 2022, Exodus Lending will enter an exciting new chapter with a new Executive Director at the helm. I hope you join me in eager anticipation of the new skills and connections they will bring to expand upon the strong foundation already in place. 

The spirit of community, justice, and love for our neighbors that first drew me to Exodus Lending five years ago is not only alive and well today but ready to flourish into 2022 and beyond. While there are many battles still ahead of us, like fighting for a 36% interest rate cap on consumer loans, I am confident that, with your partnership, we can overcome any hurdles on the horizon and be an encouraging source of light and financial hope for Minnesotans statewide. Thank you. 

Gratefully,

Sara Nelson-Pallmeyer

Executive Director

P.S. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Give to the Max Day campaign. We surpassed our goal! Exodus Lending raised more than $6,000 to help Minnesotans break free from payday loan debt!

Predatory Lending in the News

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Exodus Lending E-Newsletter: December 2021