Thank you to all who contribute to the MICAH Program in Time, Talent, and Treasure. You are enabling us to help our fellow Neighbors in Upstate SC who find themselves in economic strife.
Message from the Board of Directors
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. David Quast and Dr. Mark O’Rourke for their dedicated service as Chair and Vice-Chair of The MICAH Program. As founding members since our launch in 2020, David and Mark have been instrumental in establishing our mission to provide individuals with poor or no credit a fair alternative to predatory lending.
Although their terms as Chair and Vice-Chair have concluded, we are pleased to share that David and Mark will continue to serve on the Board of Directors for an additional two-year term. They will also remain active in leading our Loan Review Panel, managing new inquiries, and assigning Mentors to approved loan recipients—our valued “Neighbors.”
We are excited to welcome Jim Stavrakas, former COO of The MICAH Program, into his new role as Chairman of the Board and CEO, effective June 2025. Please join us in congratulating Jim and wishing him every success in this new leadership position.
We are also pleased to announce that Erena Allan, a longtime Mentor and passionate supporter of The MICAH Program, has joined the Board of Directors. Her wisdom, experience, and commitment to our mission will be invaluable.
Additionally, Mr. Kurt Herwald, another dedicated Mentor and supporter, joined the Board earlier this year. With a strong background in finance, Kurt now serves as CFO/Treasurer, and we are grateful for his valuable contributions.
We thank Mr. Mike Cumby, a longstanding member of our Board, for agreeing to extend his service for another two-year term. Mike’s continued commitment and insight are deeply appreciated.
Lastly, we extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Mamie Boyd, who recently completed her term on the Board. Dr. Boyd’s wisdom and unwavering dedication to community service have been a guiding light. While her formal tenure has ended, we know we can continue to count on her support.
Our Impact So Far – MICAH Loan Program
Since The MICAH Program began in 2020, we have helped 22 individuals avoid predatory lenders by providing fair, affordable loans. Instead of facing interest rates as high as 300%— common among some fringe financial institutions—our Neighbors received loans at a low interest rate from Self-Help Credit Union.
In total, Self-Help Credit Union issued $27,000 in loans with our backing. More importantly, we’ve helped our Neighbors avoid paying more than $59,000 in excessive interest charges. That’s not just financial relief—it’s empowerment, stability, and a fresh start.
Thank you to our volunteers, mentors, donors, and supporters for making this possible. Together, we are changing lives and building a more just financial future.
Bridge to Wheels: A Path Forward
In 2023, The MICAH Program launched a collaborative initiative called Bridge to Wheels in partnership with Miracle Hill Ministries and Self-Help Credit Union. This program offers lowcost car loans to individuals graduating from Miracle Hill Ministries’ addiction recovery programs.
Reliable transportation is often a critical step on the path to independence. Through Bridge to Wheels, MICAH Mentors work closely with eligible participants to:
- Create and manage a realistic budget
- Navigate the loan application process
- Secure affordable car insurance
This partnership empowers individuals in recovery to move forward with confidence—literally
and financially.
To date, 15 loans have been made through the Bridge to Wheels program, totaling $42,857. Participants received loans at a very low interest, compared to the approximately 44% interest often charged at “Buy Here, Pay Here” car dealerships.
By choosing Bridge to Wheels, our participants have collectively saved an estimated $20,375 in interest—savings that can now go toward building a more stable and sustainable future.
New Contact Information on Website
Please note we have updated our website, www.micahprogram.org, to include a “Start Application” form for a MICAH Loan. Our new primary phone contact is (864) 610-5380
