Meet Mei Ling Tom of The L-Fund

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mei Ling Tom.

Hi Mei, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
I retired in 2014 with a career of 30 years in the field of Special Education. I taught students with special needs including autism, mental retardation, traumatic brain injury, developmental delays, physical challenges, speech and language delays and an array of other issues. I definitely found my passion because I know I spent 30 years of my life doing what I truly loved! There will always be a very special place in my heart for “exceptional” human beings! I taught 24 years in Los Angeles Unified School District and 6 years in the Palm Springs Unified School District. When I retired at the age of 53 in Palm Springs, I wasn’t exactly sure where the next chapter of life would lead to. My dear friend Sharon Siegel approached me and asked if I’d meet for lunch to hear about The L-Fund. In July 2018, I joined the board of The L-Fund, and I currently serve as Board Co-Chair and Chair of LEAP (The L-Fund Education Assistance Program). 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The past 6 years have been a very rewarding and fulfilling road, but it has not been without challenges along the way. When I first joined the board, there were many members that had years of experience on The L-Fund board. Through the years, many members have stepped off the board and new members have joined which makes it challenging for continuity. The L-Fund started with one program LIN- Lesbians in Need which was offering financial crisis assistance. Six years ago, LEAP-The L-Fund Education Assistance Program was added and 3 years ago, the Debra I. Moore Grant for the Arts and the Health & Wellness grants were added so we’ve branched out too many different areas of assistance. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
The mission of The L-Fund is to empower cis, trans, and queer-identifying lesbians through financial; crisis assistance, as well as grants in education, the arts, and health & wellness. The L-Fund is a non-profit that started in 2012, providing emergency financial assistance to cis, trans, and queer-identifying lesbians in the Greater Coachella Valley and surrounding areas. Wanting to help beyond emergencies, in 2018 LEAP-The L-Fund Education Assistance Program was created. In 2020, the Debra I. Moore Grant for the Arts and the Health & Wellness grants were created, therefore The L-Fund is now able to provide assistance in many different areas! I think what sets The L-Fund apart from other organizations is we are one of a very few of its kind in the nation. We are an all-volunteer board and any money that we give is never asked to be paid back. I’m extremely proud that the turnaround time for an applicant in crisis could be as soon as a few days! If you know of anyone who could use our assistance, please go to www.l-fund.org to apply! 

Any big plans?
One of our biggest accomplishments in 2023 was to create a formal strategic plan with the help of our pro bono consultant, Robbin Burr. Our diligent focus on our key priorities and working to strategically grow our board has helped us to move forward with continued growth and organizational development. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.l-fund.org