I don't know how long you have been here, but I had a similar story that may give you hope. Back in May my old, old, old Bernina broke. It is a very good machine but it is the second time it breaks in a year. I thought I would go nuts and posted on a message board that I found following a link from here. My husband lost his job and I am very unsecure about mine. I was in contact with a woman helping me to solve the problem and find a possible way to fix it, when someone e-mailed me offering a Bernina she had and didn't want.
I accepted her offer and the next day I eceived by FeDex a Bernina artista 630 with very few hours on it. It had all the bells and whistles. I was loosing hope on the world and my whole view on life has changed. Things are still hard and money is still not there, but it will change. sooner or later, but it will change.
Check on Freecycle on your area. If no one is giving one away, post asking for one. You may make someone remember that they have one and can give it away. I am selling my house and had a free standing sink. I didn't post it on Freecycle because didn't think anyone would want it. A girl posted asking for one and made me realize that it could still be used. She picked it up yesterday and was very happy.
Good luck on your search and please, let us know what happens.
Maria