She (I’m assuming it’s a girl by the name. If not, sorry.) said, “… and i was thinking of around $500, but am willing to spend more for something that will be a better long-term purchase.”
With some shopping around, especially at one of the many eBay stores, it’s possible to find a good body for around $300-350 and a lens for around $175-200, so she can have a complete starter system for $500-550. I think she’ll be happier with a Canon, Nikon or FinePix S2 in the long run, and she doesn’t have to hunt for a benefactor to give her a free lens. I’d hate to think of her standing at an intersection holding a sign saying, “Lensless. Please help.”