|
News from The Ark
November 2024
| |
Finding Stability After Job Loss: Daniel’s Story | |
|
Losing a job can feel like more than just a professional setback—it can shake a person’s confidence and sense of self-worth.
For Daniel, a professional with a decade of stable career experience, unemployment struck like an unexpected storm. Six months into a frustrating job search, uncertainty grew, and he worried he might never regain his footing.
Daniel carried a mix of emotions when he first reached out to The Ark and connected with our employment counselor. "I was angry, scared, and doubted whether anyone could truly help," he shared. But his perspective began to shift during his first meeting. Through their work together, Daniel refined his resume, practiced interview techniques, and steadily transformed his narrative from one of loss to one of possibility.
|
Highlights from The Ark’s High Holiday Collection Drive | |
|
This year, The Ark's High Holiday Collection Drive brought our community together in an extraordinary way. Thanks to your generosity, The Ark received 25 tons of kosher food, personal care items, and household supplies—an estimated total value of $50,000! These donations not only sustain The Ark’s food pantries in Chicago and Northbrook, but also significantly reduce financial costs, allowing us to focus resources on other vital services.
From paper products and pasta to diapers and wipes, each donation plays a crucial role in supporting individuals and families with dignity. In addition, items not meeting kosher guidelines found purpose at partner food banks, helping to meet the needs of the broader Chicagoland area and amplifying the impact of every effort made.
| |
We express our deep gratitude to the participating synagogues and their congregational communities for supporting this year's Pack the Pantry High Holiday Collection Drive. From hosting storage pods to inspiring action, you've made an incredible difference! | |
|
Am Shalom
Am Yisrael Conservative Congregation
Anshe Emet Synagogue
Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel Congregation
Anshe Tikvah
Congregation Bene Shalom
Beth Emet The Free Synagogue
Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah
Congregation Beth Judea
Congregation Beth Shalom
Beth Tikvah Congregation
B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim (BJBE)
Congregation B'nai Shalom
Congregation B'nai Tikvah
Chicago Sinai Congregation
Emanuel Congregation
Ezra-Habonim, the Niles Township Jewish Congregation
| |
|
Jewish Family Experience
Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
Congregation Kol Emeth
Makom Solel Lakeside
Moriah Congregation
North Shore Congregation Israel
North Suburban Synagogue Beth El
Congregation Or Shalom
Persian Hebrew Congregation
Congregation Shir Hadash
Shir Tikvah
Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob
Congregation Sukkat Shalom
Temple Beth-El
Temple Beth Israel
Temple Jeremiah
Young Israel of Skokie
| |
Scroll through the photos below capturing the spirit and dedication that defines our community! | |
7th and 8th grade Solomon Schechter students organizing pantry supplies | |
Donation bins overflowing with generously packed grocery bags | |
Family volunteers categorizing donations in our pantry warehouse | |
Our dedicated volunteers sorting through each donation with care | |
Stacks of diapers and paper goods lined up and ready for inventory | |
Volunteers from JUF and the Spungen Family Foundation stocking up canned goods | |
|
Our work continues! You can contribute anytime through The Ark's Amazon Gift List, and choose "The Ark" for delivery directly to us. We received over 1,350 Amazon products during the drive, and this online giving option remains available year-round to support pantry needs.
You can also bring items directly to our pantries in Chicago and Northbrook. For larger in-person donations, please contact us at 773-973-1000. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more connected community!
| |
|
Medicare Made Clear: How The Ark Assists During Open Enrollment | |
|
As the December 7th deadline for Medicare open enrollment nears, Ark case managers are on hand to guide clients through the intricacies of the Medicare selection process. Whether a client is exploring hospital, medical, and prescription coverage or a Medicare Advantage plan, we understand that these decisions are crucial for their health and financial well-being.
Our team is equipped with the knowledge to help clarify the costs, benefits, and changes that may influence clients' coverage for 2025. From navigating the details of premiums and deductibles to ensuring they take full advantage of their rights as Medicare beneficiaries, we're here to provide any support needed.
The Ark's case managers are dedicated to helping clients review plans or enroll in care for the first time, finding the coverage that best suits each individual or family’s current healthcare needs and budget. Information is also available through these online resources:
| |
Join Our Team: The Ark is Now Hiring! | |
Help us expand our team by sharing these opportunities with your personal and professional networks. By passing along these openings, you'll not only contribute to The Ark's mission of supporting the Chicagoland Jewish community, but also help someone looking for a meaningful career. Please spread the word! | |
|
Case Manager
If you have exceptional assessment skills, can identify specific needs, and can provide intervention as needed, consider bringing your skills and positive energy to a choice employer. The Ark is currently offering a Case Manager opportunity, a critical role in helping Chicagoland Jews improve their lives and strengthen their future. This position will report to the Director of Social Services and will have the opportunity to partner across the organization.
| |
|
Welcome Center Receptionist
Enjoy creating positive first impressions? Consider joining The Ark as a Welcome Center Receptionist where your personal touch can make a real difference. In this role, you will greet visitors, answer phone calls, and support smooth day-to-day operations through excellent customer service and time management. Apply your communication, organization, and multitasking skills to support The Ark’s mission in serving the Chicagoland Jewish community.
|
|
|
Data Analyst
The Ark is seeking a Data Analyst to play a pivotal role in our mission of providing comprehensive human services. In this position, you will be responsible for analyzing data to drive decision-making, developing reports, and conducting predictive analysis to enhance our services. Join our team and leverage your analytical skills to empower individuals on their path to self-reliance and contribute to the continued growth of our organization.
| |
|
Housing Coordinator
Bring your passion for helping others and skills in research and resource coordination to The Ark’s Housing Program. In this role, you’ll be a key source of current, relevant housing information to support case managers as they guide clients through housing challenges and help them explore pathways to stay in their homes. Apply today to make a meaningful impact within Chicagoland’s Jewish community.
|
|
Ways to Get Involved at The Ark | |
|
Looking for a mitzvah project to enjoy with your family and friends during the holiday season? Consider creating Celebration Bags for clients of The Ark. We provide paper bags, and you bring them to life with cheerful designs and cake-making essentials: cake mix, frosting, sprinkles, candles, a small bottle of oil, and two round foil pans. These bags offer clients a chance to whip up their own festive cakes for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and other celebrations.
Contact Judy Jury, Volunteer and Education Coordinator, at jjury@arkchicago.org to order your bags and request an instruction sheet, or to learn about other ways to connect your family or group with The Ark.
| |
Dedicate Your Giving Tuesday to Making Chanukah Gift Wishes Come True | |
|
The Ark continues its cherished tradition of bringing Chanukah joy to children, despite the financial challenges their families are facing. We need your help to provide gift cards for parents to purchase Chanukah presents for their kids, along with celebration bags complete with menorahs, candles, dreidels, and gelt.
Take advantage of a unique opportunity to double your impact and bring joy to more than 1,200 children in our community. All gifts made between now and Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024, will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $50,000 by our Trustees, Francine and Tony Brown, helping to spread the warmth and light of the holiday season. Don’t wait until Giving Tuesday—make your gift today!
|
|
Case Management and Social Services | |
Financial Counseling and Assistance | |
| |
|
Food Assistance and Pantry | |
Health Clinics and Pharmacy | |
|
We Are Here To Help
Refer a loved one or someone you know to The Ark for support from experienced case managers who create individualized plans using The Ark’s wide array of free services. Call 773-973-1000 or visit arkchicago.org.
| | | | |
