News from The Ark

September 2024

773-973-1000 | arkchicago.org

Hunger Action Month: Addressing Critical Needs in Our Community

Ark staff and volunteers at the Institute of Soil and Soul for Hunger Action Day

Glencoe Community Garden harvesting fresh food and veggies for The Ark

This September, in honor of Hunger Action Month, Ark staff and volunteers visited the Institute of Soil and Soul in Long Grove to learn about organic, sustainable farming and to assist with harvesting fresh produce. Partnerships with local growers such as Soil and Soul and the Glencoe Community Garden provide fresh produce that The Ark immediately distributes to hundreds of households in the area.

This effort is crucial, as 73% of our clients cannot afford an unexpected expense of $400, and 72% rely on benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). However, these benefits often fall short of covering household expenses. The Ark's pantries in Chicago and Northbrook help fill this gap, ensuring our clients have access not only to kosher food but also to dozens of other daily necessities such as shampoo, soap, diapers, paper towels, and feminine care products.

How You Can Help:

Support The Ark's Market by donating non-perishable kosher food items or sharing your homegrown produce. Every contribution can help make a difference in the lives of community members facing food insecurity.

The Ark's High Holiday Collection Drive: An Opportunity to Make a Difference

The High Holiday Collection Drive has begun! Thanks to dozens of community partners and Ark volunteers, thousands of shopping bags have been distributed to synagogues across Chicagoland in anticipation of a successful collection effort. This initiative sustains our pantries for over one-third of the year and helps more than 2,500 individuals and families in our community access kosher food and household essentials year-round.

To participate, visit Pack the Pantry for our collection list and bring contributions to your local synagogue, or drop off your donations at either of The Ark's locations in Chicago and Northbrook. For those who prefer online shopping, you can provide essential items via our Amazon Gift List and ship directly to The Ark.

For more information about how your synagogue or group can get involved or how you can help pack the pantry, email us at volunteer@arkchicago.org.

The Ark 

6450 N. California Ave.

Chicago, IL 60645

Drop-Off Hours

Mon-Thu: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Fri: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

The Ark Northwest 

3100 Dundee Rd., Suite 802

Northbrook, IL 60062

Drop-Off Hours

Mon-Thu: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Fri: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Over the past year, our community has faced incredible challenges. It has never been more important for Jews to have a place to turn in times of need, where they can feel safe and supported. The Ark is here every day to provide comprehensive support to more than 5,000 individuals and families across our community, with compassion and dignity.

“When I injured my leg and couldn’t work, I felt like my world was collapsing. My benefits didn’t cover rent, and I didn’t know what to do. The Ark helped me find the care I needed, and they helped with our expenses during my recovery, to make sure my family and I could stay in our home." — Adam 

Join us with a gift online today to support The Ark, and clients like Adam, in 5785. 

The Impact of Your Support:

$360 covers regular dental care for a young family. 

$180 supplies diapers and formula for a family with a new baby. 

$100 covers a regular doctor’s visit for a client with a chronic health condition. 

$54 provides a month of food assistance from The Ark’s Market. 

$36 funds daily meals for a client in our day program for adults with chronic mental health challenges. 

Send New Year’s Wishes to Friends and Family

It’s not too late to purchase print greeting cards or a personalized e-card from The Ark to send good wishes and New Year’s greetings to friends and family. Share the joy of the New Year with loved ones with a beautiful greeting card, while supporting The Ark’s vital work.

To order by phone or with any questions, contact Yehudis Gerstein, Donor Relations Manager, at 773-681-8980 or ygerstein@arkchicago.org.

Empowering Education: The Ark's Back-to-School Program 

Thanks to the generous support of our community, The Ark was able to provide gift cards and school supplies to more than 1,000 school-aged children across Chicagoland. Hundreds of volunteers, partners, and supporters came together to prepare snack bags, set up distribution events, and make donations in support of this program.

As the need in our community grows, we've expanded our efforts, offering essential supplies and Walmart gift cards to even more families and empowering parents to choose the items their children need for a confident start to the school year. A special thank you to PJ Library for their generous donation of hundreds of new children's books with Jewish content, adding an important new element to the Back-to-School Program.

Service Spotlight

Financial Counseling at The Ark: Guiding Steps Toward Stability  

At The Ark, Financial Counseling serves as a crucial support system for many in our community who are navigating economic challenges. With 44% of our clients unable to save even $20 per month, this service has become increasingly vital. Since moving into our new Chicago facility, we've seen a 22% rise in households served. With her office now positioned next to the Intensive Day Program (IDP) space, Marcy Goodman, The Ark's dedicated Financial Counselor, has created a more accessible environment for individuals facing chronic mental and physical health challenges, offering a welcoming setting for financial guidance. 

For many, the decision to seek financial counseling is a challenging first step. It often means confronting the reality that significant lifestyle changes may be necessary. Marcy's approach extends beyond just managing finances; she provides a compassionate ear and tailored guidance for each client’s unique situation. "Many of our clients are struggling with substantial debt," Marcy explains. "We work together to create a plan that addresses their immediate needs while building toward long-term financial stability." Her holistic strategy involves not only addressing immediate financial concerns but also helping clients develop the mindset and habits necessary for lasting success.

Marcy's professional financial counseling, available to all clients of The Ark, covers various aspects of financial wellness, from negotiating debt and building savings to making informed everyday choices. She guides clients through credit counseling to explore debt reduction options and connects them with community resources like subsidized housing. She also emphasizes proactive planning, such as budgeting for predictable expenses like car repairs and keeping quick, affordable meal options on hand for days when cooking can feel overwhelming. Through personalized plans and ongoing support, Marcy empowers clients to navigate the often emotional journey of financial restructuring, proving that with the right preparation, positive change is possible while still maintaining quality of life.

Learn how financial counseling at The Ark can guide you or someone you know toward a more secure future at Financial Counseling and Assistance.

Marcy’s Financial Tips

• Create a Realistic Budget: Build a budget that’s sustainable, focusing on your essential expenses first. 
• Prioritize Payments: Strategically manage payments, starting with necessities like housing and utilities. 
• Plan for Emergencies: Set aside funds for unexpected costs, building a financial safety net for the future. 

Welcome to Our New Board Members! 

We are thrilled to welcome four new members to The Ark's Board of Directors, each bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to our mission.

Andrew Lucas is a Senior Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch and is a Partner in The Knowles Armitage and Lucas Group. Andrew's deep commitment to the Jewish community provides valuable insights as The Ark continues to grow and expand its impact.

Gila Robinson is a dynamic leader in the Chicagoland Jewish community, known for her impactful work as the former Director of Moving Traditions in Chicago. She previously served as secretary of the Camp Young Judea Midwest Board and has been volunteering at The Ark Northwest for several years. Drawing on her extensive experience in educational leadership and certification in Jewish communal service, along with her master's degree in social work, Gila brings a fresh perspective to enhancing The Ark's programs and outreach strategies. 

April Victor brings decades of expertise in health management and organizational leadership from her 40-year career at Endeavor Health. A dedicated volunteer for over 10 years and currently Volunteer Captain for Café Ark, April's strategic insights and long-standing dedication to The Ark position her well to contribute to our organization's ongoing efforts to serve the community. 

Ken Weissman, Owner and President of Modern Optical International, is a seasoned professional in the wholesale industry with extensive experience in negotiation, market planning, and operations management. Ken's proven leadership and business acumen offer a unique blend of skills to support The Ark in advancing our mission and organizational growth.

Celebrating Community: The Ark's Summer Open House 

On a sunny August afternoon, The Ark opened its doors to show gratitude for the incredible community that makes our work possible. More than 150 donors, volunteers, and supporters joined us for a day of fun and connection at our newly expanded and renovated facility in West Rogers Park.

Guests enjoyed a variety of activities, including arts and crafts and a scavenger hunt. They also had the opportunity to tour our new building, meet Ark staff, learn about our services, and participate in hands-on volunteer opportunities. The event celebrated our community of supporters for their continued commitment to The Ark’s vital work. Every contribution, no matter the size, has helped us grow into the organization we are today, and we're deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. 

Autumn Connections: The Ark at Fall Fest Lake County 

The Ark was thrilled to join fellow community organizations at this year’s Fall Fest celebration at Lake County JCC. In partnership with JCC Chicago, we took part in this wonderful opportunity to highlight The Ark's initiatives in the north and northwest suburbs.

Visitors to our booth engaged in a meaningful craft project, creating seasonal cards that will be shared with Ark clients. It was a day filled with connections, creativity, and the warmth of community as we ushered in the fall season together. 

Volunteer Appreciation at The Ark

This past Sunday, The Ark hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Event, a special gathering that honored the dedicated individuals who form the backbone of our organization. Our community room came to life with the energy of dynamic conversation, inspiring presentations, and beautiful flowers donated by The Backyard Flower Lab.

From meal delivery drivers and grocery shoppers to pantry packers and Café Ark servers, the effort of every single one of our volunteers is priceless. Many of the programs and services offered at The Ark would not be possible without volunteers working behind-the-scenes and directly with clients. Thank you for your unwavering support and for being part of our Ark family!

Pictured left to right, Board Members and volunteers Dina Isaacs and Judy Zagorin, volunteer Ruth Gross recognized for exemplary service in 2024, together with dedicated volunteer and husband Phil Gross.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities at The Ark

Teen Tikkun Olam:  

Make a Difference in Our Community

A gift to The Ark helps ensure that those in need can always find a safety net and lifeline of support.

Housing Solutions

Spiritual Enrichment

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.

773-973-1000 | arkchicago.org