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News from The Ark
August 2024
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Dignity in Support: The Ark's Social Services | |
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At the heart of The Ark's mission lies its Social Services and Case Management team. Lynne Brody, The Ark's Senior Clinical Case Manager, has dedicated 36 years to supporting individuals and families through life's challenges. Born and raised in Chicago’s Hollywood Park neighborhood, Lynne brings not only her professional expertise but also a deep understanding of the community she serves.
The Ark's case management process begins with an intake session. "When someone reaches out to The Ark, they're often at a challenging point in their lives," Lynne explains. "Our goal is to make them feel welcomed, cared for, and understood from the very first interaction." Recognizing the difficulty many face in seeking assistance, the team strives to create a supportive, comfortable environment that removes barriers and builds trust. Every day, case managers connect with up to a dozen clients, addressing a wide range of challenges: from individuals struggling to pay rent, to those facing eviction, to individuals who have lost their jobs or are dealing with long-term financial instability.
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The Ark's case managers offer holistic support that goes beyond immediate crisis management. They help clients navigate complex systems, assisting with applications for government benefits and conducting thorough assessments to identify areas where additional support might be beneficial. With an awareness of how paperwork can pile up, case managers offer practical assistance to help clients manage these tasks, reducing stress and making the process more manageable.
"We're changing the narrative," Lynne emphasizes. "Accepting support isn't a sign of weakness; it's a recognition that we're all part of something larger—the family of the Jewish people." This personalized, affirming approach is transforming how people view seeking help.
"Our focus is on each person’s journey toward self-reliance. By offering support that respects and upholds dignity, we help people
navigate immediate and long-term challenges without
compromising their sense of self."
Naomi Ledersnaider, The Ark's Social Services Director
By fostering a culture where all community members feel they have a stable, supportive place to turn to in times of need, The Ark is nurturing a stronger, more connected community. "Case managers help support people emotionally through difficult times by providing encouragement and suggesting options that give people hope," Lynne reflects. "It's about creating a cycle of support that strengthens the bonds that unite us."
For those seeking assistance or to learn more about The Ark, please visit Ark Services or call 773-973-1000.
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Thank You to The Ark’s Summer Interns! | |
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Each summer, The Ark is fortunate to welcome a group of talented interns who bring fresh energy and ideas to our organization. This year's cohort has made exceptional contributions across all departments, furthering our mission and enhancing our community impact.
Olivia Blonsky and Marissa Isaacs enhanced our marketing and communications efforts, bringing creativity and skill to a range of projects. Anna Cohen made a meaningful impact in our Volunteer and Pantry Services, promoting smooth operations and supporting community outreach. Maxwell Straus and Nathan Reed brought their pre-med interests to life by creating a cookbook with recipes using ingredients from The Ark’s pantries in Chicago and Northbrook and assisting in the launch of our over-the-counter medication program. Ben Dorfman and Sadie Rosenthal were invaluable to our Development team, advancing our summer fundraising and grantmaking initiatives. Benjamin Persits brought sharp analytical skills to our Data and Planning team, while Lexi Reinstein provided crucial support in IT. Ezra Cheifetz worked to help us update our community contact info.
Our interns also gained valuable hands-on experience by participating in The Ark's Intensive Day Program, where they engaged in daily therapeutic activities alongside clients living with chronic mental health conditions, led group sessions, accompanied clients on community outings, and deepened their understanding of mental health support services.
We are deeply grateful for the contributions of each of these talented rising stars. Their work this summer will continue to benefit The Ark and those we serve for months to come. We wish them the very best in their future endeavors and hope they'll carry the spirit of The Ark with them wherever they go.
A special thank you to our colleagues at the Jewish United Fund's Lewis Summer Intern Program (LSIP) for their continued partnership and collaboration. Their support has been instrumental in enriching our summer internship experience and furthering our mission to serve the community.
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Back-to-School Program: There's Still Time to Make a Difference! | |
The Ark’s Back-to-School Program is in full swing! Thanks to generous donations from across our community and the dedicated support of over 100 volunteers, we've prepared gift bags filled with a variety of essential school supplies, as well as gift cards that allow families to purchase whatever their kids need to start the school year off right. A special thanks to PJ Library for their donation of children’s books that have brought smiles to the faces of our families! | |
There's still time to support the Back-to-School Program this year! Join us with a gift today at Back to School, and your gift will be doubled thanks to a $10,000 matching challenge from a group of generous Ark donors.
Thank you to everyone who has helped make this initiative a success. Together, we're making a meaningful difference for more than 1,000 children across our community.
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Honoring The Ark's Summer Volunteers | |
The Ark is truly “Anchored in Empathy and Powered by Community.” Here's how individuals and groups have made a difference this summer: | |
Community Volunteer Groups | |
This summer, we partnered with diverse organizations to raise awareness about local Jewish community needs, host visits to The Ark, and engage in impactful volunteer work. | |
Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah dropping off pantry donations and organizing Back-to-School supplies. | |
Ezra-Habonim Sisterhood volunteers packing school essentials for kids in need. | |
JUF TOV packing supplies in honor of Israeli hostages during their Week of Goodness. | |
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Bulley & Andrews teaming up with The Ark to create Back-to-School
gift bags.
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Interested in volunteering with a group? Email us to learn how The Ark can work with your community group, company, or organization. | |
Teens from JUF Camp TOV, Beber Camp, and individual families have participated in our teen volunteer programs throughout the summer. Through interactive educational activities and hands-on projects, they learned how their support directly benefits The Ark and our entire community. | |
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Upcoming Teen Tikkun Olam Programs:
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Wednesday, August 21, 1:30-3:00 p.m. at our West Rogers Park location, 6450 N. California Ave.
Additional dates will be added in November and December. Email us for more information and to learn more about signing up for future teen volunteer opportunities.
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We've welcomed dozens of new volunteers this summer, many completing our new two-part training for those working directly with Ark clients. Volunteers support various programs, including: | |
- Café Ark
- Friendly Greeter Program
- Pantry Packing
- Pantry Deliveries
- Program Preparation
- Special Projects
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Our volunteer needs change frequently. Email us for current opportunities or to sign up for one of the next Volunteer Training sessions on Monday, September 16 or Monday, October 21 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.
The Ark's community impact is made possible through your dedication!
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Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities at The Ark | |
High Holiday Collection Drive: Help The Ark Pack the Pantry! | |
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Do you meet regularly with a group that wants to support The Ark’s High Holiday Collection Drive? This is a “do anywhere” opportunity to help us prepare materials for more than 60 synagogues in advance of the High Holidays. We are looking to partner with groups of any size to help us add stickers and flyers to the 15,000 recyclable shopping bags that will make collecting pantry items for The Ark’s Market as seamless as possible. Please email us if you have a group of family members, campers, friends, coworkers, or neighbors who may be able to help with this project.
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Host a High Holiday Collection Drive at Your Synagogue | |
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We are currently preparing to launch our 2024 High Holiday Collection Drive at the end of August. This initiative sustains our pantries for over a third of the year and ensures that more than 2,500 individuals and families in our community have the support they need during the High Holidays and beyond. If you'd like more information or want to get involved early, please contact us at volunteer@arkchicago.org.
For information about more volunteer opportunities at The Ark, visit Current Volunteer Opportunities.
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Support The Ark When You Share Good Wishes for the New Year | |
If you’re starting to think about sharing Rosh Hashanah greetings with friends and family, consider purchasing printed cards or a personalized e-card from The Ark. Our beautiful greeting cards are a perfect way to support The Ark’s vital work while sharing new years’ wishes with your loved ones. | |
Thank you for making a difference for our community in 5785! |
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Attention home gardeners! If you have an abundance of fruits, vegetables, or herbs this season, consider donating them to The Ark’s pantries at our Chicago and Northbrook locations. Your homegrown produce can make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Drop off your donations at our Chicago pantry at 6450 N. California Ave. or The Ark Northwest pantry in Northbrook at 3100 Dundee Rd., Suite 802. To learn about other ways to support The Ark's pantries, visit Pantry Collection Guide.
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Vehicle Donation Made Easy | |
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Did you know that your old vehicle could help fuel a new beginning for someone in our community? By donating your used car, truck, or motorcycle to The Ark, you can directly support our vital programs and services—and we accept vehicles in any condition! Vehicle donations are tax-deductible, and we make the process hassle-free by offering free pickup anywhere in Illinois and handling all the paperwork.
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- Fill out our online form, and we’ll contact you within one business day to schedule your pickup.
- Upon collection, you’ll receive a receipt for your donation.
- When your car is sold, we’ll confirm the sale amount for your tax deduction.
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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. | |
Case Management and Social Services | |
Financial Counseling and Assistance | |
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Food Assistance and Pantry | |
Health Clinics and Pharmacy | |
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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.
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