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News from The Ark
July 2024
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A Community of Care: The Ark’s Intensive Day Program | |
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The Ark's Intensive Day Program (IDP) stands as a beacon of hope and support for Jewish adults facing chronic mental health challenges. More than just a service, IDP offers a safe, communal space infused with Jewish values, culture, and spirituality. Here, clients find healing, community, and the opportunity to expand into a greater sense of self-reliance. With a blend of professional case management and a welcoming atmosphere, IDP provides a lifeline and space of belonging for those navigating the ebbs and flows of long-term conditions.
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Funded by philanthropy and free from insurance constraints, IDP allows our team of highly qualified professionals to tailor our approach to what our clients truly need. Since moving into our expanded and renovated home at 6450 N. California Avenue, the program has blossomed, bringing back many long-time participants and welcoming new faces. The new spaces have enabled us to offer a rich tapestry of daily therapeutic, creative arts, and activity-based groups, fostering positive social interactions and celebrating Jewish tradition. | |
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"Every day here is special, and filled with laughter and friendship. This isn't just a program for me. It's like a family."
Ark Client, Intensive Day Program
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From music and art therapy to spiritual enrichment and current events discussions, IDP's diverse offerings cater to a wide range of interests and needs. One of our new offerings, Enchanted Hour, provides a restorative, sensory-rich environment with wordless music, aromatherapy, and calming creative activities like coloring and painting to help clients regulate their nervous systems and find a sense of peace. Thanks to generous support from The Ralla Klepak Foundation for Education in the Performing Arts, IDP is further enriched with monthly performing arts outings, such as this month's trip to see "2 Pianos 4 Hands" at Northlight Theatre, broadening clients' cultural experiences.
IDP's impact extends far beyond its daily activities. Through individualized case management, clients receive support with everything from housing solutions and navigating social security benefits to financial counseling for insurance and debt management, in collaboration with The Ark's Certified Financial Counselor. The program's holistic approach addresses not just immediate needs but also equips clients with skills for greater independence.
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Please contact us at 773-973-1000 with potential referrals. IDP is here to connect individuals with beneficial services, whether they need support or a place to call home. |
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In Memoriam: Rabbi Yehoshua Eichenstein | |
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With heavy hearts and deep appreciation, we honor the memory of Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel Eichenstein z”l, one of the founding pillars of The Ark. Together with Dr. Binyamin Sokol z”l, Rabbi Avram Kaufman z"l, and Joseph Weiss z”l, Rabbi Eichenstein envisioned an organization rooted in Torah values and chesed (loving-kindness), starting humbly on the second floor of a drugstore on Lawrence Avenue.
His guidance was instrumental in navigating The Ark’s growth into the social service agency it is today. Answering halachic (Jewish law) questions whenever needed and offering counsel, Rabbi Eichenstein was a cornerstone of wisdom and reliability. Day or night, he was there when The Ark needed him. In every conversation, he had the rare gift of making each person feel like the center of the universe. His profound respect for others shone through in all his interactions, ensuring everyone felt truly heard and valued.
Rabbi Eichenstein was a visionary leader with remarkable insight and a heart that embraced the entire spectrum of the Jewish community. His role in The Ark was more than foundational; it was a movement, a philosophy that bridged ideological divides, focusing on providing support to those in need from all walks of life. He balanced strength with gentleness, always driven by true Ahavat Yisroel, a deep-seated love for every Jew, which defined his interactions and his life's work.
His devotion extended beyond organizational responsibilities, as he seized every opportunity to build and nurture initiatives that would help others lead fulfilling lives. His reach expanded beyond The Ark, founding the Chicago Center for Torah and Chesed and playing a role in the evolution of so many other chesed organizations.
At home, he embodied the role of a devoted husband and father, partnering with his wife to instill in their children the same values they championed in the broader community. His life was a model of how to live with purpose, kindness, and humility.
As we remember Rabbi Eichenstein, we honor his memory by continuing the work he began. His influence is woven into the fabric of The Ark and the broader Chicagoland Jewish community. May his memory be a blessing and a source of inspiration for all of us, shaping the future of our community for generations to come.
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The Ark’s Back-to-School Program: Supporting Our Students | |
Preparing for the new school year can bring both excitement and challenges. For many families in our community who are already struggling to afford basic needs like food and housing, securing essential school supplies can be a significant financial stressor. That's where The Ark steps in—with your help. | |
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The Ark’s Back-to-School Program and Collection Drive aim to support a smooth transition for clients with children entering Pre-K through Grade 12. With your support, The Ark will provide high-need school supplies, along with Walmart gift cards that offer families the flexibility to choose what their children need most. Our goal is to equip more than 900 eager, young minds with the tools they need to feel confident and prepared for a successful school year. And when you give today, your gift will be doubled, thanks to a $10,000 matching challenge from a generous group of Ark donors.
Join us at arkchicago.org/backtoschool to jumpstart a successful school year for hundreds of kids across our community. Here's how you can make a difference today:
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You can mail or drop off checks, Walmart gift cards, and new school supplies at either of our Ark locations. With any questions about your gift, please contact our Development Office at 773-681-8980 or giving@arkchicago.org. | |
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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.
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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.
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Empowering Futures: The Ark’s Employment Department | |
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Since its inception in 2004, The Ark's Employment Department has been an essential support system for job seekers in our community. Led by Andrea Storz, Director of Employment Services, The Ark offers a unique blend of professional resume writing, career coaching, and intensive job readiness training.
"Our goal is to help clients develop a professional identity that aligns with who they are and where they want to go," Andrea says. This philosophy underpins the personalized support offered to each client, from high-level executives to recent graduates. Each receives a tailored approach that honors their individual story, whether they're seeking new employment or pivoting careers. "There's no one-size-fits-all solution," Andrea emphasizes. "Every client is unique, with their own set of challenges and aspirations."
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The journey often begins with building confidence. Andrea plants the seed of self-assurance from day one, nurturing it throughout the process. Her focus is on helping clients effectively understand and communicate their own value and guiding them toward fulfilling careers. One client, after a decade-long pursuit of a PhD, found renewed fulfillment after Andrea helped her find a career path that honored her talents without requiring further academic credentials. "I aim them in directions where they can succeed and find meaning in their chosen field and work-life balance," she shares. This often involves opening clients' eyes to industries they never knew existed or helping them translate their skills to new fields.
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“I was in a tough spot, but The Ark's Employment Services turned things around. They helped me figure out what I really wanted to do and got me back on track financially. Their insight and guidance are something that I will always remember.”
Ark Client, Employment Services
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The Ark's Employment Department continues to be a catalyst for financial independence, equipping job seekers with skills, resilience, and confidence to thrive in their career journeys. The Ark also provides free seminars and discussion groups for clients, alongside comprehensive career support for organizations, businesses, and schools, offering expertise in talent acquisition, hiring processes, and workplace accommodations.
"The client is always the hero of their own story," Andrea asserts. “They deserve the praise, the recognition, and the encouragement to keep going." It's this client-centered approach that has established The Ark's Employment Department a vital resource in the community, shaping futures and changing lives, one success story at a time. Learn more about The Ark's Employment Department at arkchicago.org/employment-services.
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The Ark’s Community Engagement team collaborated with Beber Camp to educate their teen leaders about needs in the Jewish community. The program kicked off with the teens decorating 300 school supply bags with uplifting messages and good wishes to Ark families and their children for a successful school year.
The teens learned about food security through a hands-on exercise, filling out pantry order forms from the perspective of clients with limited budgets. This challenge sparked a lively discussion as they experienced firsthand the constraints faced by those in need. Their insightful comments demonstrated a growing awareness of the complexities surrounding rising costs, tight resources, and the challenges many families face every day.
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Tikkun Olam Opportunities for Teens! | |
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The Ark is hosting teen volunteer programs in August. Rising 9th-12th graders are invited to join us to learn about The Ark and the needs in our local Jewish community by participating in hands-on, interactive activities. They will help us prepare materials for Ark programs, including our annual High Holiday Collection Drive. These opportunities are open to any teens eager to get involved and make a difference! Upcoming dates for teen programs are:
- Sunday, August 11, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 14, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 21, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
All programs will be hosted at The Ark, 6450 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60645. Please email us for more information or to sign up.
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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 prepare the 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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New Adult Volunteers: Join Our Volunteer Community! | |
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For all who are interested in volunteering at The Ark, there is a mandatory training each month at our West Rogers Park location. Our next session is on Monday, August 12, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Please email us with interest in joining our volunteer community.
For more info about volunteer opportunities, visit arkchicago.org/current-volunteer-opportunities.
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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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