Tackling Food Insecurity | A Violin's Impact | Donor Spotlight | New Board Members

At The Ark's Yom Yerushalayim celebration in May, marking the reunification of Jerusalem, a client asked if he could pick up a visiting musician's violin, and then he began to play. It had been years since he had regular access to an instrument, but the music came back to him quickly. 

Dana DeBofsky, The Ark’s Grants Manager and a violist herself, saw how much the moment meant to our client and reached out to a fellow musician in her orchestra. That connection led to A440, a local violin shop, donating an instrument to The Ark for clients to use. 

For this client, the violin brought back a part of his life he had missed for years. He began playing as a child and went on to serve as concertmaster of his high school orchestra and a local youth symphony. He later played in his University’s orchestra and, as a teenager, performed at downtown Chicago restaurants, taking requests and often playing songs by ear. 

Over time, work, family, and everyday responsibilities left little room for music, and he no longer had a violin of his own. 

When the donated violin arrived at The Ark, he began playing almost immediately. 

“An instrument is meant to be played and enjoyed. Knowing this violin could help someone return to something he has loved for so much of his life made finding it a new home especially meaningful.”

— Michael Spadaro, A440 Owner 

Now, he can practice, rebuild their skills, and simply enjoy playing again as an important source of self-care. He even performed at a recent Café Ark.

Thank you to A440 for the generous gift and to Dana for making the connection that helped bring music back into this client's life.  

From The Ark’s earliest days, Allen Lapporte z”l actively supported the organization and believed deeply in its mission. His commitment continued for decades, alongside his support of other organizations serving the Jewish community, though even those closest to him often didn’t realize the extent of his generosity.

Allen grew up in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood, served in the United States Navy during World War II, and spent his life deeply connected to Jewish history, education, and community. He was an avid reader, a caring neighbor, and someone who wanted to understand the organizations he supported rather than simply write a check. 

That same sense of responsibility shaped his relationship with The Ark. When Allen passed away in 2024, he included The Ark in his estate plans with an extraordinary legacy gift that strengthens The Ark’s wraparound services to Jewish individuals and families across Chicagoland. 

Allen’s wife, Doris Lapporte, finds comfort in sharing his story and keeping his memory alive through his legacy. She hopes his commitment might inspire others to give back to the community in their own way. 

“What I want most is for Allen’s legacy to live on. If others read about his gift and it inspires them to think, ‘Why couldn’t I do that?’, then it has a double impact. It keeps his memory alive, and it inspires generosity in others.” 

— Doris Lapporte

We warmly welcome the newest members of The Ark’s Board of Directors: 

Shifra brings extensive experience in financial operations, governance, and transparency, along with a strong commitment to the Jewish community and supporting individuals and families in need. 

Ark staff prepare to welcome clients to our school supply pop-up.

Thanks to our community’s generous support, The Ark’s Back-to-School Program helped 1,000 children get ready for the 2026-2027 school year. At school supply pickup events hosted by The Ark, families received a $75 Walmart gift card for each child aged 5-18 and were able to choose needed supplies from among backpacks, lunch bags, glue, markers, crayons, scissors, highlighters, and more. This year, we were also able to offer an array of clothing like winter coats and school uniforms, thanks to donations from community partners. 

Each year, volunteers, donors, and partners make this program possible for hundreds of families facing financial insecurity. Without their support, we would not be able to offer this important resource as a part of the holistic care plans our case managers build in partnership with our clients. 

It’s not too late to make a gift to support our Back-to-School Program. Please consider joining us today and making a difference for Jewish children from Chicago to the far-reaching suburbs.

During the Days of Awe, these 10 sacred days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we are called upon by our tradition to look inward and examine who we want to be and how we want to lead our lives in the new year. We seek forgiveness, pray, and participate in righteous giving. 

At The Ark, we re-commit each year to stand up and take care of our neighbors in need. When a new family or a long-time client asks us for help navigating life’s most difficult situations, we step forward to help make our community safer, stronger, and more secure. We say, Hineni: Here I Am. We are here to help. 

Will you join us this year and say Hineni? Your compassion and generosity will help meet the unique financial, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those most vulnerable in our community and show them that they are not alone. 

Please consider joining us with a High Holiday gift today to help ensure The Ark is there for anyone who turns to us in need in 5787. 

• Join other adult volunteers at The Ark’s Pantry Warehouse in Lincolnwood to help unpack, organize, and shelve pantry donations. Weekday volunteer shifts are available for individuals and groups of up to 15 adults. Space is limited. Contact us to learn about current openings.
  
  
• Schedule an informational talk or tour for a first-hand understanding of how The Ark addresses the needs of our community with your co-workers, social club, or nonprofit group.
  
  
• Make a connection between your company or organization and The Ark for an interactive program or service project.
  
  
• Start a Pack the Pantry collection drive. Challenge your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to help you collect any one item from our pantry list. 

To express interest or learn more, please fill out our volunteer interest form.

Explore Our Newest Career Opportunities!

Pharmacist (PRN/Per Diem) 

The PRN/Per Diem Pharmacist steps in to cover vacations, illness, and other scheduling needs. This role suits someone experienced, dependable, and comfortable working independently, who takes real satisfaction in thoughtful, unhurried patient care. 

Program Support Specialist 

The Program Support Specialist supports the day-to-day operations of The Ark’s Volunteer and Outreach Department. This role helps coordinate volunteer activities, manage volunteer systems and records, prepare materials and supplies for programs and events, and provide administrative support that keeps the department organized and running smoothly. 

Marketing and Communications Associate 

The Marketing and Communications Associate is responsible for creating and coordinating communications that engage clients, staff, donors, and community partners. This role manages day-to-day marketing and communications projects, producing clear, timely content that aligns with The Ark’s mission and organizational priorities. 

Dental Hygienist (Part-Time)

The Dental Hygienist provides essential preventive care in The Ark’s free dental clinic, helping patients maintain their oral and overall health. This role delivers high-quality services, educates patients on effective oral care, and works closely with our dentist and healthcare team to support coordinated, patient-centered care. This is a meaningful opportunity to make a real impact by expanding access to critical dental care within the community.

Every gift to The Ark ensures that those facing hardship find a safety net and lifeline of support.