Staff Spotlight | SNAP Work Rules | Chanukah Highlights | MLK Day

SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is changing in Illinois, and many of our clients could feel the impact quickly. Starting February 1, 2026, Illinois must apply federal work requirements, and some households could begin losing benefits as early as May 1, 2026 if required steps aren't completed.

Under the rules, many adults ages 18-64 will be required to document at least 80 hours per month of work, volunteering, or participation in an approved training or education program to maintain their SNAP benefits. Those who are unable to meet these requirements risk losing their benefits, increasing the likelihood of food insecurity for those already struggling to make ends meet. 

In response to these changes, case managers are actively in conversation with their clients to help them understand the requirements and navigate available support during this transition, including connections with The Ark's Employment Services team. 

The Ark’s Food Security Program supports more than 900 households each month, and nearly 70% of those households also rely on SNAP. When benefits are reduced or disrupted, the need for kosher food and household essentials at The Ark rises.  

Help keep our shelves stocked and our refrigerators full to support our clients. Consider how you can help Pack the Pantry:   

• Donate Dollars: A monetary gift helps your dollar go farther to support the greatest needs in our community. 
  
  
• Click and Ship: Shop our Amazon wish list and easily ship items to The Ark. 
  
  
• Shop and Drop: Use our pantry collection list and drop off items at either our Chicago or Northbrook locations. 

Last month, throughout Chanukah, The Ark brought clients and staff together through programming that celebrated tradition and connection. Throughout the holiday, our community gathered to reflect and share meaningful moments. 

Thanks to the generosity of those who supported our Chanukah Gift Wishes Program, The Ark helped bring Chanukah joy to 1,400 children across Chicagoland by providing gift cards to hundreds of parents. This support offered families the dignity of choosing gifts during a financially challenging time and helping their children enjoy the holiday even more. 

Chanukah Café Ark added energy to the celebration with candle lighting, live music from Jeff Winter, group singing, and a lively dreidel competition that filled the room with laughter and togetherness. 

We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make Chanukah at The Ark so meaningful. 

Over MLK Day weekend, our community came together to honor Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through meaningful acts of service in partnership with The Ark. Across Sunday and Monday, synagogue and school partners mobilized hundreds of volunteers to support Ark clients, demonstrating Dr. King’s call to build stronger, more just communities through action. 

Thank you to our community partners who made The Ark a part of their MLK days of action. More than 160 volunteers gathered at Temple Beth El in partnership with JCC Apachi to create winter warmth kits for Ark clients, and several enthusiastic families volunteered at Temple Jeremiah for a URJ Grow a Good Citizen program. Solomon Schechter Day School together with NCSY hosted a service project for 50 students, and several enthusiastic families volunteered at Temple Jeremiah – all to benefit The Ark. Temple Beth Israel, Congregation Or Shalom, Makom Solel Lakeside, and the JUF TOV Network also hosted collection drives and completed projects to connect their communities with The Ark. 

We are deeply grateful to our synagogue, school, and community partners who chose to mark MLK Day not only with reflection, but with tzedakah, charitable giving, and action. Together, they helped turn a weekend of service into lasting impact for Ark clients across Chicagoland. 

• Manage pantry inventory in West Rogers Park to ensure items are stocked and ready to fill client orders.
  
  
• Pull and prepare inventory at our Lincolnwood warehouse to replenish our pantries and keep shelves stocked.
  
  
• Schedule a tour of our West Rogers Park location for a first-hand understanding of how The Ark provides support to address needs in our local Jewish Community.
  
  
• Make a connection between your company or organization and The Ark for an informational program or service project.
  
  
• Start a Pack the Pantry collection drive for our West Rogers Park and Northbrook pantries. Challenge your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to help you collect any one item from our pantry list. 

To express interest or learn more, contact us at volunteer@arkchicago.org.

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

Explore Our Newest Career Opportunities!

Case Manager – Northbrook

We’re looking for a compassionate problem-solver who thrives in a mission-driven, team-oriented environment.

The Case Manager serves as the central hub of client care at The Ark, supporting individuals and families as they navigate complex challenges. This role builds collaborative care plans, coordinates internal and external resources, and helps clients move toward stability and self-reliance. 

Community Outreach Coordinator (Part-Time)

The Community Outreach Coordinator supports The Ark’s Volunteer and Community Engagement efforts by creating and facilitating engaging educational experiences, volunteer projects, and community partnerships. This role works closely with internal teams and external partners to strengthen relationships, coordinate programs, and represent The Ark throughout the Jewish community.