773-973-1000 | arkchicago.org

As we step into March, The Ark continues to be a source of stability and care for thousands across our community. This month, we’re sharing The Ark’s 2024 Annual Report, highlighting the impact we’ve made together over the past year.

Read on for ways to make an impact this Purim, support our pharmacy, and join upcoming volunteer opportunities—and learn how you can help Open Doors for those in need through The Ark's 2025 Dinner-Less Dinner.

As potential federal spending cuts loom over essential programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and Medicare, millions of Illinois residents—including many in our community—could be affected. With 1 million Illinoisans relying on SNAP and 3.4 million on Medicaid, cuts would further weaken programs already strained by the rollback of pandemic-era expansions, leaving families with even fewer options for food and medical care. While our pantries help fill gaps by providing kosher food as well as personal care and household essentials not covered by SNAP, further constraints would force clients to make difficult trade-offs and place a greater burden on The Ark to meet rising needs. Medicaid cuts could also drive more people to seek care at our Health Clinics, further stretching limited resources. 

Now, more than ever, we must advocate to safeguard these lifelines. Make your voice heard by contacting your federal, state, and local representatives using JUF’s guide. Find sample scripts and advocacy tools from our partners at JCFS Chicago, or use 5 Calls to quickly connect with your elected officials on key issues. Together, we can work to keep these vital resources accessible to those who need them most. 

In March 2024, thanks to our community's generosity, The Ark opened the doors to our newly expanded West Rogers Park home—a space embodying kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh, our shared responsibility for one another. Here, clients find care, hope, and a path forward in surroundings that reflect the dignity at the heart of our mission. Yet the need has never been greater. One in five Jewish households in Chicagoland struggles to make ends meet, and over the past year, we've supported more than 5,000 households with kosher food, financial counseling, healthcare, employment services, and housing assistance.

To meet growing needs, we've expanded access to critical resources, including a modernized Market—four times larger than our previous Food Pantry—where clients can shop for nutritious kosher food in a welcoming, grocery-store setting. Nearly half of clients now use the Online Market to browse pantry items and schedule pickups at our city and suburban locations. From our enhanced Dental Clinic with state-of-the-art imaging systems to our vital Pharmacy services and dedicated spaces for community gatherings, every aspect of our new home reflects our commitment to supporting the whole person with excellence and care.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our entire Ark community. Side by side, we have laid the foundation for a Chicagoland where every Jew experiences the life-changing power of self-reliance, and no need goes unanswered. Explore The Ark's 2024 Annual Report to learn more about the impact we're making together. 

Many in our community face financial and logistical barriers to accessing vital medications. The Takiff Family Pharmacy is designed to change that—offering quick, reliable access to prescriptions at no cost to clients. 

Over the past year, The Ark dispensed more than 8,600 prescriptions valued at $222,000, helping hundreds of clients manage chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, depression, cardiac issues, and kidney disease. Our pharmacists go beyond filling prescriptions, offering consultations and guidance on over-the-counter treatments for urgent health needs that don’t require a doctor’s visit. Through partnerships with organizations like Americares, we work to provide life-saving medications to those who need them most. 

“Before The Ark, affording prescriptions was a constant struggle. The greatest comfort is knowing I’m no longer facing this alone.”

— Ark Client

How You Can Help:

The Ark’s Pharmacy accepts donations of sealed, non-refrigerated medications in their original manufacturer's bottles, with at least six months remaining before expiration. These donations help us reduce costs and provide our clients with the medications they need without delay. 

To donate or learn more, please contact The Ark's Pharmacy at 773-681-8977. Our team will verify compliance with our guidelines, helping us avoid disposal costs while ensuring your generosity helps those in need.

Purim is a time of celebration, generosity, and connection. Partner with The Ark to participate in the holiday’s meaningful traditions by sending Purim greeting cards to friends and family and by fulfilling the mitzvah of matanot l’evyonim, providing direct support to those in need on Purim day. 

Order Purim Greeting Cards

Choose from printed cards or personalized e-cards to send to your loved ones while supporting The Ark’s vital services.

Give Matanot L’evyonim

Your contribution will be distributed directly to Ark clients in need on Purim day, March 14, along with special mishloach manot packages.

With any questions or for assistance with your gifts, please contact Yehudis Gerstein, Donor Relations Manager, at ygerstein@arkchicago.org or 773-681-8980.

Through support to secure stable housing, access critical medical care, achieve food security, and more, The Ark is opening doors for more than 5,000 individuals and families across Chicagoland this year.

Help The Ark Open Doors with a gift to the 2025 Dinner-Less Dinner, our signature annual fundraiser. Because our Dinner is “Dinner-Less”—with no large in-person event—your contribution goes directly to critical programs and services to uplift and empower our community. 

Help us share these career opportunities with your personal and professional networks. Your referrals help strengthen The Ark's mission of supporting the Chicagoland Jewish community.

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

Illuminate real challenges and the impact of The Ark as our Digital Marketing Manager. Develop compelling content that brings community struggles into focus while showcasing how our services and supporters create pathways to self-reliance. Manage digital platforms and strategic campaigns that connect donors, volunteers, and partners to our mission—turning human experiences into narratives that inspire action and deepen understanding.

CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER

Lead and shape the future of The Ark’s programs as our new Chief Program Officer. Collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership to guide client services, oversee program operations, and support initiatives that address evolving community needs.

DIRECTOR OF CULTURE, TALENT, AND ENGAGEMENT

The Ark is seeking a dynamic leader to cultivate a thriving workplace culture and champion talent development. In this role, you’ll drive recruitment, employee engagement, and professional growth initiatives while ensuring staff feel valued and supported.

Support The Ark’s food security efforts year-round through our Amazon Wish List. Your donations significantly reduce financial costs, allowing us to focus resources on other vital services. Wish List items will be delivered directly to The Ark.

You can also bring donations to our pantries in Chicago and Northbrook. For larger in-person donations, please contact us at 773-973-1000. Visit arkchicago.org/packthepantry for more info.

Volunteering at The Ark is a powerful way to connect with our community and make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re sharing a passion, welcoming visitors, or leading a class to inspire and engage, your time and skills help create a supportive and uplifting environment for those we serve. Explore these unique opportunities to get involved and be part of The Ark’s mission. 

TEACH A POP-UP CLASS TO CLIENTS

Do you have a story to tell, a skill to share, or a talent for engaging an audience? Whether it’s travel, art, music, crafts, language, or another area of expertise, we invite you to lead a pop-up class for our IDP day program participants. 

These one-hour sessions offer volunteers a unique opportunity to connect directly with Ark clients who are navigating ongoing mental health challenges. 

WELCOME VISITORS TO THE ARK

Looking for a meaningful way to get involved? Become a Friendly Greeter! 

Greeters provide a warm welcome to everyone who enters The Ark, offering guidance and support to visitors while helping clients navigate our West Rogers Park location. Training will be provided. 

Volunteer shifts are two hours:

ENTERTAIN AT CAFÉ ARK

Every two weeks on Thursday evenings, we welcome clients to Café Ark for a restaurant-style kosher dinner, where volunteers serve a warm, catered meal in the Gale Rothner Community Room at our West Rogers Park location. We are looking for live entertainment to enhance the experience! 

If you have professional talent in music, comedy, magic, interactive game hosting, or another engaging performance, we’d love to hear from you. 

February was filled with teamwork and meaningful acts of chesed. Volunteers helped stock pantry shelves, prepare for Purim, and distribute warm essentials for winter—making a real impact for community members. Here’s a look at the hands-on efforts that continue to fuel The Ark’s work: 

For their Yom Tzedek Day, families from Congregation Or Shalom decorated bags and assembled "Cold Weather, Warm Wishes" first aid kits for Ark clients. 

A big thank you to Bank of America employees for sorting and stocking pantry inventory, helping keep essentials ready for the 2,700+ people in need of The Ark’s food assistance each year. 

Four hundred brand-new children’s coats, shoes, and socks are now in the hands of families thanks to McGrath Evanston Subaru and Operation Warm. 

Volunteer Laurie Borden and Program Coordinator Ellie Rogers represented The Ark at the Anshe Emet Synagogue B’nai Mitzvah Fair, helping students explore ways to give back through mitzvah projects. 

Thank you to Shalom Kosher Bakery, North Shore Kosher Bakery, Emma's Bagel Café, and Tel Aviv Kosher Bakery for helping families who rely on our pantry enjoy delicious, freshly baked goods, including challah every week!

Students from Anshe Tikvah Mitzvah School delivered cereal donations and packed Mishloach Manot at The Ark Northwest, helping spread joy to our community and prepare for Purim. 

Every gift to The Ark ensures that those facing hardship find a safety net

and a lifeline of support.

Case Management and Social Services

Financial Counseling and Assistance

Employment Services

Mental Health Services

Food Assistance and Pantry

Health Clinics and Pharmacy

Housing Solutions

Spiritual Enrichment