773-973-1000 | arkchicago.org

Welcome to The Ark’s first newsletter of 2025! We’re excited to launch this edition in our brand-new email platform, featuring a refreshed look. In this issue, we dive into the ongoing impact of your support, explore our growth over the past year, and share The Ark's vision for the future along with ways you can help our community stay warm this winter.

As The Ark embarks on a new phase of service and growth, our four-year Strategic Plan provides a roadmap to expand our reach and impact across Chicagoland. Building on a 53-year foundation, we remain deeply committed to creating a community where every Jewish individual has access to the vital support they need to achieve self-reliance—regardless of affiliation or circumstance.

With the opening of our expanded facility in West Rogers Park, 2024 marked the beginning of boundless new possibilities. The Ark now serves over 5,000 clients—a 16% increase since last year—and as demand for food assistance rises, our pantry usage has grown by 17%, ensuring more Jewish households have access to kosher food. This Strategic Plan lays out a bold but achievable vision for the future—one that strengthens the Jewish community while providing life-changing support to thousands of individuals and families.

Visit arkchicago.org/strategicplan to read more about our vision for the future.

The Ark continues to adapt and innovate to meet our community’s most urgent needs. Rising costs continue to challenge Jewish households across Chicagoland, with food prices up 25% in the past five years and rent increasing 10-15%. 

In response, The Ark has expanded kosher food assistance through our city and suburban pantries, serving over 2,700 individuals last year. The launch of our Online Market—now used by nearly half of our pantry clients—has made it even easier for our community to access more than 200 essential items and schedule appointments directly from their computers or mobile devices.

For many, housing insecurity remains the most pressing challenge, with over 70% of Ark clients spending more than a third of their income on rent. The Ark continues to provide assistance to clients in emergent need of housing through the Sarnoff Levin Housing Program, while also piloting new initiatives to prevent displacement and help clients build a foundation for sustainable living.

"With The Ark's help, I was able to work out a payment plan and stay in my home. For the first time in months, I can breathe again."

— Ark Client

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.

Make an online, tax-deductible gift at give.arkchicago.org.

Start a pantry collection drive at arkchicago.org/pantrycollectionguide.

Contact volunteer@arkchicago.org to plan a group volunteer experience.

 Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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

Visit our Careers Page to discover more opportunities to join our team.

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.

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.

Thank you to the many community groups and individuals who have created hand-knitted warm blankets, sweaters, hats, and scarves for our clients throughout 2024. We have received over 1,500 items, which have been distributed since the winter season began. If you are involved in the fabric arts and would like to create pieces to donate to The Ark, please email volunteer@arkchicago.org.

The Ark is grateful to GiveNKind for their ongoing partnership, and helping us provide even more support this season. Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, we were able to distribute 45 brand-new Columbia and North Face winter jackets to adults in our community. In addition to these winter essentials, we also receive personal care products, household supplies, and other high-need items from GiveNKind, helping our clients access everyday necessities year-round.

As the cold weather sets in, your help keeps our community safe. We’re collecting adult winter jackets, new or freshly cleaned, in fleece or snow-repellant materials. Please note, we cannot accept fur or leather jackets. We also welcome new hats, gloves, and ear warmers. Thank you for your continued support and generosity!

You can drop off your donations at either of our Ark locations:

THE ARK

6450 N. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60645

Drop-Off Hours
Mon-Thu: 9 am - 4 pm
Fri: 9 am - 2 pm

THE ARK NORTHWEST

3100 Dundee Rd., Suite 802
Northbrook, IL 60062

Drop-Off Hours
Mon-Thu: 9 am - 2 pm
Fri: 9 am - 12 pm

Throughout Chanukah and into the new year, volunteers have been bringing energy, generosity, and holiday spirit to our programs! From preparing Chanukah gift bags to organizing pantry donations, each group has made a meaningful impact. Here’s a look at some of the amazing efforts from our community.

Temple Jeremiah families dedicated two days to keeping our pantry stocked and running smoothly—sorting donations and organizing shelves to ensure essentials are ready for those who need them.

The Francis W. Parker School Jewish Parent Affinity Group made our Chanukah Gift Wishes program even more special! Their toy donations gave families another meaningful way to celebrate with their children.

North Shore Congregation Israel, Rabbi Jacob Leizman, and board member April Victor represented The Ark at Family Chanukah Fest—strengthening the connection between our organizations and the community.

We were proud to host the third annual JCFS Chicago Adoptive Families Chanukah Program at The Ark! Families brought energy and teamwork to The Ark, sorting donated food and learning about our pantry’s impact.

Women’s Philanthropy of JUF kicked off their FLEX program by assembling Chanukah bags and donating cooking oil—helping to bring joy to 450 families this season.

Chicago Jewish Day School teachers and staff brightened their Chanukah celebration by packing gift bags, organizing pantry donations, and sorting winter coats for our clients.

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