The Ark

05/21/2026

Chag Shavuot Sameach from all of us at The Ark!

Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah and is traditionally marked by dairy foods, especially cheesecake. This year, we are grateful to Eli's Cheesecake Company for donating 20 cases of kosher cheesecake for our clients to enjoy during the holiday.

In the spirit of Shavuot and the Book of Ruth, we are reminded that simple acts of kindness can help build a more connected community.

05/20/2026

Thank you to our incredible volunteers for helping set up our Yom Yerushalayim celebration and creating gift bags filled with Israeli-themed goodies for our clients.

A special thank you to Sarah's Tent Skokie Kosher Market for providing delicious sweet and savory Israeli snacks, and to Ayelet Tours for donating travel-themed items, including hats, luggage tags, globes, and the much-loved Ayelet stuffed animal. These thoughtful touches helped bring the feeling of a special trip to Israel into the room.

We are also grateful to Adina's Designer Cookies for the beautiful Jerusalem-themed cookies that made the celebration feel even more special.

Please visit their pages to learn more about their wonderful work. Thank you all for helping bring the spirit of Jerusalem to The Ark.

05/20/2026

Last Friday, The Ark’s community room was filled with music, Israeli food, and celebration for a special Yom Yerushalayim Musical Extravaganza.

Guests enjoyed an Israeli-themed lunch, live music from the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, and time to celebrate together as a community.

We were honored to welcome the Consul General of Israel to the Midwest, Elad Strohmayer, along with Rabbi Reuven Brand, Rosh Kollel, and Rabbi Yitzchak Mandel, Rosh Chabura, of the YU Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago, as special guests.

Thank you to the Ralla Klepak Foundation for Education in the Performing Arts for making this celebration possible, and to our volunteers, partners, and guests who helped bring the spirit of Jerusalem to The Ark.

04/27/2026

The Ark is hiring a Benefits Navigation Specialist in Chicago to help clients access critical public benefits and navigate complex systems with clarity and compassion.

This role conducts benefit screenings and helps individuals apply for and maintain public benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare. It also manages referrals, stays current on eligibility requirements, and works with government agencies to resolve issues.

This is an opportunity to do mission-driven work in a supportive, collaborative environment, with competitive pay, excellent benefits, and generous PTO.

Learn more and apply by clicking the link below:

https://arkchicago.org/the-ark-is-hiring-benefits-navigation-specialist/

Please share with your network!

The Benefits Navigation Specialist supports clients in accessing critical public benefits by guiding them through eligibility screenings, applications, and renewals. This role combines technical expertise with compassionate service to help individuals and families achieve greater stability.

04/24/2026

As Volunteer Appreciation Week comes to a close, we’re sending a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers in Chicago and Northbrook. You are the heart of The Ark and make our work possible every day.

Read our latest newsletter to meet just a few of the dedicated individuals making a difference across our organization, including Wendy Aling at Café Ark, Dr. Amy J. Kaissar in the Medical Clinic, and Michelle Klein in Development and Employment Services.

See the impact volunteers are making across The Ark and find out how you can get involved.

https://arkchicago.org/news-from-the-ark-april-2026/

April 2026 Newsletter: Meet the dedicated volunteers making a difference across The Ark, including Wendy Aling at Café Ark, Dr. Amy J. Kaissar in the Medical Clinic, and Michelle Klein in Development and Employment Services. Discover how to maximize your impact through workplace giving and voluntee...

04/23/2026

It’s National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we’re taking a moment to thank Judy Jury, The Ark’s Volunteer and Education Coordinator, for all she does to support the volunteers who make so much of our work possible.

From onboarding and training to thoughtfully matching more than 350 active volunteers with meaningful opportunities, Judy plays a central role in keeping our volunteer program strong.

Thank you, Judy, for the care and dedication you bring to this work every day.

Ready to volunteer? Email [email protected] to learn more.

04/22/2026

Last month, the JUF Women's Philanthropy Young Women’s City Council and Chicago Young Leadership Division (YLD) visited The Ark for a tour, learned more about our work, and volunteered their time bagging up sugar packets in our pantry, a truly sweet way to spend an afternoon.

Interested in bringing your group to volunteer at The Ark? Learn more by emailing [email protected].

04/21/2026

L’dor v’dor, from generation to generation.

This National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we celebrate families who volunteer together across generations and side by side, creating a lasting impact.

This Jewish value reminds us that compassion and responsibility are passed down through action. Volunteering is how we show the next generation what it means to give and support one another.

Ready to carry it forward? Learn more about volunteering at The Ark by emailing [email protected]

04/20/2026

This National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we celebrate the heart of The Ark — our incredible volunteers!

Their hard work, generosity, and dedication make everything we do possible. They show up, give their time, and lift others up in ways that truly matter.

We are so grateful for each and every one of them. And to volunteers everywhere, thank you for the difference you make every day. Your work strengthens communities and brings hope to so many.

Ready to get involved? Learn more about volunteering at The Ark by emailing [email protected]

04/01/2026

Chag kasher v’sameach!

As we celebrate Passover, we wish our entire community a happy and uplifting holiday. May your Passover be filled with peace, joy, and meaningful moments with your loved ones.