WEST RIDGE A Jewish social service agency is opening its renovated $20 million facility this month, bringing West Ridge expanded services that include a food pantry that doubles as a grocery store.
L’Arca, 6450 N. California Ave., will officially open its revised headquarters on May 10. The renovations aim to help the nonprofit reach an additional 1,000 clients each year, on top of the 5,000 people who already rely on the organization for food assistance and access to healthcare, among others social services
In addition to the larger food pantry, the Ark now has a more accessible pharmacy, expanded healthcare facilities and a larger meeting area for community events, professional development and more.
It was about taking care of the whole person, so supporting them with their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, said CEO Marna Goldwin. Our name comes from the story of the ark, which Noah built to protect himself from the storm. We are proud to help people find refuge during the stormiest parts of life.
The renovations quadrupled the size of The Arks food pantry, creating an experience similar to visiting a traditional supermarket. People can come to the pantry to find and collect food, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products. They can also order online for pickup or delivery.
The pantry specializes in kosher foods, which are often more expensive and harder to find, Goldwin said.
We try to provide all the things that customers might need to feel proud and a sense of confidence as they navigate life’s challenges, said Goldwin. We want people to be able to save their funds to pay for other things.
Adjacent to the food pantry is a new, larger meeting space with round tables that can accommodate up to 100 people for community meals and other events. Meals are served restaurant-style, so attendees choose what they want from a menu and volunteers prepare and serve the food.
The meeting area is also used for educational and professional development events, as well as a meeting area for case managers to speak with clients and address any challenges they may be facing.
“Many of our clients are isolated and feel anxious about being in public spaces, so we try to create a space where they feel part of a community,” Goldwin said.
The Ark’s medical facilities were also improved during the renovation.
The pharmacy has been expanded and moved to the first floor to make it easier for people to drop by and pick up their medications. Arca dispenses more than 10,000 free prescriptions each year.
The Ark offers a day program for adults with mental health issues, and the renovations include new rooms for their activities, as well as a community rooftop garden where they will help stock the food pantry. Professional doctors and volunteers offer group therapy and enrichment classes, from art therapy to music and spiritual programs.
This program was originally in the basement. We had customers who would spend all day with us and not see the sun, Goldwin said. Our customers were over the moon about this new space and all the light. You can easily see the big difference it makes in their day to day life.
There are also medical offices where people can get free care, including specialty services like dermatology, dental care, and mental health support.
The Ark was founded in 1971 as a free medical clinic for Jews living in the Chicago area. Since then, the organization has expanded to provide comprehensive support to help its clients keep their heads above water and take steps toward self-sufficiency, Goldwin said.
Arks staff began planning the renovations in 2017 because their facility was bursting at the seams and they needed more space to continue serving customers, Goldwin said. One in five Jewish households in Chicago is struggling to make ends meet, and the number of people needing support has only increased since the pandemic, Goldwin said.
In 2019, The Ark began its capital campaign for the new facility, and construction began in 2022, Goldwin said.
We knew we needed more capacity, but we also wanted to create a space that gave customers a sense of a brighter future, Goldwin said. Much of this space is designed to bring light to help people look up and realize that there is so much hope ahead.
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