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CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- For The Ark in Rogers Park, helping people is nothing new. In fact, they've been doing it for 50 years.
"We were originally founded by a doctor and two rabbis in Albany Park in 1971 as a medical clinic," said Mark Swatez, Executive Director. "We are a wrap around service institution really trying to deal, help people with anything we can. We have social services, we have medical services, we have psychological services, we have a food pantry, we have a homeless shelter, we have financial services and employment services. We are really trying to serve the entire person, help people get back on their feet, and break the cycle."
Swatez calls it a "one stop shop" with two locations in Rogers Park and in Northbrook. But when the pandemic hit in mid-March, the phones starting ringing off the hook.
"I remember when we came to work on Monday, March 16. That was when the word was out that we really not only need to help people and that there were incredible needs out there, but we needed to reassess the way we were delivering services," said Victoria Hass, Clinical Director.
Hass and Swatez quickly knew they had to pivot and step up.
"We are open Monday through Thursday and our clients come by appointment," said Jamie Brocker, Pantry Supervisor.
The Ark's two locations suddenly became a life line for hundreds more than their usual 4,000 per year client list.
"It's amazing how many people have stepped up to help. Especially our sister agencies. Dick Durbin's office called us and we were able to get a PPP loan so that helped tremendously. Our alderman's office helped us get grants. Our grant foundations were sending us large checks. Our PayPal account blew up. The community really stepped up and helped. It was quite extraordinary how many people stepped up and said we need to support the folks most vulnerable in our community," he said.
But through the storm and after, Swatez said the need will still be there so they are still on target to expand.
The Ark has been serving the Chicagoland Jewish community for 50 years. Now, through a pandemic and beyond.
"We've learned that The Ark can weather anything, that no matter what, The Ark is going to be standing and The Ark is going to be there for people," Hass said
For more information or to donate you can log on to arkchicago.org