History of Libenu

2009
2009

November 2009

Dr. Shana Erenberg, Alderman Debra Silverstein, Baruch Schur, and Senator Ira Silverstein discuss the need to develop housing for Jewish adults with disabilities in Chicago.
2010
2010

January 2010

Libenu is established as a 501(c)3 not for profit organization; elects first executive board of directors; develops mission and vision; and creates a five-year action plan.
2010

May 2010

Libenu lobbies the State Legislature to bring awareness of the pressing needs of adults with disabilities.
2011
2011

September 2011

First Libenu Men’s Home opens in Skokie.
2011

December 2011

Dr. Shana Erenberg is selected as a 2011 Jewish Community Hero by Jewish Federations of North America, bringing national recognition for Libenu.
2012
2012

April 2012

Libenu breaks ground on the Mozart Men’s Home, a first of its kind in the Chicago Jewish community.
2012

December 2012

The Libenu Men move to their brand new, fully accessible home in West Rogers Park.
2013
2013

January 2013

The first Libenu Women’s Home opens in Skokie. Libenu is featured on the front page of the Chicago Tribune.
2013

April 2013

Libenu hosts inclusive social events and holiday celebrations.
2014
2014

January 2014

CHOICE Vocational and Day Program opens as a collaboration between Libenu and Clearbrook.
2014

May 2014

Libenu opens its third home, serving a group of men from the waiting list.
2015
2015

March 2015

Libenu cosponsors an inclusive Purim costume party with Yachad, Friendship Circle, and Hillel.
2015

May 2015

Young Leadership Board is initiated, offering inclusive social and recreational activities for Libenu clients.
2016
2016

June 2016

Libenu is selected by Upstart Accelerator as one of the six most innovative Jewish not-for-profit organizations in the world.
2016

October 2016

Libenu launches Cupful’s of Love, making hot cups featuring the clients’ artwork and providing gainful employment for clients. Cups are featured in local coffee shops in Metropolitan Chicago.
2016

November 2016

Libenu finishes renovations on an apartment building in West Rogers Park and opens the fourth residence to accommodate clients on the waiting list.
2017
2017

June 2017

Libenu opens Lev Chicago Respite in conjunction with Jewish Child and Family Services, providing afternoon services for families with younger children with disabilities.
2018
2018

February 2018

Clients move into the new Libenu Women’s Home in Skokie. 
2018

May 2018

Slingshot Fund selects Libenu as one of the most inspirational nonprofits in Chicago.  
2018

July 2018

Libenu receives a major Breakthrough Grant from the Jewish Federation to expand Lev Chicago Respite to include teenagers with disabilities. 
2019
2019

July 2019

Libenu is a featured organization of the Righteous Crowd, a National Jewish Giving Circle.
2019

May 2019

Libenu graduates from Upstart’s Venture Accelerator. 
2019

August 2019

Dr. Shana Erenberg’s article, Beyond Inclusion: The Case for Belonging, is published in eJewish Philanthropy.