History of Libenu
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
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.
May 2010
Libenu lobbies the State Legislature to bring awareness of the pressing needs of adults with disabilities.
2011
September 2011
First Libenu Men’s Home opens in Skokie.
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
April 2012
Libenu breaks ground on the Mozart Men’s Home, a first of its kind in the Chicago Jewish community.
December 2012
The Libenu Men move to their brand new, fully accessible home in West Rogers Park.
2013
January 2013
The first Libenu Women’s Home opens in Skokie. Libenu is featured on the front page of the Chicago Tribune.
April 2013
Libenu hosts inclusive social events and holiday celebrations.
2014
January 2014
CHOICE Vocational and Day Program opens as a collaboration between Libenu and Clearbrook.
May 2014
Libenu opens its third home, serving a group of men from the waiting list.
2015
March 2015
Libenu cosponsors an inclusive Purim costume party with Yachad, Friendship Circle, and Hillel.
May 2015
Young Leadership Board is initiated, offering inclusive social and recreational activities for Libenu clients.
2016
June 2016
Libenu is selected by Upstart Accelerator as one of the six most innovative Jewish not-for-profit organizations in the world.
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.
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
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
February 2018
Clients move into the new Libenu Women’s Home in Skokie.
May 2018
Slingshot Fund selects Libenu as one of the most inspirational nonprofits in Chicago.
July 2018
Libenu receives a major Breakthrough Grant from the Jewish Federation to expand Lev Chicago Respite to include teenagers with disabilities.
2019
July 2019
Libenu is a featured organization of the Righteous Crowd, a National Jewish Giving Circle.
May 2019
Libenu graduates from Upstart’s Venture Accelerator.
August 2019
Dr. Shana Erenberg’s article, Beyond Inclusion: The Case for Belonging, is published in eJewish Philanthropy.