Libenu Awarded a $1,000,000 City of Chicago Community Grant
We are thrilled to share that Libenu has been awarded a $1,000,000 City of Chicago Community Development Grant to support the renovation and construction of Lev Avigayil Libenu Center at 2827-2839 West Touhy Ave. Lev Avigayil, named in memory of Gale Rothner, a’h, will be the permanent home for Libenu’s respite programs, serving children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a springboard for expanded adult services.
Libenu was one of only ten organizations out of 150 applicants selected in this highly competitive process and the first awardee in the 50th Ward, as well as the first Jewish and disability‑focused organization to receive this grant.
This transformational investment, representing one‑third of our capital campaign goal, positions us to break ground as soon as city permits are approved, turning our vision for an inclusive, state‑of‑the‑art facility into reality. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago Development and Planning Department for recognizing the critical need for respite and lifelong support in our community. To join us in this exciting initiative or explore naming opportunities, please contact David Ben‑Arie, Libenu’s Director of Development, at David@Libenu.org.
Chag Shavuot Sameach
Shavuot is the joyous celebration of our collective moment at Har Sinai, when past, present, and future generations of Klal Yisrael stood as an Am Achad B’Lev Achad, one nation with one heart, to receive the gift of Torah. In that transcendent moment, every heart was open and every soul, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, stood together in unity, reminding us that we are always stronger together and that our community flourishes when every person belongs. The giving of the Torah reminds us that its wisdom and love are meant for all people, without exception, and that each of us brings a unique gift to our tradition. As we celebrate Shavuot, let us remember that a welcoming Jewish community, where each individual is valued for his/her unique contributions, keeps the light of Torah shining brightly for all.
Wishing you a Chag Shavuot Sameach – a happy and meaningful holiday,
Shana Erenberg, CEO
LiBAKEnu A Delicious Success!
LiBAKEnu, Libenu’s Shavuot bake sale, was a tremendous success thanks to the incredible generosity and spirit of our community. Heartfelt thanks to the more than 100 talented bakers, as well as Tel Aviv Bakery, Ken’s Diner, Sourdo_by_Yael, Challah House by Rachel Hildeshaim, Simplyperfectbaking by Tomi Geller, and Oliventhyme by Aviva Robinson who donated their time, creativity, and delicious treats, and to everyone who came out to shop and show their support. We are especially grateful to Dina Baker and Kaley Cohen for their outstanding leadership in organizing the event, Aviva Robinson, Miriam Friedman, Michelle Ruben, and all of the dedicated volunteers who helped bring it all to life with such warmth and beauty. A very special thank you goes to Chaya Tova and David Hartman for graciously opening their beautiful home and hosting this unforgettable event in support of Libenu’s mission.
Disability Advocacy Day – Springfield, IL
The IARF Disability Advocacy Day in Springfield was a resounding success, as Libenu and our JUF Encompass delegation met with legislators to champion critical issues affecting individuals with I/DD: opposing cuts to DSP hours, advocating for greater flexibility in day‑program schedules; trying to secure a tax exemption for family‑owned CILA homes; and stressing the importance of maintaining adequate funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant program, especially in light of the rise in antisemitism across the country. We also held productive discussions with the Director and Assistant Director of Illinois Medicaid to underscore the potential impact of proposed benefit reductions and urge preservation of these vital supports.
Heartfelt thanks to Amy Zimmerman, JUF Vice President of State Government Affairs, and Jared Hoffman, JUF Legislative Associate for State Government Affairs, whose dedication and hard work made this powerful day of advocacy possible.
