Libenu, a JUF/Encompass partner agency serving people with disabilities in the Chicago Jewish community, has been awarded a $1 million grant from the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development.
The City of Chicago Community Development Grant will support the renovation and construction of the Lev Avigayil Libenu Respite Center in West Rogers Park.
Named in memory of the late Gale Rothner, Lev Avigayil will be the permanent home for Libenu's respite programs, serving children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a springboard for expanded adult services.
"The Libenu Respite Center resonated with Gale," said Eric "Rickey" Rothner, longtime JUF lay leader who is proud to see the Center named for his late wife. "Gale appreciated how everyone would benefit--the children with disabilities would enjoy special rooms and programs in a safe, nurturing, loving environment, and their parents would have opportunities to focus their attention on their other children. The Lev Avigayil Libenu Respite Center truly reflects the heart--the
lev
--of Avigayil Gitel bat Pesach v'Chava Rivka."
One of only 10 organizations selected out of 150 applicants in this highly competitive process, Libenu was the first awardee in the 50th Ward, as well as the first Jewish and disability-focused organization in that area to receive this grant.
This transformational investment, representing one third of Libenu's capital campaign goal positions Libenu's new home to break ground as soon as city permits are approved.
"This will turn our vision for a state-of-the-art facility into reality," said Dr. Shana Erenberg, Libenu co-founder and CEO. "We are grateful to the City of Chicago and the Chicago Department of Planning and Development for recognizing the critical need for respite and lifelong support in our community. Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Soroka and the Agudath Israel of Illinois for their advocacy on behalf of Libenu."
