A pantry order may take only a few minutes to place. But for a client without reliable internet access, or someone who would feel more comfortable having help, it can become one more task to manage during an already difficult time. 

That is where Hannah Prezant, The Ark’s new Case Management Support Specialist, comes in. 

Hannah helps clients complete orders on The Ark’s Online Market over the phone and in person. She gives clients a dedicated person who can answer questions, move through the process at their pace, and provide a personal point of connection in a process that might otherwise happen entirely online. Her role also allows case managers to spend more time helping clients address housing, employment, financial, health, and other concerns. 

The position is new to The Ark and continues to develop as Hannah learns what clients and case managers need. Working between Client Services and the Food Security team, she helps clients access groceries while staying connected to the broader support available at The Ark. 

Finding Her Place in Chicago 

Hannah’s introduction to Chicago’s Jewish community came in 2022 through the Jewish United Fund’s Lewis Summer Internship Program. Originally from South Florida, she spent the summer at Spertus, assisting with outreach and community engagement. 

She returned the following summer as a Program Assistant. After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Psychology and Human Services, Hannah looked for a position that combined social services, Jewish communal work, and direct client interaction. 

The new role at The Ark offered exactly that. 

Helping Clients Place Their Orders 

Many Ark clients use the pantry alongside other services. Access to groceries can relieve some pressure on a household budget, leaving more money for rent, utilities, transportation, and other expenses. 

Through the Online Market, clients can browse current inventory, build a customized order using their available credits, and schedule pickup at the West Rogers Park or Northbrook location. Although many complete the process independently, others lack reliable internet access or prefer someone to guide them through it. 

Hannah can read through available items, answer questions, enter an order over the phone, or sit beside a client while they make their selections. Some orders are completed quickly. Others take more time. 

Because order assistance is central to her job, Hannah does not have to rush. She can go through a list item by item or walk through the Online Market again when needed. 

Often, the conversation continues after the order is complete. 

“Many clients see The Ark as family, or as a second home,” Hannah says. “They feel comfortable sharing their stories.” 

Those conversations have helped Hannah get to know clients beyond their pantry selections. A fellow dog lover, she has connected with several people by talking about their pets. A question about an order may turn into a story about a dog waiting at home or a conversation about how someone’s week is going. 

Hannah values those moments. They give her the chance to meet people she might not otherwise encounter and better understand the experiences clients bring with them. 

Creating More Time for Clients 

Hannah’s role is practical by design. She places orders, answers questions, and helps clients navigate the Online Market. That assistance creates more time for clients who need help with the process and for case managers to focus on the larger challenges that brought someone to The Ark. 

As the position grows, Hannah is helping shape what it can become. Each order is another opportunity to make the Online Market easier to use and let clients know someone is ready to help.