Laurie Borden has been a dedicated member of The Ark community for more than 20 years. She first became involved as a volunteer, drawn to the chance to help others directly and to The Ark’s warm, welcoming environment. In 2023, she increased her volunteering alongside her son through Café Ark, continuing a family connection that has grown over many years.

Today, Laurie volunteers across a wide range of programs and services, including the pantry, Café Ark, Gesher, Pantry Warehouse, B’nai Mitzvah projects, and the front desk. Her hands-on involvement has given her a deep appreciation for the many ways The Ark supports our community and the people it serves.

Professionally, Laurie is a licensed real estate broker, serving buyers, sellers, and renters throughout the Chicagoland area. She brings the same commitment and passion to helping her real estate clients as she does to helping The Ark’s clients. As a member of the Board of Directors, Laurie brings the perspective of a longtime volunteer, community member, and business professional whose years of service provide a unique understanding of The Ark and its mission. 

We asked Laurie to reflect on her longtime connection to The Ark and what she’s looking forward to as a member of the Board:

1. After volunteering with The Ark for so many years, what excites you most about joining the Board? 

What excites me the most about joining the Board is] parlaying my hands-on experience volunteering directly with The Ark’s clients, and across many different departments, to improve the already superb services that the Ark provides its clients, and to implement new initiatives that serve the clients’ needs. I am excited to work with the Board and staff in shaping the future of The Ark at a broader level, and in doing my small part to ensure that The Ark is successful and financially viable for future generations. 

2. Is there a particular experience or moment that captures what The Ark means to you?  

I learned after the fact that a client came to our son’s Bar Mitzvah service a couple years ago. The client said he wanted to show his support, and be part of the Bar Mitzvah, because he was so appreciative of our involvement with Café Ark during our son’s B’nai Mitzvah project. That volunteering at The Ark, something I enjoy so much, had such an impact and meant so much to a client, is exactly why volunteering at The Ark means so much to me.

Thank you to all of our Board leaders and members for their dedication to The Ark. See the full list of Board officers, Board members, and Trustees here.