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When Grace Network co-founders Sarah and Ryan Airola turned their attention to Lake County, Illinois, the goal was to apply the same model that they have successfully employed in Chicago since 2021. The nonprofit has been addressing hygiene insecurity by collecting, packaging and providing supplies for kids in need. In the process, the Grace Network (TGN) is boosting their dignity, self-worth and ability to apply themselves and grow.

“Since founding the Grace Network, we have made significant inroads in Chicago, supplying 6000+ students with over a quarter million hygiene products a year through 110 participating schools,” says Sarah. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of business leaders and volunteers who have helped us purchase and package the kits and scale up to increase our impact. Lake County has such a strong business base, and so it was a natural progression to expand our efforts into the community. We’ve already had a warm reception and found plenty of partnership opportunities.”

“We have already seen first-hand the impact the Grace Network has made in Lake County,” said Natalie Airola, program manager of community affairs at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. “Our nursing staff got together and participated in a recent packing event, helping to put together hygiene kits for local students in need. It was important for staff to see that healthcare goes beyond a doctor’s office or hospital—having those basic hygiene needs addressed will help to reduce potential health issues and remove the barrier it causes to education for students. We look forward to our continued work with them to help the overall health in our community.”

Now in Phase 2 of its growth, TGN is expanding its care measures even more. “Our expanded 3-year intervention plan includes a new set of activities that will build on what we already do,” Sarah explains. In addition to providing hygiene supplies, TGN is introducing educational activities and has already added laundry services with washers and dryers for student use in 22 schools.

To ensure sustainability for all the programs, “we are working to develop new partnerships and strengthen existing ones at local and national levels,” she adds. TGN is also creating a data collection and evaluation process, to measure whether interventions are meeting mission goals.

Among the new goals? Within the next three years, TGN hopes to add another 40 partner schools, double distribution of hygiene items (including dental care, feminine products, soap, socks and underwear) to half a million in Chicagoland, and implement educational programs designed to raise awareness and demonstrate hygiene practices. “We are aiming for long-term behavioral changes, and hoping to involve parents in these educational programs,” Sarah explains.

“It is difficult for students to reach their educational and social-emotional goals if their basic needs are not being met. The Grace Network helps us address this amongst our students.” Said Preston Kendall, President of Cristo Rey St. Martin.

In early 2024, TGN launched a “care kits” initiative to build and distribute up to 10,000 kits, filled with essential hygiene products, through their school network. Much of their support for this initiative comes from corporate partners looking to host in-office volunteer programming for staff. In November of 2024, TGN surpassed their goal by packing 11,500 kits through corporate partners such as William Blair, Antares Capital, Optiver US & Northwestern Medicine.

“As students mature and learn how to apply themselves, they face many challenges. At the Grace Network, we want to leverage local leadership to alleviate the burden of hygiene insecurity so that the kids can focus on growth opportunities and enjoy the high quality of life for which Chicagoland is known,” Sarah concludes.

Get involved in empowering Lake County youth and shaping the community’s next generation of leaders. Click here to get involved with the Grace Network, and click here to connect with us and learn more about how we can help your business tap into the community and grow.

Lake County Partners is fortunate to work with incredibly skilled educational leaders who are training the next generation of talent in Lake County. In pursuit of the best way to arm young students with the in-demand skills that they need to flourish in the workplace, innovators are shaking up the traditional mold and charting a new path forward in education. The latest example is the unique and inspiring Navig8Lake, which successfully kicked off in 2024.

Inside the expo hall, the energy was electric. Sparks flew from welding demonstrations as curious students leaned closer, virtual reality headsets transported others to new worlds, and the bleats of goats added a unique charm to the atmosphere. This was Navig8Lake—a career exploration event like no other, where education meets opportunity to shape the future of Lake County.

Navig8Lake brought together 4,200 students, local businesses, and community leaders in a shared mission: to inspire, connect, and lay the foundation for the county’s economic future.

“This isn’t just a career fair,” said Gina Schuyler, Administrator for Careers and Community Partnerships at Grayslake Community High School. “Students need to experience careers available to them to truly understand their potential.”

From the clang of metal in welding demonstrations to hands-on VR simulations, the event offered students an immersive experience. They didn’t just hear about careers—they stepped into them.

Community Coming Together

Students explored a variety of industries through interactive displays and conversations with local employers. For many, it was a day of discovery.

“I just tried the VR welding simulation, and I did pretty well,” one student shared, beaming with pride. “That’s why I’m here—to figure out the best job for me and what I’m good at.”

Another attendee reflected on the breadth of opportunities, noting “I’ve spoken to medical, manufacturing, engineering, military, and construction professionals. I’m getting a little bit of everything—it’s widening my opportunities.”

The event’s hands-on approach transformed abstract career paths into tangible possibilities.

Local businesses played a key role, not only highlighting job opportunities but showcasing the passion and purpose behind their industries.

“The next generation is the backbone of economic growth,” said Kimberly Wimer, HR Manager at Laser Precision and Chair of the Lake County Workforce Development Board. “Events like Navig8Lake help businesses connect with students early, ensuring they’re prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead.”

At the Liberty Prairie Farm booth, Jeff Miller captivated students with his goats—a living example of the rewards of agricultural work. “It’s not just a job—it’s a lifestyle,” he explained, describing how careers in agriculture combine creativity and outdoor work.

The Vision for Lake County

For Dr. Karner, Navig8Lake is just the beginning of a larger effort to build pathways from the classroom to the workforce.

“This event shows what’s possible when we come together as a community,” he said. “We’re committed to building pathways that inspire students and connect them to opportunities right here in Lake County.”

Educators shared in the excitement, watching students light up with curiosity and ambition. “The welding and VR stations especially made careers feel real to them,” said Marcus Smith, Principal of Grayslake Middle School. “It’s opening doors for their future.”

As booths were packed up and the last feedback surveys collected, the echoes of the day lingered. Navig8Lake wasn’t just an event—it was a spark, igniting new ideas and possibilities for students, schools, and businesses.

“Investing in our students today ensures the growth and sustainability of Lake County’s economy tomorrow,” said Jennifer Serino of Lake County Workforce.

With ongoing support from organizations like Lake County Workforce and Lake County Partners, the vision is clear: a thriving community where students can shine, businesses grow, and dreams take root.

Click here to connect with us and learn more about how your company can tap into and nurture talent in Lake County – and grow your business in the process.

In a world where the power of reading unlocks the doors to opportunity, Reading Power, Inc. is not just teaching children to read – it’s changing the plot and helping rewrite their futures. Established in Lake County in 2003, this nonprofit is on a mission to accelerate children’s literacy learning, and its impact is profound.

In its 20+ years operating in Lake County, Reading Power has developed 15 programs across 12 schools and provided individualized, high-dosage, one-to-one tutoring during the school day to more than 5,300 students in preschool through second grade.

During the 2023-2024 school year, an impressive 72% of Reading Power students met grade level expectations and increased an average of five book levels.

“Research consistently demonstrates that early reading intervention paves the way for long-term success, both in the classroom and in life,” says Lisa Bulzoni, CEO of Reading Power. “At Reading Power, mentorship is at the heart of what we do, providing students with the encouragement and support they need to thrive. The remarkable growth of our organization and the achievements of our students are living proof that this approach works. It’s truly fulfilling to contribute to shaping the next generation of leaders here in Lake County.”

Reading Power leverages Lake County’s spirit of collaboration and strong business community to provide individualized reading support, partnering with schools in North Chicago, Zion, and Waukegan. They also have a presence in Wheeling, Palatine, and Mount Prospect. The organization utilizes a volunteer-driven model, bringing together over 425 community members who are passionate about education and literacy.

“Reading Power is usually the highlight of the students’ day, as the one-to-one relationship with their caring tutor helps to build confidence and success,” notes Kristin Fine, Director of Programs. “Each lesson is individualized for the student’s skill level and learning style, helping students close learning gaps and reach grade-level benchmarks.”

Kathy McFarland, Reading Power’s Chairman and retired Abbott executive explains, “Lake County is well known for its top-ranked schools and talent pipeline. This program builds on that reputation by making sure that all children have equity in access to resources and opportunities. We have been proud to support our volunteers as they tutor in local schools; in turn, they have appreciated the chance to give back to the community in this unique way.”

Get involved in shaping the next generation of Lake County leaders by empowering local students to read. Click here to explore volunteer tutor opportunities, or make a donation to help purchase books, materials and resources for tutoring.