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.