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Opening Doors To What s Possible FY20 and FY21 Impact Report
Dear Friends I often refer to the North Lawndale Employment Network s new workforce campus as my love letter to the community When embarking on our 11 5MM capital campaign I envisioned a workforce campus that would serve as a beacon of hope for those looking to better their life situation Whether it be preparing for and obtaining employment improving one s financial health opening up a checking account or seeking the restoration of hope it was important to me that we created a place where everyone who walked through the door was treated with dignity and respect Photo Erik Unger NLEN was founded in 1999 by the North Lawndale community with leadership support from the Steans Family Foundation to address a vital community need access to employment opportunities that provide family sustaining wages Today NLEN serves over 2 000 people annually helping them to gain new skills improve their self worth secure jobs and become financially secure Through its neighborhood focused employment initiatives that address root causes of poverty we work to bridge the racial wealth gap and serves as a driving force for social equity and racial healing on Chicago s West Side I must admit NLEN s new workforce campus exceeded my vision With the support of our donors funders and friends alongside some brilliant architects and skillful construction workers we have created a beautiful state of the art community wealth building sanctuary that houses Wintrust Bank two social enterprises Sweet Beginnings LLC and our beelove caf infused with talented and compassionate staff who are also dedicated public servants committed to making an impact on the lives of those we serve that it is key to addressing the persistent and chronic high rates of unemployment underemployment and violence in North Lawndale NLEN s workforce campus is a cumulation of the dedication and commitment of most loyal and generous supporters enabling us to double our capacity and serve up to 5 000 residents annually providing them with effective clientcentered job training and placement leading them to financial liberation In partnership with the North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council and our amazing employment partners we will reach our goal We do not take for granted that with your support not only did we open the doors to our new workforce campus but we ve also opened doors to what s possible On behalf of NLEN s Board of Directors staff and the individuals we serve I offer my sincerest gratitude to all of you for joining us on this journey as we work to revitalize our community and take a stand for social and economic justice With gratitude While approximately 45 of North Lawndale households live below the federal poverty level and 57 of the adults in our community have been justice involved we are determined to change this narrative North Lawndale is a community rich with talented innovative residents servant leaders and generations of families who are resilient and committed to overcoming obstacles and glaring inequities that disproportionately impact our community Living in poverty and a pandemic creates more challenges than many of us can ever imagine Yet we remain steadfast in our commitment to reducing North Lawndale s unemployment rate of 15 9 by 10 by 2025 as we know Brenda Palms Barber President CEO NLEN and CEO Sweet Beginnings LLC 1
Impact by the Numbers 209 Energy Assistance applications processed totaling 133 406 in direct vendor payments in 2020 90 Chromebooks distributed which helped bridge the neighborhood s digital divide 450 Individuals received Emergency Food Boxes 967 500 16 88 103 participants received one on one career and financial coaching average starting wage 250 Thanksgiving Meal Bags Distributed in FY22 household bank accounts opened participants went from a negative to a positive net worth in FY 21 286 participants placed in jobs Photo courtesy of READI Chicago North Lawndale Better Together We are proud to work with companies organizations and institutions that share our commitment to improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable yet hopeful job seekers Our strategic partners like the North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council Lincoln Park Zoo Skills for Chicago land s Futures and CEDA are just a few of our high impact partners that help to elevate and advance our mission U TURN Permitted NLEN s award winning job readiness program that helps returning citizens to reintegrate back into the community and secure employment Path to Prosperity a condensed version of the 7 000 Individual Coaching Hours 3 000 Job Readiness Training Hours 2 U Turn Permitted program for individuals who face barriers to employment but who do not have a criminal background READI Chicago engages men most impacted by gun violence in paid transitional jobs cognitive behavioral therapy and support services Moving Forward provides middle skills training and job placement within the growing Transportation Distribution and Logistics TDL sector Sweet Beginnings LLC NLEN s wholly owned subsidiary social enterprise offers 3 month full time transitional jobs in the green industry to citizens returning from incarceration LISC CHICAGO Financial Opportunity Center helps individuals and families reach their economic goals by offering financial and credit building coaching self directed job searches and access to affordable banking products City of Chicago COVID 19 Contact Tracing Corps an Earn Learn career development program in healthcare occupations for permanent employment upon completion of tracing corps 3
Creating Paths to Employment through Sweet Beginnings LLC Natashee Scott first beelove customer of the month NLEN s Social Enterprises are rooted in an assetbased approach to resident wealth creation in the North Lawndale neighborhood Our Social Enterprise Sweet Beginnings LLC and our beelove brand of honey products are creating pathways to employment for participants in transitional jobs Our beelove caf opened in August 2021 and serves delicious meals and beverages featuring our beelove honey and is now a cherished community hub The most popular items in the caf are the Honey Butter Biscuit 12 or 16 oz drip coffee and the Maple Praline Biscuit The most popular beelove products are the 6 oz honey jar and the Pure Necessities Collection Both Sweet Beginnings LLC and beelove products were featured in the Block Club Chicago Shop Local 2021 Holiday Gift Guide Fredrick Schroeder right first time homebuyer Building Wealth Financial Security NLEN participants monthly income increased by 2 739 Increasing monthly net income can be achieved several ways including access to income boosting benefits like SNAP utility assistance retaining a job over the long term and credit building NLEN had 5 000 visits to the Financial Opportunity Center Resource Room in FY 2021 and FY 2022 Our staff remains committed to helping individuals reach their lifelong goals We strive to cultivate career paths improve wages and increase net worth for the residents of North Lawndale NLEN participants saw a cumulative 56 point average increase in their credit score NLEN distributed over 300 Health and PPE Kits in partnership with the NLCCC in FY21 NLEN distributed 11 850 in Emergency Funds during FY 2021 NLEN quickly responded to the critical needs of our clients and provided emergency cash assistance including rent utilities and transportation support for those most in need beelove pure necessities collection 4 Photos Erik Unger top right Tara White bottom left and right 5
Opening Doors to What s Possible Harrison I Steans Peace Garden A beautiful tranquil garden that provides respite for staff clients and community residents The Peace Garden features memorial bricks in tribute to loved ones Michael Scott Sr Event Center A contemporary event space offering flexible seating and a state of the art audio visual and mood lighting system Main Entrance Lobby Concierge Desk Digital Resource Center Provides free digital education and training to equip jobseekers with the digital skills needed for life and work We offer free internet access as well as computers printers and fax machines for community use Wifi Towers Provides community residents within a 1 5 mile radius of our campus access to free broadband Our Social Enterprise Changes Lives and Delivers Quality Products 31 314 jars of beelove honey sold in FY 2021 and 2022 Harrison I Steans Peace Garden LISC Chicago Financial Opportunity Center Provides financial education and services for North Lawndale Community 100 of participants who completed Sweet Beginnings transitional jobs program obtained permanent employment between 2016 2021 NLEN and Sweet Beginnings have placed over 5 400 job seekers in employment since 2003 6 Michael Scott Sr Event Center Photos Tom Harris 7
Bank of America Sweet Beginnings LLC Operations Center 3300 sq ft state of the art production facility representing more than 50 increase in production capacity to expand our transitional jobs program Bank of America Sweet Beginnings LLC Operations Center Wintrust Bank North Lawndale A full service financial institution providing fair and just financial services beelove caf A place for community to gather and elevate local food beverage entrepreneurs Campus Construction Vendors by the Numbers MBE 60 WBE 10 Wintrust Bank North Lawndale Supporting diverse businesses is a priority for North Lawndale Employment Network and a key pillar of creating a more equitable Chicago The construction of our new workforce campus created 84 jobs beelove caf Robert R McCormick Rooftop Apiary Sweet Beginnings LLC s worker bees live in uniquely designed beehives Founding President Brenda Palms Barber named one of five inaugural Elevate Prize Fellows NLEN selected one of six Pritzker Traubert Foundation Chicago Prize Finalists Robert R McCormick Foundation Public Plaza Campus Training Rooms NLEN offers three training rooms that include top of the line audio and visual equipment to provide full video conferencing NLEN is grateful to our experienced team of partners who helped develop our new campus including IFF Wheeler Kearns Architects Ujamaa Construction Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum Nagelberg LLP Taft Open Door Advisors and the 24th Ward Aldermanic Office Photos Tom Harris Robert R McCormick Rooftop Apiary Campus Training Rooms 2020 Awards and Recongitions 8 Robert R McCormick Foundation Public Plaza Fully designed and landscaped plaza featuring honeybee friendly native plants sponsored by Lincoln Park Zoo NLEN received the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago s Community First Award for Economic Development 2021 Awards and Recongitions NLEN received Chicago Jobs Council Field Builder Award Founding President Brenda Palms Barber received Mercy Housing Spirt of Mercy Award Founding President Brenda Palms Barber named Chicago Crain s 2021 Notable Black Leaders and Executives 9
NLEN FY20 Financial Statements NLEN FY21 Financial Statements 2020 Statement of Activities Year ended June 30 2020 REVENUE Grants and Contributions 2021 Statement of Activities Year ended June 30 2021 Without Donor Restrictions With Donor Restrictions Total 1 874 216 2 506 504 4 380 720 REVENUE Grants and Contributions Without Donor Restrictions With Donor Restrictions Total 1 686 811 4 638 345 6 325 156 Government funded programs 403 739 403 739 Government funded programs 1 713 161 1 713 161 Special Events 486 889 486 889 Special Events 300 905 300 905 Other Revenue 399 512 399 512 Other Revenue 322 824 322 824 Net Assets Released from restrictions TOTAL REVENUE 2 136 033 2 136 033 5 300 389 370 471 5 670 860 EXPENSES Program Expenses Management and General Fundraising TOTAL EXPENSES Net Assets Released from restrictions TOTAL REVENUE 2 242 593 2 242 593 6 266 294 2 395 752 8 662 046 EXPENSES 3 862 278 3 862 278 722 165 722 165 969 678 969 678 5 554 121 5 554 121 Program Expenses Management and General Fundraising TOTAL EXPENSES 7 768 588 7 768 588 784 525 784 525 81 898 81 898 8 635 011 8 635 011 Change in net assets before non operating 253 732 370 471 116 739 Change in net assets before non operating 2 368 717 2 395 752 27 035 Excess of Revenue over expenses 253 732 370 471 116 739 Excess of Revenue over expenses 2 368 717 2 395 752 27 035 2020 Statement of Financial Position Year ended June 30 2020 2021 Statement of Financial Position Year ended June 30 2021 ASSETS ASSETS LIABILITIES NET ASSETS Cash and cash equivalants 2 632 241 Accounts Payable Receivables 1 677 011 Other Current Liabilities Other Assets 47 029 Fixed Assets 1 578 413 TOTAL ASSETS 5 934 694 Long term Liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES 70 946 247 670 1 193 360 1 511 976 LIABILITIES NET ASSETS Cash and cash equivalants 5 521 178 Accounts Payable 289 686 Receivables 1 646 916 Other Current Liabilities 776 653 Other Assets 114 467 Fixed Assets 1 590 789 TOTAL ASSETS 8 873 350 NET ASSETS Long term Liabilities 6 573 193 TOTAL LIABILITIES 7 639 532 NET ASSETS Without donor restrictions 129 199 Without donor restrictions 266 553 With donor restricitons 4 551 917 With donor restricitons 967 265 TOTAL NET ASSETS 4 422 718 TOTAL NET ASSETS 1 233 818 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS 5 934 694 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS 8 873 350 Actuals are unaudtited and subject to change 3 3 2022 10 11
FY20 and FY21 Donors Corporate and Foundation Donors We are grateful for our corporate and foundation investors who generously provide much needed and dependable ongoing support AARP Advocate Charitable Foundation Allstate Insurance Company AmazonSmile American Endowment Foundation Ann Robert Lurie Hospital Annie E Casey Foundation Anonymous Applegate Thorne Thomsen Aramark Services Ariel Investments Associated Bank AT T Illinois Bank of America Charitable Foundation Barker Welfare Foundation BMO Harris Bank Boeing Bonheur Development Capital One Capital One LLC Carl R Hendrickson Family Foundation CFED Chicago Cares Chicago Community Trust Childrens First Fund Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership Chicago Department of Family Support Services DFSS CineCares Foundation Compass MSP Concrete Collective Country Financial Crown Family Philanthropies Damron Corporation Deloitte Services LP Eagan Company Exelon Business Services F H Paschen Inc Facebook Fidelity Charitable Fifth Third Bank Forefront Foundation for Homan Square 12 Four Seasons Chicago Frontstream Fry Foundation GCM Grosvenor GiveGab Glanbia Business Services Greater Horizons Greater Twin Cities United Way Green Thumb Industries Grosvenor Capital Management L P Habilitative Systems Inc Hearst Foundation Heartland Alliance Hunter Family Foundation Huntington Foundation I G Foundation IFF Inc iHeartMedia Inland Bank Jackson National Life Company JP Morgan Charitable Giving Fund JP Morgan Chase Foundation Lincoln Park Zoo LISC Chicago MacArthur Foundation Massachusetts Inst of Tech Matanky Realty Group Inc McCormick Tribune Foundation Mr B Foundation Navy Pier Inc New Covenant Community Development Corp Old St Patrick s Church One Chicago Fund Open Doors Advisors Inc p3 mediaworks Paul M Angell Family Foundation Peoples Gas Phoenix Pact Fund PNC Bank PolicyLink Polk Bros Foundation Pritzker Traubert Foundation Professional Women s Club Prosperity Now Rahm Emanuel Amy Rule Richard H Driehaus Foundation Robert R McCormick Foundation Sarah Bernstein School of the Art Institute of Chicago Schwab Charitable Fund Sinai Community Institute Skills for Chicagoland s Future State Farm Steans Family Foundation Sweet Beginnings Taft Stettinius Hollister The Benevity Community Impact Fund The Blackbaud Giving Fund The Bluhm Family Charitable Foundation The Boeing Company The Cara Program The Chicago Community Foundation The Coleman Foundation The Joyce Foundation The Judy Family Foundation The San Franicisco Foundation The Trust for Public Land Transtech IT Services Treasurer of the State of Illinois Unibail Rodamco Westfield URW United Way of Metropolitan Chicago US Bank Vanguard Charitable Victory Gardens Theater Walter Family Foundation Weinberg Foundation West Monroe Partners Comm Impact Fund West Side United William Blair Company Wintrust Financial Wix com Women Employed Institute Wyn Win Communications Yogini LLC YourCause Photo Tom Harris Individual Donors We are grateful for the individuals who invest in North Lawndale Employment Network Your support strengthens our community by transforming the lives of our most vulnerable and hopeful jobseekers Every effort has been made to list donors and respect anonymous contributions as requested Please forgive any errors and notify NLEN with changes by calling 773 265 7944 Jose A Zayas Rebecca Abel Phil Adams Betty Allen Green Negin Almassi Lauri Alpern Jacob Ament Adrienne Anderson Alaina Anderson Pon Angara Anonymous Kate Ansorge Ryan Apple Ann Marie Arden Helen Michael Arkes Daniel Ash Carroll Banks Stapleton Daniel Barrera MarySue Barrett Reri Barrett Michael Baskin Scott Baskin Jacqueline Bass Barbara Bates Vanessa Bates Marianna Beck Cheryl Bendtsen Sarah Bernstein Malick Bilal James Birmingham Keri Blackwell Doug Boersma Nicole Boler Monica Bomani Leslie Bond Diane Bonina Fred Bonner Jesse Borower Linda Boyer Stephanie Braming Elizabeth Braun Angie Brkovich Rodney Brown Ladon Brumfield Jordan Bryant Leslie Burns Sharon Bush Janessa Butler Kwasi and Jessica Butler Kaleb Butler Rebecca Calvin Melisa Cameron Michael Capuzzi Anthony Carrella Majora Carter Elizabeth Castleman Evan Cauble Johnson Paul Cella Marina Centeno LeOne Champion Jerry and Bobbie Chatman Craig Chico Ellen Blair Chube Karen Cinzio Michelle Clark Karen Coicou Chevonne Cole Chris Conley Tiana Conley Lydia Connolly Charles Corrigan Patricia Cosentino Bruce Cox Darren Cox Pearletha Cox Terri Cox Laura and Brian Coy Nakhia Crossley Mia Dadian Bart Darfler David and Mary Davenport Bernida Davenport McWhite Shelley Davis Melinda Deegan Robert Deegan Dennis Deer Doris Delgado Teresa Devereux Lauren DeYoung Malinda Distefano Samantha Dobyns Betsy D Onofrio Michael Dorries Noreen Drewes Kate Dumbleton Sarah Duncan S Dunn Mary Dyar 13
Individual Donors continued Teagan Earley Hannah Edgar Michelle Edwards Jennie Ekdahl Clyde El Amin Kyle Enochs Deitre Epps Connie Evans Melody Falter Sally Fassino Greg Faulkner Max Feldman Lorna Ferguson vernon Fleming Patricia E Ford Patricia Fosmoe Esther Franco Payne Christyn Freemon Chuck Freiheit Thomas G Schuler Katherine Gagnon Kathleen Gallagher Kevin Gallagher Alex Garcia Emmanuel Garcia Nancy Gargula Moni Garza Josephine Giannoulias James Glenn Carolynn Gockel Kevin Goldsmith Caroline Goldstein Karen Gonzales Alicia Gonzalez Luz Gonzalez Alicia Gonzalez Anthena Gore Matthew Gore Jessie Gotsdiner Ellen Gottschling Graham Grady Kindra Graham Louis Grajeda Elayne Granger Paula Grantt Jesse Green Patty Greene Debbi Griffith Julia Gueron Vincent Guider Andrew Hahm Randall Hall Alison Halper Joel Hammon Brenna Hampton Houser Alaina Harkness Christy Harris Christopher Harrison Stephanie Hart Deborah Minor Harvey Sarah Hashemi Jacqueline Hawkins 14 Sherlyn Heard Smith Jeni Hebert Beirne Maureen Hellwig Jennifer Herbert Beirne PhD MPH Mike Hobbs Judy Hoffman Lance Hornaday Tanesha House Colzette Hoy Eden Hurd Eden Hurd Smith Chelsea Huszar Lisa Hyatt Raymond Irizarry Amy Isuani Utica J Gray Karen Jakacki Gonzales Spencer James Beatrice James Moore Carla Javits Cheryle Jenkins Noah Jenkins Paul D Jenkins Sadie Joseph Lena Juliano Thea Kachoris Flores Mary Kania Robert and Mary Kastenholz Lawrence and Winnie Kearns Pat Kelly Karen Keogh Kathleen Kerns Katy Kerns Bob and Sue Kessler Jennifer Kim Fleur Kirksey Tiffany Koch Karen Kopf Michael Kramer Jessica Kribs Jefferson Kuate Scott and Kylia Kummer Diane and Jeffrey Kuta Paige LaCour JoAnn Larsen Andrea Laszlo Yolanda Lawler Linda Layne Andrea Lee Elizabeth LeLievre LeLievre Phaedra Leslie Valerie Lester Ron Lewis Melissa Libert April Linton Susan Llloyd Melissa Lovitt Erica Lowitz Audrey Lumley Sapanski Rachel Lurie Marie Lynch Jacquelyne M Belcastro Jim and Kaye Mabie Vivian Malli Lynne Mapes Riordan Laureen Mar Alice Mar Abe Haley Marceau Taylor Brian Marshall Aracely Martinez Mindy Martinez James Matanky Robert Matanky Felix R Matlock Jr Kathy Matos Carlos Maury Terry Mazany Habeebah Mazyck Michael McAfee Kenneth McAtamney Jeff McCarter Jennifer Mccullough Maureen McGoorty Valeria McGovern Michelle McLean Sheila McNary Sylvia Michas John Micheli Deborah Minor Harvey Eileen Mitchell Parin Mody Cindy Moelis Christian Molinaro Mekonya Monroe Michelle Montgomery Torrence Moore Debbie Morales Elisa Morin Megan Morrison Dana Murphy Kamal Natarajan Jane Neumann Gwen Newton Caroline O Boyle Kyle O Connell Margaret OConnor Ianna Kachoris Ori Mcghee Osse Loyal Outten Kimberly Owen Brenda Palms Michelle Parker Morlie Patel Emily Pauls Briana Payton Miranda Perez Rae Perez Dr Deborah Perkins Taneka Pernell Brent Peterson Don and Anne Phillips Skye Plumb Barry Pollard Letticia Poole Arrie Porter Toni Preckwinkle Christine Prevolos Teresa Prim Gregory Pusinelli Habeebah Qaasim Robert Quashie Photo Tom Harris Beverly Radulovic Scott Redden Wynona Redmond Yevanit Reschechtko Sandy Reynolds Christina Rice Ngaio Richards Kham Riley Grace Rink Coretta Rivers Ramonda Roberts Gene Robinson Dr Deniece Rogers Josh Romero Catherine Ronan Fran Rood Linda Rossi Kristan Rowland Joe Ruffner Anel Ruiz Sharon Ruiz Cassandra Russell Brehanna Ryssemus Rachel Sacks Andrea Saenz Nuwan Samaraweera Ashley Sanders Beth Satterfield Joseph Scarpelli Juliana Schafer Deborah Scher Peter Scher Kathy Scherer William Schneider Fred Schroeder Lori Schroeder Charles Schutz Athena Schwegel Marilyn Schweitzker Anthony Scott Michael Scott Siraj Shabazz Neel Shah Glenn Shapiro Steve and Megan Shebik Rosalie Sheldon Dan Sherban Yvonne Shields Abayomi Shonoiki Eden Shower Kelsey Shulan Rosalinda Silva Dimpfl Caleb Sjoblom Miriam Sjoblom Sandra Sjoblom Wesley Skogan Casandra Slade Tristan Slemmons Laura Slivka Whitney Smith Rupal Soni Terry Soto William Southwell Jonathan Spencer Jason Spigner Michelle Spina Victoria Spires Rita Spitz Jennifer Steans Bobbie Steele Chad Steinke Molly Stephens Thomas Sternberg Charles Stevenson Alison Strickler Patricia Sullivan Kevin Sutton Vanessa Taliferro Andres Tapia Regina Taylor Noah Temaner Jenkins Jody Temkin Michelle Thom Judith Thomas Marcus Thomas Jay and Carol Tilley Laurie Tilley Richard Townsell Patrick Travers Julie Roger Tye Chaundra Van Dyk McGee Kim Van Horn Yeshua Veloz Carolyn L Vessel James Vinyard Tathy Vosgerau Allison Wade Franklin Walker Deirdre Wallace Charles Walls Owen Washburn Joycelynn Watkins Asiyanbi Lynn Watkins Asiyanbi Dora Weaver Stefanie Weil Debra Wesley Rich Whalen Stephanie Wilkinson Daphne Williams Kenneisha Williams Louise Williams Kenneisha Williams McGee Williams Ossee Jose Wilson Maisha Wynn Jon Zindel John Pfeiffer Gregory L Potts Kimberly Jones and Ricki Lowitz 15
Board of Directors Officers President Dr Michael A McAfee PolicyLink Vice President Sarah M Bernstein Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum Nagelberg LLP Secretary Gregory Faulkner Trice Construction Company Treasurer Alaina M Anderson William Blair Company Finance Chair Dave Davenport MotherG A CompassMSP Company Directors Daniel O Ash The Chicago Community Trust Cheryl Bendtsen Allstate Insurance Company Chris Conley Two Bit Ventures Tiana Conley Mars Anthony Scott Wintrust Bank North Lawndale Michael Kramer Advisor Formerly The Boeing Company Brenda Palms Barber President CEO NLEN and CEO Sweet Beginnings LLC About The North Lawndale Employment Network NLEN is a workforce development organization bridging the racial wealth gap for our under and unemployed residents of the North Lawndale neighborhood and surrounding communities Our clients include citizens returning from incarceration and others who face the day to day hardships of living without enough income to support themselves and their families To create jobs and build community wealth NLEN launched NLEN launched two social impact enterprises Sweet Beginnings and the beelove caf Mission The North Lawndale Employment Network s mission is to improve the earnings potential of North Lawndale residents through innovative employment initiatives that lead to economic advancement and an improved quality of life 16
NLEN Staff Outing at Douglass 18 Mini Golf Course in North Lawndale North Lawndale Employment Network 1111 S Homan Avenue Chicago IL 60624 773 638 1825 nlen org beelovebuzz com thebeelovecafe com NLEN_jobs facebook com nlen NLEN_jobs