North Lawndale Employment Network

North Lawndale Employment Network North Lawndale Employment Network
"Creating a community that works!"
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From Setback to Business Ownership: Meet Nasir McIntoshNasir McIntosh completed North Lawndale Employment Network’s U-Tu...
09/04/2026

From Setback to Business Ownership: Meet Nasir McIntosh

Nasir McIntosh completed North Lawndale Employment Network’s U-Turn Permitted program in October 2025, but his journey was only beginning.

Early on, transportation created a major barrier. Nasir relied on public transit and traveled more than an hour each way to attend programming and work. Even after experiencing a setback with his transitional job, he stayed connected to NLEN and remained focused on what came next.

With support from our Customized Skills Training Manager, Nasir earned his forklift certification in January 2026.

Since then, he’s continued creating his own opportunities. 💪🏾

🛻 Purchased his own truck
🌱 Launched an independent lawn care business
❄️ Invested in a snowplow to keep earning during Chicago winters

Nasir turned a transportation barrier into motivation to build greater independence, and ultimately a business of his own.

👏🏾 Help us congratulate Nasir on how far he’s come and where he’s headed next!

⏰ We're just one day away!Don't miss tomorrow's North Lawndale Community Coffee Chat.Join North Lawndale Employment Netw...
09/01/2026

⏰ We're just one day away!

Don't miss tomorrow's North Lawndale Community Coffee Chat.

Join North Lawndale Employment Network and the Black Researchers Collective for an evening of conversation about employment access, job retention, and community-driven solutions.

📅 Tomorrow
🕕 6:00–7:30 PM
💻 Zoom

Register now:
bit.ly/northlawndaleccc

Bring your questions, your ideas, and your voice.

☕ Only One Week Left!Have you registered for the North Lawndale Community Coffee Chat?Join the North Lawndale Employment...
08/26/2026

☕ Only One Week Left!

Have you registered for the North Lawndale Community Coffee Chat?

Join the North Lawndale Employment Network and the Black Researchers Collective for a community conversation focused on employment access and retention.

Whether you're looking to share your experiences, hear from others, or learn more about what's happening in North Lawndale, we invite you to join us.

📅 Wednesday, September 2
🕕 6:00–7:30 PM
💻 Virtual (Zoom)

Register today:
bit.ly/northlawndaleccc

Your voice can help shape solutions for our community.

North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN) was out in the community for the Lawndale Route 66 Festival Classic Car & Bike ...
08/25/2026

North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN) was out in the community for the Lawndale Route 66 Festival Classic Car & Bike Show!

As North Lawndale celebrated the 100th anniversary of Route 66, our team had the opportunity to connect with neighbors, share resources, and spread the word about how NLEN supports individuals and families throughout our community.

From workforce development and career readiness to digital skills, financial coaching, and supportive services, we’re committed to helping North Lawndale residents access opportunities and build pathways toward their goals.

We were especially glad to see fellow neighborhood organizations showing up and sharing resources, including Lawndale Christian Health Center, The Firehouse Community Arts Center, The Carole Robertson Center for Learning, North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council, and Wellness West.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table, spoke with our team, and learned more about NLEN. 🧡

There’s nothing better than seeing the North Lawndale community come together!

Community leadership and collaboration in action!North Lawndale Employment Network was proud to join residents and civic...
08/24/2026

Community leadership and collaboration in action!

North Lawndale Employment Network was proud to join residents and civic leaders for an important conversation with Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, convened through the leadership of 24th Ward Alderwoman Monique Scott and Cook County Commissioner Commissioner Michael Scott, Jr.

With State Senator State Senator Lakesia Collins joining the conversation, community members discussed issues of critical importance to North Lawndale and explored how stronger partnerships across the city, county, and state can help bring greater resources, relationships, and opportunities to the 24th Ward.

The energy in the room was palpable! It was a powerful reminder of what can happen when residents, community organizations, and elected leaders come together, listen, and build toward shared solutions.

Thank you to Alderwoman Scott, Commissioner Scott, Senator Collins, and Secretary Giannoulias for their leadership and commitment to engaging our community.

Together, we can build a stronger North Lawndale.

Milestone Graduate Success: Israel CoakleyCongratulations to June 2026 Milestone graduate Israel Coakley, who has been a...
08/21/2026

Milestone Graduate Success: Israel Coakley

Congratulations to June 2026 Milestone graduate Israel Coakley, who has been accepted to Iowa Western! 🙌🏾

This fall, Israel will begin pursuing a degree in Exercise Science, taking another major step toward his goal of building a career in health and fitness.

Israel demonstrated focus and determination throughout his time at North Lawndale Employment Network, and we’re proud to see him continue putting those qualities into action after graduation.

His journey is a great example of what can happen when preparation, opportunity, and determination come together.

👏🏾 Help us congratulate Israel as he begins this exciting new chapter!

We’re excited that North Lawndale Employment Network President & CEO Brenda M. Palms will be joining leaders from across...
08/21/2026

We’re excited that North Lawndale Employment Network President & CEO Brenda M. Palms will be joining leaders from across the country at PolicyLink Summit 2026: We Are the Founders — Writing the Unfinished Story of Our Democracy, August 24–28 in the Washington, D.C. area.

PolicyLink’s vision of creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to belong, prosper, and thrive closely aligns with NLEN’s work to remove barriers to employment, advance economic mobility, and create pathways to sustainable careers.

We extend a special thank you to Dr. Michael McAfee, CEO of PolicyLinkyLink, for his continued support of NLEN as our board President and his leadership in advancing economic and racial equity.

Attending the Summit? Be sure to visit the Swag Store!

The Swag Store will feature Beelovebuzz® Lip Balm and Amenity Lotion from Sweet Beginnings, Chicago, and you’ll also have an opportunity to meet Brenda at the Swag Store!

Stop by, connect with Brenda, discover Beelovebuzz®, and learn how North Lawndale Employment Network and Sweet Beginnings, Chicago are using workforce development and social enterprise to create employment opportunities, economic mobility, and fair chances for individuals and communities.

We look forward to connecting with fellow leaders and changemakers at !

☕ Mark Your Calendar!We're just two weeks away from the North Lawndale Community Coffee Chat hosted by the North Lawndal...
08/19/2026

☕ Mark Your Calendar!

We're just two weeks away from the North Lawndale Community Coffee Chat hosted by the North Lawndale Employment Network and the Black Researchers Collective

Join residents, community leaders, and local organizations for an important conversation about employment access and retention and how we can work together to expand opportunities in North Lawndale.

📅 Wednesday, September 2
🕕 6:00–7:30 PM
💻 Virtual via Zoom

Reserve your spot today:
bit.ly/northlawndaleccc

We look forward to hearing your ideas and perspectives!

What a day at National Sales Network 2026!We’re incredibly proud of our President & CEO, Brenda Palms, who took the stag...
08/13/2026

What a day at National Sales Network 2026!

We’re incredibly proud of our President & CEO, Brenda Palms, who took the stage today at the 2026 National Sales Network Conference & Career Fair in Washington, DC!

Brenda presented “Beyond Excellence: Building Businesses That Create Opportunity, Impact, and Legacy,” sharing the story and lessons of NLEN and Sweet Beginnings with leaders from across the country.

Her message is at the heart of what we believe: businesses can do more than generate revenue, they can create fair chances, open doors to economic opportunity, strengthen families, and make a lasting impact in communities. 💛

Thank you to everyone who attended Brenda’s session!

🐝 And if you’re at NSN, there’s still time to connect with us. Stop by the Beginnings booth #501 in the Conference Marketplace to meet Brenda and Production Manager Charlotte Austin and learn more about the mission behind our beelove® products.

Congratulations, Brenda! 👏🏾

Your voice can help shape the future of employment in North Lawndale! ☕Join the North Lawndale Employment Network and th...
08/12/2026

Your voice can help shape the future of employment in North Lawndale! ☕

Join the North Lawndale Employment Network and the Black Researchers Collective for a virtual Community Coffee Chat focused on employment access and retention.

Hear from neighbors, community leaders, and organizations while sharing your own experiences and ideas about what it takes to create stronger employment opportunities in our community.

📅 Wednesday, September 2
🕕 6:00–7:30 PM
💻 Zoom (registration required)

Register here: bit.ly/northlawndaleccc

Bring your coffee, your perspective, and your voice, we hope to see you there!

Address

1111 S. Homan Avenue
Chicago, IL
60624

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+17736381825

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