North Lawndale Employment Network

06/04/2026

Recently, the North Lawndale Employment Network was proud to be recognized with the Community Collaboration Award at Chicago Cares’ annual Leadership Breakfast.

This honor reflected the collective work of NLEN, North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council, Skills for Chicago, West Side United, and the Steans Family Foundation to create greater opportunities for North Lawndale residents through workforce development, economic mobility, and community empowerment.

We are grateful to Chicago Cares, Co-Founder Leslie Bluhm, and CEO Drumgoole for this recognition. We also thank our supporters, volunteers, employers, funders, and community partners like Fillmore Linen Service for their continued commitment to our mission.

Most importantly, we thank the residents of North Lawndale. This award is a reflection of your strength, perseverance, and vision for a stronger community.

Congratulations to fellow honorees GCM Grosvenor, Hyde Park/Kenwood Food Pantry, and Molson Coors!

06/01/2026

Happy Pride Month from NLEN!

Pride Month is a time to celebrate love, identity, courage, and community.

At the North Lawndale Employment Network, we believe every person deserves access to opportunity, respect, and the freedom to be their authentic self. We are proud to stand alongside the LGBTQ+ community and honor the contributions, resilience, and voices that continue to shape a more inclusive world.

This month, we celebrate diversity, embrace belonging, and recognize the importance of creating communities where everyone can thrive.

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

We celebrate love, identity, and the power of being unapologetically yourself.

Happy Pride Month!

05/29/2026

Join us in celebrating an incredible honor!

North Lawndale Employment Network is proud to announce that President & CEO Brenda Palms will be honored by the Chicago Jobs Council as the inaugural recipient of a new award named after Bob Wordlaw, a respected workforce development leader and NLEN’s second Board President.

This recognition celebrates leaders who have demonstrated lasting impact, visionary leadership, and a commitment to creating opportunities for others.

For years, Brenda has championed workforce equity, economic mobility, second chances, and community empowerment. Her leadership continues to help individuals and families build brighter futures across Chicago.

Congratulations, Brenda, on this well-deserved recognition! 🧡

📅 June 5, 2026
📍 Chicago Jobs Council 45th Annual Meeting

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

North Lawndale Employment Network and The Beelove Cafe will be closed in observance of the holiday.

Wishing our community a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from North Lawndale Employment Network. 💛

Today we celebrate the “Queen Bees”, the mothers, caregivers, mentors, and women whose strength helps families and communities thrive every day. 🐝👑

At NLEN, we are honored to work alongside resilient women who continue to overcome barriers, create opportunities, and build stronger futures for themselves and their loved ones.

Thank you for all that you do. Today, we celebrate you.

05/08/2026

“Bees don’t see the difference between a flower and a weed.” 🐝

In a recent sermon, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ, reflected on a powerful conversation he had with NLEN President & CEO Brenda Palms about bees, perception, and the way we view people.

The message serves as a reminder that too often society defines individuals by labels, circumstances, or past mistakes instead of recognizing their humanity, resilience, and potential.

At NLEN and Sweet Beginnings, we believe in creating pathways to growth, dignity, healing, and second chances for every individual we serve.

We are grateful to Rev. Dr. Moss for such a beautiful and thought-provoking sermon rooted in compassion, purpose, and community.

Learn more about Trinity United Church of Christ

Read our latest blog reflecting on this powerful message and watch the video excerpt here. https://nlen.org/nlen-blog/seeing-beyond-the-labels-what-bees-can-teach-us-about-people-purpose-and-second-chances/

05/07/2026

This Mother’s Day, celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, mentors, and “Queen Bees” who make life sweeter every day. 💛🐝

The Beelove Cafe is offering a special Mother’s Day promotion to help you show your appreciation with gifts that give back.

✨ Buy any item and get the second item 20% OFF
✨ Add any 2 products to your cart
✨ Use code: BEEMOM20 at checkout

From honey and tea to candles and self-care favorites, every BeeLove purchase supports second chances and employment opportunities through Sweet Beginnings and NLEN.

🌸 Don’t forget to add a personalized note for Mom at checkout.

Shop now and celebrate with purpose.

05/01/2026

04/29/2026

What do people get wrong about returning citizens?

It’s still Second Chance Month, and we’re using this moment to challenge stigma and uplift truth.

North Lawndale Employment Network asked one question, and the responses are honest, powerful, and necessary.

People are more than their past. They are growth, purpose, talent, and possibility.

Watch, reflect, and share. 🎥

04/29/2026

It’s still Second Chance Month, and we’re continuing to celebrate the power of opportunity and transformation.

Brenda Palms, President & CEO of North Lawndale Employment Network, and our Production Specialist Charlotte Austin were featured on the Hire Frequency podcast with Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership.

Together, they shared a powerful truth: people are more than the hardest moments of their lives. With encouragement, opportunity, and determination, lives can be rebuilt and futures can be reimagined.

Their conversation reminds us that talent, wisdom, and leadership can come from journeys many people never fully understand.

This month, we challenge stigma and celebrate second chances.

🎥 Listen to the full interview here: https://chicookworks.org/news/hire-frequency-podcast/