About us

Supporting Students with Dignity

The Grace Network’s mission is to ensure that no child faces the indignity of hygiene insecurity.

Through our network of nearly 200 Chicagoland schools, we support over 10,000 unhoused students annually and distribute more than 500,000 hygiene items each year

By addressing this frequently overlooked barrier, we help students arrive at school healthy, confident, and ready to learn.

Meet the team

  • Sarah Airola

    Founder, Executive Director

  • Lauren LeBoyer

    Program Director

  • Ryan Airola

    Founder, Board Vice President

  • Dr. Kate Petrungaro

    Board President

  • Tara Call

    Board Treasurer

  • Kathleen Malone

    Board Secretary

  • Dr. Halleh Akbarnia

    Board of Directors

  • Jo Ann Clemen

    Board of Directors

  • Jill Edgeworth

    Board of Directors

  • Ryan King

    Board of Directors

  • Melanie Madigan

    Board of Directors

  • Valerie Morse

    Board of Directors

  • Nadere Sternberg

    Board of Directors

  • Kevin Wilks

    Board of Directors

Our Namesake

Grace,
Sarah’s Grandmother

She embodied “dignity and grace” in all that she did. She never failed to offer a helping hand to someone in need or a simple smile to brighten up a stranger’s day.  Her happiness and warmth were felt by all who crossed her path. We hope our efforts through The Grace Network would have made her proud.