When life gets hard, the village shows up.

Community. Care. Connection.

When life falls apart, we show up.

Our Village Network Inc. is based in Kenosha, WI and serves the surrounding communities

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Building a Village: A Letter From Our Ambassador

Our Founder & Executive Director, Darlene Grassel

Darlene Grassel - Founder & Executive Director

To Our Village,

Building a nonprofit has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember.

For more than 25 years, I built a career in logistics, supply chain, and information technology. I led enterprise projects, solved complex challenges, and built systems that helped organizations succeed. While I loved the work, one dream never left me: to build something that brings people together to care for others.

Looking back, I realize every chapter prepared me for this one. Supply chain taught me that getting the right resources to the right people at the right time can change someone's life. Technology taught me how to build systems that grow, adapt, and serve with purpose. Today, those lessons help ensure every act of generosity entrusted to Our Village Network reaches those who need it most with dignity and care.

I founded Our Village Network because I believe compassion should be intentional. Kindness isn't just something we feel; it's something we choose to do. Sometimes it's a crisis kit, a warm hoodie, or a birthday celebration that reminds someone they matter. Small acts often make the biggest difference.

I'm a proud mom to two incredible daughters and "Ama" to my granddaughter. My family reminds me every day that love is something we show. We show up. We create stability. We remind people they are valued. Those same values became the foundation of Our Village Network.

Since our founding in February 2026, we've had the privilege of supporting more than 300 children, caregivers, and families through crisis kits, community partnerships, and practical acts of compassion. Every story reminds us why this work matters, and every one of you has helped make those moments possible.

My dream was never simply to start a nonprofit... It was to build a village.

A village where people are seen, dignity is protected, and compassion becomes action. A village where no one faces life's hardest moments alone.

Thank you for believing in this mission. Thank you for giving your time, your generosity, your encouragement, and your heart. Whether you've volunteered, donated, partnered with us, or simply shared our story, you are part of this village.

Because when life gets hard, the village shows up.

There is always room for one more.

With gratitude,

Darlene Grassel

Village Ambassador

Our Village Network Inc.

Together, We Make The Village Stronger

Our Village Network is a community-driven nonprofit built on compassion, dignity, and real human connection. We exist to support vulnerable children and families during life's most difficult moments—quietly, respectfully, and without barriers.

We don't just provide resources.

We provide presence, support, and hope.

Cuando la vida se pone difícil, la comunidad está presente.

Our Village Network es una organización sin fines de lucro dedicada a apoyar a niños, sus padres y personas encargadas del cuidado de ellos. Entendemos que hay tiempos difíciles y por ese motivo proporcionamos kits de ayuda que están preparados con empatía y dignidad . También brindamos apoyo como comunidad con mucha compasión a las familias que atraviesan situaciones difíciles como falta de vivienda, violencia doméstica, transiciones en el sistema de cuidado temporal, dificultades económicas y otras situaciones de crisis. Creemos que cada niño y cada persona a cargo de su cuidado merece ser tratado con dignidad, amabilidad y respeto, y que ninguna familia debería tener que enfrentar una crisis sola.

Nuestro apoyo se centra en las necesidades de cada familia, no en sus antecedentes ni en las circunstancias que la llevaron a buscar ayuda. Creemos que todas las familias deben sentirse seguras al solicitar apoyo, sin temor a ser juzgadas ni enfrentar barreras innecesarias. En Our Village Network recibimos a las familias con compasión y respeto, y colaboramos con organizaciones de confianza en la comunidad para ayudar a que artículos esenciales y reconfortantes lleguen a los niños y a las personas responsables de su cuidado cuando más los necesitan.

En el corazón de Our Village Network decimos con convicción de que una comunidad unida puede marcar una gran diferencia en la vida de una persona. A través de alianzas, donaciones, voluntariado y actos de bondad, estamos construyendo una comunidad que acompaña y apoya a las familias en los momentos más difíciles. A veces, algo tan sencillo como recibir artículos básicos y limpios, un objeto reconfortante para un niño o simplemente saber que alguien se preocupa puede devolver un poco de esperanza en medio de una situación abrumadora. Cuando la vida se pone difícil, Our village está presente.

Who We Are

Our Village Network supports vulnerable children and families by providing essential resources, meaningful moments of care, and community-driven support during times of need. We are a community-driven nonprofit built on compassion, dignity, and the belief that no one should have to navigate hardship alone.

When life gets hard. The village shows up. But if you’re facing an emergency, immediate help is the priority. Our Village Network is not an emergency response organization. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent assistance, please call 911 or contact your local crisis services. Once you’re safe, we’re here to help connect you with support and resources whenever we can.

Testimonial

"As a teacher working with young students from low-income families, I see firsthand how much community support truly matters. Many of my students come to school without access to basic necessities like hygiene items, things that are easy to take for granted but make a huge difference in a child’s confidence and well-being. For a lot of these families, every dollar goes toward essentials, which means celebrations like birthdays are simply not possible.

What stands out to me is that Darlene and what is now known as Our Village Network have been showing up for these kids long before there was even a name for it. This has always been about genuine care and meeting real needs in the community. Not only do they recognize and celebrate these children, but they also provide hygiene items that many of my students would otherwise go without. That kind of support removes barriers and allows kids to show up to school feeling more confident and cared for.

The impact on my students is incredible. The joy on their faces when they are celebrated and given even small gifts is something I can’t fully put into words. For some of them, it is the only time they experience a birthday celebration. Even if it is just for a day, they get to feel special, seen, and valued.

What may seem like a small gesture becomes a lasting memory. It builds confidence, creates a sense of belonging, and brings real happiness to children who need it most. I am deeply grateful for Darlene and Our Village Network and the consistent, heartfelt difference they continue to make in our community."

Community. Care. Connection.

Building a Village: A Letter From Our Ambassador

Darlene Grassel - Founder & Executive Director

Together, We Make The Village Stronger

We don't just provide resources.

We provide presence, support, and hope.

Cuando la vida se pone difícil, la comunidad está presente.

Who We Are

The OVN Mission

Testimonial

Helping hands. Big Hearts.

Get Involved

Join the Village

Partner with us

Contact Us

Community. Care. Connection.

Building a Village: A Letter From Our Ambassador

Darlene Grassel - Founder & Executive Director

Together, We Make The Village Stronger

We don't just provide resources.

We provide presence, support, and hope.

Cuando la vida se pone difícil, la comunidad está presente.

Who We Are

The OVN Mission

Testimonial

Helping hands. Big Hearts.

Get Involved

Join the Village

Partner with us

Contact Us

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