NOVEMBER 24–DECEMBER 15, 2026
Double your gift.
Multiply possibility.
All new and increased donations will be matched by the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County, up to $10,000.
Make your gift
The Need for YouthBuild
Lake County needs
paths to a diploma.
A high school credential can open the door to work and further education. Too many of our neighbors still need an accessible way to take that next step.
Education
A path forward should be within reach.
of North Chicago adults age 25 and older do not have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Education barriers can limit access to work, training, and financial stability. A second chance can change what comes next.
Explore YouthBuildCalculated from U.S. Census ACS 2020–2024: 100% minus 81.2% with a high school credential.
Workforce
Talent is here. Opportunity should be, too.
Lake County young adults ages 16–24 were disconnected from school and work.
Young people need pathways back into education and employment, with training, experience, and employers ready to open a door.
Explore career pathwaysLake County youth disconnection study, 2024 · 2022 estimateHousing
A home should be a foundation.
of North Chicago renter households spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
When housing stretches a household’s budget, less remains for food, transportation, and other essentials. Affordable homes help create stability.
Explore our housing workCMAP / DePaul IHS, 2025 · ACS 2019–2023. Includes cost-burdened and severely cost-burdened renters with calculable housing costs.
Families & community
A stronger future begins with stability.
of North Chicago residents live below the poverty line.
Financial pressure affects more than a paycheck. Families need access to education, work, and practical support to build lasting stability.
Learn about our missionU.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts · North Chicago · accessed November 2026
A YEAR OF POSSIBILITY
See what we’re
building together.
Behind every milestone are young adults, supporters, and partners moving our mission forward. Meet the people and see the progress in our 2026 Annual Report.
Read the 2026 Annual ReportREAL PEOPLE. REAL POSSIBILITY.
See what opportunity
makes possible.
YOU MAKE THE NEXT CHAPTER POSSIBLE
A gift today
transforms futures.
Help young adults earn diplomas, build career skills, and create futures they’re proud of.
Give once or make opportunity part of every month.
More about givingHaving trouble with the form? Open our secure donation form.
THERE’S A PLACE FOR YOU HERE
More ways to
get involved.
Give in a way that fits your life. Explore practical gifts, lasting support, and opportunities to share your time.
Monthly gifts
Give dependable support that helps our team plan ahead and meet needs beyond grant funding.
Start giving monthly
Donate clothes
Help stock our Corporate Closet with professional clothing. Check current needs with our team before donating.
Support the Corporate Closet
Employer matching
Your employer may match your donation. Find out how to help your gift go further.
Explore employer matching
Corporate giving
Bring your company’s generosity to life through sponsorships, contributions, and community partnerships.
Explore corporate giving
Spring Benefit
Attend or sponsor our 2027 Spring Benefit and help make the next year of opportunity possible.
Explore the Spring Benefit
Give your time
From mock interviews to community service, share your experience and help young adults take their next step.
Explore volunteering
Donor-advised funds
Recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund to support education, career training, and life skills.
Explore DAF givingSTRONGER TOGETHER
Partners in possibility.
Thank you to the partners who help make this work possible.
The US Department of Labor funds YBLC’s YouthBuild program through a YouthBuild Grant. This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the US Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the US Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner. YouthBuild Lake County is an equal opportunity agency.
YBLC is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). ISBE administers public education in the state of Illinois.