Community. Care. Connection.
When life falls apart, we show up.
When life falls apart, we show up.
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.
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.

My name is Darlene Grassel, and for as long as I can remember, I've understood how fragile stability can be.
From a very early age, I witnessed many forms of instability—experiences that stayed with me and quietly shaped a dream I carried for more than 30 years: to build something that could support people when they need it most.
I am also a proud mother of two daughters. Raising them has been one of my greatest blessings and has deepened both my gratitude and my sense of responsibility to others.
Our Village Network began with a simple idea from my youngest daughter—to create birthday baskets so children in our community could feel seen, celebrated, and cared for.
What started small quickly grew. With the help of family and friends—our 'village'—we supported over 100 families. Along the way, we came face to face with the reality of how many people are quietly navigating hardship.
We met military families in transition, survivors of domestic violence, youth aging out of foster care, caregivers stepping in without resources, and families facing serious medical challenges.
Each story made one thing clear: need is often unseen, and it is closer than we think.
That is why this work continues.
Our Village Network supports vulnerable children and families by providing essential resources, meaningful moments of care, and community-driven support during times of need.
"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."
Darlene Grassel
Mackenzie Rixford
Minee Lao
Connie Crawford
Madison Blevins-Harrison
Be part of the village.
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Our Village Network - Community. Care. Connection.
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