THE TEAM

Founder & Executive Director

During the start of the COVID lockdowns, Carley saw the need for food among the neighbors of the Palatine community and through her work at Thrive Vineyard Church in Palatine, founded the Joy Drop Collective. Carley earned her BFA in Music Performance from Northeastern Illinois University and is pursuing her ordination through the Vineyard Church. Carley is a dedicated follower of Jesus who is inspired by people and their stories. She is very relational and is fascinated by how God uses different situations and people in unexpected and amazing ways. In her free time, Carley enjoys building Legos, doing crafty projects, and playing and listening to music. She gets inspiration from Philippians 4 and has herself learned to be content with whatever she has. That in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little, she can do everything through Christ who gives her strength.

Co-founder & Development Director

Julie brings her experience as a Grants Manager and Nonprofit Program Coordinator from North Park University, where she received her masters degree in nonprofit management. Julie finds great satisfaction in collecting kindness and generosity from likeminded organizations and individuals to bless people in need. Julie loves to get behind causes that honor Jesus’ legacy of service and compassion. She finds fulfillment in rallying others to join in, be the good in the world, and make Jesus proud. She is inspired by people who live sacrificially and boldly for Jesus. When she’s not serving others, Julie enjoys taking prayer walks through nature, quality time with her family and friends, and memorizing Scripture. Julie’s life verse is Jeremiah 29:11, which talks about God’s good plans for us. It has given her comfort over the years and compels her to pursue the plans He has for her future.

Co-founder & Operations Director

Laura earned her BASW from Luther College and her MSW from the University of British Columbia. She has a heart to see people get their basic needs met, have the opportunity to flourish in their community, and come to faith in Jesus. She is passionate about coffee and her family. In her spare time, she likes spending time with her sons, studying the bible, and drinking a hot cup of coffee with a good book. Laura is inspired to pursue non-profit work by the example of her parents and by her personal view of charitable service work as worship to God. She finds great motivation from Isaiah 58:10 which states “if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday