1. Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Initiative
Context:
A recent letter to the editor referenced a tragic drowning of a kayaker near Ferson Creek, urging the community to not let the death be in vain and to focus on water safety. With Lake County’s many lakes, rivers, and recreational water areas, and the proximity of Gurnee and Waukegan to water, community water safety is a pressing concern, especially in the summer.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Gurnee and Waukegan Park Districts
- Local fire departments and first responders
- Swim schools (e.g., Goldfish Swim School, local YMCAs)
- Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops
- Public libraries (for hosting informational events)
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with representatives from park districts, local authorities, and health educators to identify high-need areas and at-risk populations.
- Develop and distribute water safety materials (pamphlets, posters, social media campaigns) at pools, lakes, and public events.
- Organize free or subsidized water-safety and CPR training classes, focusing on youth, families, and seasonal workers.
- Host a community water safety day, featuring demonstrations, life jacket giveaways, and talks from first responders and survivors’ families.
- Secure funding through a Rotary fundraiser—such as a charity swim or kayak race—to support ongoing water safety education efforts.
2. Community Connections Through National Night Out Support
Context:
Editorial coverage highlights National Night Out as an opportunity for residents to build relationships with neighbors and first responders. Rotary’s emphasis on peacebuilding and community health aligns with fostering trust, promoting youth engagement, and strengthening neighborhood bonds. Enhancing this annual event dovetails with ongoing needs for community cohesion in diverse areas like Waukegan and Gurnee.
Potential Partners:
- Local police and fire departments (already involved with National Night Out)
- Neighborhood associations and parent-teacher organizations
- Youth-focused nonprofits (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Local businesses for sponsorship and in-kind donations
- Schools and faith organizations
Next Steps:
- Connect with organizing committees for Gurnee, Waukegan, and other Lake County National Night Out events (typically first Tuesday in August) to identify where Rotary can be most supportive (e.g., funding, volunteer hours, supplies).
- Offer to sponsor youth-focused activities (STEM games, bicycle safety checks, healthy snacks) or provide a Rotary “Peace Pavilion” with resources on conflict resolution, bullying prevention, and mental health.
- Recruit volunteers to staff Rotary booths, lead children’s activities, or facilitate neighborhood cleanups before or after events.
- Publicize Rotary’s involvement to encourage membership and amplify the impact of the event—potentially securing grant support to expand efforts in future years.
- Debrief with partners after the event to assess outcomes and identify ways to build on successes for next year.
1. Community Health and Access Initiative: Responding to ICE-Related Fears
Context:
Recent news highlights heightened fears in the Waukegan area due to increased ICE activity, resulting in many residents—including families and business patrons—staying home. This is causing both social and economic strain and limiting access to essential services, including healthcare and food resources. Rotary’s "disease prevention and treatment" and "maternal and child health" areas of focus can be directly supported here, particularly by building trust, enhancing access to community health services, and reducing barriers for vulnerable populations.
Potential Partners:
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (Round Lake Park, supports immigrants locally)
- Community Health Centers (such as the Lake County Health Department)
- Local faith-based organizations and small businesses in Waukegan
- Midwest Veterans Closet (leveraging their community support networks)
Next Steps:
- Organize resource fairs or service events at welcoming venues (e.g., local churches or schools) that offer free, confidential health screenings, food distribution, and legal information—emphasizing privacy and safety for all regardless of status.
- Build partnerships with Mano a Mano and the county health department to provide information in Spanish and other relevant languages, ensuring outreach to immigrant populations.
- Train Rotary volunteers in trauma-informed care and cultural sensitivity.
- Launch a confidential community outreach campaign to inform residents about available services and events, working closely with trusted local organizations.
2. Youth Engagement & Leadership: Waukegan D60 Student Member Support
Context:
News reports that Waukegan District 60 has recently sworn in two new student board members, signaling a strong opportunity for youth leadership development and civic engagement. This aligns with Rotary’s "basic education and literacy" and "youth services" focus, and addresses the need to equip youth with tools and experiences that foster community leadership.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Board and administration
- Local youth development organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- City of Waukegan Youth Advisory Council
- Local businesses interested in youth mentoring
Next Steps:
- Establish a mentorship program for student board members and other youth interested in civic leadership, pairing them with Rotary members and community leaders.
- Host a Youth Leadership Summit or series of workshops on governance, public speaking, project management, and community service, inviting current and former student board members as panelists.
- Coordinate with the school district to provide resources—such as scholarships for youth-led community projects or a grant competition for student-initiated service initiatives.
- Publicize the program to raise awareness and encourage more youth to get involved in civic activities.
These efforts directly respond to local current events, leverage Rotary’s mission, and provide measurable benefits to the Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County community.
1. Youth Empowerment Through Literacy and Academic Competition Support
Context:
Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish recently won a marathon spelling bee, earning a spot at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C., representing achievement among hundreds of local students across 73 schools. This recognition highlights the dedication of local youth to literacy and academic pursuits, yet also underscores the need for continued support, access, and celebration of such opportunities for all students.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, Gurnee District 56)
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Public libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library)
- Scripps National Spelling Bee organizers
- Local media for publicity and awareness
Next Steps:
- Organize sponsorship or fundraising efforts to support Lake County competitors’ travel and participation in national academic events (spelling bees, science fairs, etc.), with a public send-off and recognition events.
- Launch a community “Rotary Reads” program: recruit Rotarians as literacy volunteers/mentors, offer spelling workshops, and provide resource kits to underserved local schools.
- Coordinate with schools and libraries to host annual spelling bees or literacy festivals, featuring winners like Visharad as ambassadors to inspire younger students.
- Apply for Rotary grants aligned with basic education and literacy.
2. Community Health Outreach and Support for Underserved Families
Context:
Waukegan-area officials have been responding to heightened anxiety among immigrant families, particularly related to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activity. Reports indicate many residents are afraid to leave their homes, which negatively impacts children’s school attendance, access to health care, and overall community wellbeing. There is a clear need for trusted partners to facilitate community outreach, health access, and information, especially for families reluctant to engage with official institutions.
Potential Partners:
- Local immigrant advocacy groups (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
- School districts and parent liaison officers
- Lake County Health Department
- Local faith-based organizations
- Midwest Veterans Closet (for coordinating wraparound services)
- Area healthcare providers
Next Steps:
- Organize community health fairs in neutral, trusted locations (churches, schools) providing free screenings, mental health info, and health literacy resources in multiple languages. Ensure volunteer medical interpreters are available.
- Develop and distribute an outreach toolkit (including “know your rights” information, school attendance support, and medical access guides).
- Recruit bilingual Rotary volunteers to partner with local agencies on wellness-check phone or home visits for high-risk families with children.
- Consider a Rotary fundraising campaign (or District Grant proposal) for emergency health funds or transportation vouchers to help families safely access clinics or social services.
- Hold informational events co-hosted with trusted community organizations to foster safe dialogue and reduce fear, including workshops on public health topics for youth and families.
These projects align with Rotary’s focus on education/literacy and community health while addressing timely, local community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.
1. Addressing Youth Mental Health and Safety in Lake County
Context:
Recent news highlights significant youth needs in Lake County, particularly a tragic teen death in Grayslake currently under investigation and a statewide focus on student mental health (with Illinois becoming the first state to require mental health screenings in schools). Also, ongoing drug enforcement (e.g., the DCFS-notified daycare drug case in Libertyville) underscores risks facing children and teens in the area. Mental health, substance abuse prevention, and youth safety are clear community concerns.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (e.g., Gurnee School District 56, Waukegan Public Schools)
- Lake County Children's Advocacy Center
- NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services)
- Local high school and middle school Parent Teacher Associations
- Youth-focused non-profits (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Recommended Rotary Project:
Launch a "Back-to-School Youth Wellness & Resiliency Fair" this August/September, offering:
- Youth mental health screenings and resources (in line with new state law)
- Substance abuse prevention education and Narcan demonstrations for parents
- Safe2Help hotline training and anti-bullying resources
- Activities on coping skills and emotional self-care
Next Steps:
- Reach out to school and non-profit partners now for planning and venue selection
- Seek grant funding or in-kind support for services (e.g., local counseling organizations, hospitals for screening staff)
- Publicize heavily via Patch, school newsletters, and social media
- Involve and train Rotary club members as event volunteers and facilitators
- Follow up with a donation campaign or Rotary grant to help local schools expand on-site counseling after the event
2. Supporting Food Security and Community Health During Summer/Fall
Context:
The Grayslake news highlights an ongoing spike in area food pantry use, reflecting growing food insecurity. Ongoing extreme summer weather (heat and humidity in the 90s) further stresses vulnerable families. Local events like the Grayslake Farmers Market and Gurnee Exchange Club Ribfest could be natural partners for raising awareness and resources for community health and nutrition.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Grayslake Greenery Garden Club
- Local farmers market organizers and participating vendors
- Community Action Partnership of Lake County
- Gurnee Exchange Club
- Local churches, temples, and mosques with food pantry programs
Recommended Rotary Project:
"Healthy Harvest Drive" — a dual-purpose initiative at the Grayslake Farmers Market and upcoming Ribfest:
- Host a produce donation booth, where shoppers and farmers can donate fresh food directly to local pantries
- Collect monetary donations to support food purchasing for pantries, especially for nutritious fresh foods
- Provide educational handouts on healthy eating, resources for SNAP/food assistance enrollment, and tips for staying healthy in the summer heat
- Partner with health outreach teams to offer free hydration stations and health screenings at outdoor events
Next Steps:
- Confirm logistics and permission with event organizers; set booth dates and times
- Recruit Rotarians to staff donation/education tables
- Connect with area food pantries to coordinate fresh food pickup and storage
- Promote the effort through Rotary, partner, and community media channels
- Report results to highlight community impact and encourage future collaboration
Both projects are actionable, timely, and closely aligned with Rotary's focus on health, youth, and community development in Lake County, IL.
1. Rotary Community Health Outreach at the Gurnee Exchange Club Ribfest
Context:
The Gurnee Exchange Club Ribfest (Aug 9), a major and well-attended local event, provides an opportunity to engage hundreds of families from Gurnee and surrounding Lake County communities. Recent community health trends in Lake County show need for health education and access to care, including blood pressure and diabetes screening as well as mental health awareness.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee Exchange Club (event organizer)
- Lake County Health Department
- Advocate Condell Medical Center or community clinics
- Local mental health groups (e.g., NAMI Lake County)
- Local pharmacies (for health materials and giveaways)
Next Steps:
- Contact the Gurnee Exchange Club to reserve a Rotary booth and coordinate logistics.
- Partner with health providers to arrange volunteer nurses or health professionals for on-site screenings and information.
- Prepare Rotary promotional materials focused on wellness, healthy eating (in the spirit of a food festival), and mental health resources.
- Promote the booth through event listings, partner social media, and community flyers.
- Recruit Rotary volunteers to staff the booth and assist with outreach.
- Collect feedback and interest for follow-up programs or quarterly health clinics.
2. Lake County Youth Literacy & School Supply Drive at Waterfront Market, Waukegan Harbor
Context:
The ongoing Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor is a recurring community meeting point. Waukegan and surrounding Lake County communities face challenges with school readiness and resource access for local youth, especially as back-to-school season approaches in August.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District (hosts at the harbor)
- Local schools (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools)
- Lake County Library System
- Nonprofits supporting youth/education (e.g., United Way of Lake County, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
- Local businesses for sponsorship or in-kind donations (Jewel-Osco, bookstores, office supply stores)
Next Steps:
- Secure a Rotary presence at the August or September Waterfront Market.
- Coordinate with schools and libraries to collect lists of needed supplies and age-appropriate books.
- Organize a drive for new/gently used books, school supplies, and backpacks through Rotary networks and business partners.
- Promote collection points and the market event via social media, local media, and flyers.
- Staff a Rotary booth at the market for distributing materials and offering reading activities or story-time sessions.
- Engage volunteers to provide hands-on help, and collect data for future needs or ongoing “Rotary Reads” initiatives throughout the year.
1. Community Health: Cooling Centers & Air Quality Relief Initiative
Context:
The recent sweltering heatwave and hazardous air quality alerts in Lake Forest and surrounding Lake County communities have heightened health risks, especially among vulnerable populations such as seniors, young children, and those with respiratory conditions. With increasingly frequent extreme weather events, communities require coordinated response and awareness-raising around heat and air-quality safety.
Potential Partners:
- Local government agencies managing cooling centers (City of Lake Forest, Lake County Health Department)
- Healthcare providers (NorthShore Health Centers, Advocate Aurora Health)
- Community organizations (Catholic Charities, local senior centers)
- Environmental groups
Next Steps:
- Contact city and county officials to identify current cooling center resources and gaps in service or outreach.
- Develop a Rotary-led volunteer outreach program to distribute information materials about heat safety and air quality, with targeted door-to-door visits in high-risk neighborhoods and translated materials as needed.
- Fundraise for air purifiers and transportation vouchers for at-risk residents who cannot easily access cooling centers.
- Organize informational seminars (virtual or in community centers) with healthcare partners on recognizing symptoms of heat and air distress, and tips for prevention.
- Collaborate with environmental groups to plant shade trees in high-heat neighborhoods, directly addressing both immediate and long-term community health and environmental needs.
2. Youth Mental Health & Domestic Violence Prevention Awareness Campaign
Context:
A disturbing incident of domestic violence recently took place in Lake County, highlighting the ongoing need for prevention education and support systems. Simultaneously, the state’s new law mandating student mental health screenings places a spotlight on youth mental well-being and the intersection with family violence, trauma, and community safety.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (Waukegan, Gurnee, Lake Forest)
- Youth mental health organizations (NAMI Lake County, Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center)
- Law enforcement community outreach teams
- Local media outlets (Patch, Lake County News-Sun)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to schools and youth organizations to assess needs for mental health programming, particularly workshops on healthy relationships, coping strategies, and accessing help.
- Partner with mental health professionals and survivor organizations to develop an age-appropriate series of seminars and resource kits for students and parents.
- Fundraise for confidential counseling scholarships to ensure all youth, especially from underserved communities, have access to critical support services.
- Host a community forum (potentially hybrid online/in-person) featuring law enforcement, survivors, therapists, and local leaders to discuss resources, share stories, and destigmatize help-seeking.
- Promote a safe reporting app or hotline awareness campaign in partnership with schools and media, tailored for youth to safely disclose concerns about domestic violence or mental health.
Both opportunities address immediate, real-world needs in Lake County while directly supporting Rotary’s focus areas of community health, the environment, and youth development.
A recent tragedy occurred when a 14-year-old boy drowned at Illinois Beach State Park (Lake County), highlighting critical gaps in local water safety awareness and swimming competency—especially among youth. Drowning remains a leading cause of preventable death among children and teens, particularly in communities where access to swimming lessons and awareness programs is limited.
In North Chicago (Lake County), police arrested a man accused of selling methamphetamine from a home operating as a daycare, prompting a DCFS investigation. This news brings to light acute risks for child health and welfare, and underscores gaps in both awareness and local support for families impacted by substance abuse. Considering Rotary’s focus on maternal and child health, there is an urgent need for resources and preventative education in the community.
These efforts will directly address Rotary’s priorities in youth health, education, and child protection, and can build meaningful, lasting relationships among community partners throughout Gurnee, Waukegan, and the Lake County region.