Based on your request and the provided news excerpts from August 6, 2025, there is limited direct reporting on recent community events or challenges in Gurnee, Waukegan, or Lake County. However, aligning Rotary’s areas of focus with ongoing community needs and using broader local context, I make the following recommendations for relevant Rotary projects:
1. Community Food Security Initiative (Community Health & Hunger Relief)
Context:
Lake County, including Waukegan and Gurnee, has persistent pockets of food insecurity, especially among low-income families, children, and seniors. Economic pressures, as touched on in opinion pieces regarding state finances and spending, often correlate with increased need for basic services. Summers can be particularly difficult for children who rely on school-based meal programs, and as schools prepare for fall reopening, the need is heightened.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (serves Lake County, including Waukegan and Gurnee)
- Local school districts (Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee District 56)
- County health departments
- Community Action Partnership of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Contact Northern Illinois Food Bank and local districts to assess precise current needs and identify population hotspots.
- Organize a community food drive, potentially paired with a back-to-school event distributing both healthy food and school supplies.
- Seek sponsorships or matching funds from local businesses.
- Publicize the event in local media and through school and parent networks to maximize outreach/impact.
- Recruit Rotarian and community volunteers; coordinate with existing service programs to avoid duplication.
2. Environmental Stewardship: Youth-Led Parks Revitalization (Environment & Youth Empowerment)
Context:
Lake County and the Waukegan/Gurnee communities feature many local parks and green spaces, which have seen increased use and sometimes increased litter and deferred maintenance post-pandemic. Lake Michigan shoreline in Waukegan, in particular, offers a dramatic environment needing preservation, and engaging youth in environmental service fosters both stewardship and leadership, aligning with Rotary’s focus.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves District
- Waukegan Park District
- Warren Township High School environmental clubs (Gurnee)
- Local Scout troops and youth groups (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, Waukegan to College)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to park districts and establish which parks/shorelines would benefit most from clean-up or community planting days.
- Collaborate with local schools and youth groups to recruit students for service projects (perhaps offering community service hours or small scholarships as incentives).
- Organize a “Rotary Green Teams” Saturday: coordinated clean-up, native planting, and environmental education stations.
- Utilize Rotary and community media to raise awareness and potentially fundraise for supplies or park enhancements.
- Build relationships for recurring stewardship or mentorship programs linking Rotary members and youths.
Both projects address clear, ongoing needs in the communities and provide high-visibility, partnership-friendly opportunities for Rotary clubs to help materially, involve local residents, and showcase Rotary values of service, health, environment, and youth empowerment.
Certainly! Based on the recent news about Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary project opportunities aligned with Rotary's areas of focus, with context, partners, and next steps:
1. Home Repair Support for Low-Income Families in Waukegan
Context:
Waukegan is considering the use of $400,000 from cannabis tax revenue to establish a home-repair program aimed at helping local residents. The city seeks to "rebuild the foundation of our neighborhoods," indicating both a financial opportunity and an urgent need for safe, healthy housing—directly linked to community health, economic development, and dignity.
Potential Partners: - Waukegan City Council: Leverage their planned funding for synergistic support. - Local nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity Lake County: Experienced in home repairs and volunteer mobilization. - Trade schools and local contractors: For skilled labor and apprentice opportunities. - Faith-based organizations: For volunteer recruitment.
Next Steps: 1. Contact the Waukegan City Council (public works or housing division) to offer Rotary support in volunteer recruitment, supplemental fundraising, or coordination. 2. Connect with Habitat for Humanity Lake County for partnership and to avoid overlap in services. 3. Launch a “Rotarians at Work” service day/weekend for volunteers to assist in minor repairs and home improvements, particularly for seniors or disabled residents. 4. Consider a fundraiser specifically earmarked for emergency repairs (plumbing, heat, accessibility) that city grants may not fully cover. 5. Establish an annual review to measure community impact and expand to other at-risk neighborhoods as needed.
2. Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program in Waukegan D60 Schools
Context:
The Waukegan D60 school board recently inducted two students as non-voting board members, illustrating a focus on student voice and engagement. With many students facing challenges, there’s an opening to strengthen leadership, educational advancement, and community service among youth; this aligns closely with Rotary’s focus on education and youth development.
Potential Partners: - Waukegan Community Unit School District 60: For program access, school facilities, and administrative support. - Local colleges (e.g., College of Lake County): Connect students to role models and possible dual-credit or mentoring arrangements. - Youth-serving organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County): For referrals and additional programming. - Waukegan Park District or public libraries: For meeting space and after-school collaboration.
Next Steps: 1. Meet with the D60 superintendent and or new student board members to understand their vision and needs. 2. Develop a mentorship program pairing Rotary members (and possibly Rotaract/Interact students) with D60 students interested in leadership, college prep, or community service. 3. Organize periodic leadership workshops, including basic financial literacy, civic engagement, and public speaking. 4. Apply for Rotary District grants to fund supplies, transportation, and refreshments for program events. 5. Publicly recognize student leaders at Rotary meetings or community events to reinforce achievement.
Both initiatives respond directly to recent developments in Lake County, leverage local momentum, and embody Rotary’s principles of supporting healthy, engaged communities.
1. Promoting Literacy & Youth Development: Local Academic Recognition and Literacy Support
Context:
Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish recently won a 45-round marathon spelling bee, besting hundreds of students from 73 Lake County schools. He is set to represent the region at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. in May. His efforts shine a spotlight on academic achievement and the value of literacy and language arts education among youth.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local schools and PTAs (Parent Teacher Associations)
- The Scripps National Spelling Bee’s regional coordinators
- Public libraries (Waukegan, Gurnee, and Lake Bluff Public Libraries)
- Local education-focused businesses (e.g., bookstores)
Recommended Initiative:
Organize an annual Rotary “Celebration of Words” event for Lake County, recognizing spelling bee participants, finalists, and teachers. Pair this with a book drive targeting local schools and underserved youth, and launch a “Rotary Reading Mentors” program where Rotarians volunteer for literacy coaching in partnership with school districts and libraries.
Next Steps:
- Contact the Lake County Regional Office of Education and spelling bee coordinators to propose partnership and request involvement lists.
- Reach out to school administrators and PTAs to identify students in need of literacy support and potential book donation recipients.
- Organize a recognition ceremony and coordinate a book drive logistics plan (drop-off points, promotion, etc).
- Recruit Rotary members as reading mentors and arrange training in collaboration with literacy experts at local libraries.
- Seek media coverage to highlight positive stories and encourage broader community involvement.
2. Housing Security Initiative: Cannabis Revenue-Funded Home Repair Program Collaboration
Context:
Waukegan is considering using newly available cannabis tax revenue for a home-repair program designed to stabilize neighborhoods and provide critical repairs for low-income or elderly residents. This aligns with Rotary's focus on community economic development, housing security, and supporting vulnerable populations.
Potential Partners:
- City of Waukegan Housing Department
- Local non-profits specializing in housing (e.g., Habitat for Humanity Lake County)
- Faith-based organizations with outreach programs (e.g., Catholic Charities, Community Action Partnership of Lake County)
- Area contractors and building-materials suppliers
- Cannabis dispensary operators interested in community engagement
Recommended Initiative:
Establish a Rotary Community Home Repair Fund to supplement the city’s efforts, by fundraising and volunteering labor for qualifying home-repair projects. Rotary can help screen candidates, fundraise for additional unmet needs, and organize “Rotarians at Work Day” home repair teams to assist the elderly/disabled with small-scale repairs and safety upgrades.
Next Steps:
- Initiate conversations with the Waukegan city manager and housing department to determine the gaps and potential points of collaboration.
- Approach non-profit and faith-based partners to leverage existing intake, vetting, and project management systems.
- Organize a Rotary fundraising campaign, perhaps themed “Raise the Roof for Waukegan,” tied to local events or social media challenges.
- Recruit skilled Rotarians or partner with area unions/contractors for project volunteer days.
- Publicize available resources and invite referrals from local agencies and residents.
1. Community Education and Safety Program – For Families With Young Children
Context:
Recent news in Lake County highlights two urgent concerns affecting local families:
- The tragic accidental death of a teen after a dental visit (Grayslake), which underscores the importance of health literacy and emergency preparedness.
- Law enforcement action against dangerous environments for children, such as a meth operation found at a daycare in North Chicago, and a sex offender found living near a daycare in Waukegan.
These incidents point to a growing need for community-based support to ensure the safety, well-being, and health awareness of families with young children. Rotary’s focus areas of maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, and community health are strongly aligned with this need.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services)
- Local PTA/PTO groups and school districts (Grayslake, Waukegan, Gurnee)
- Local police and fire departments
- Gurnee Exchange Club (active in civic/community service)
Recommended Actions / Next Steps:
- Convene a planning group with Rotary committee members and representatives from the above partners.
- Survey or host a listening session for local parents and educators to confirm key topics (child safety at home/daycare, dental health, emergency preparedness).
- Create a “Family Health & Safety Resource Day”—an annual, free event with workshops on child health, how to choose safe daycare, emergency dental first aid, and local resource tables.
- Use Rotary’s fundraising expertise to sponsor child safety materials (first aid kits, dental safety info, safe sleep supplies, etc.) to distribute at the event.
- Publicize through all partner channels and at local events such as the Gurnee Exchange Club Ribfest.
2. Youth Arts & Resilience Program – Healing Through the Arts
Context:
The tragic loss of a local teen and recent fatal accidents (e.g., the Beach Park hit-and-run; teen death after dentist visit) signal a community in mourning and a strong need for youth support and positive outlets. Simultaneously, there is ongoing promotion of local arts (e.g., the Festival of the Arts, performances like Drew Wiegman’s) and shout-outs to “MVPs of the School Day”—evidence of strong youth and education engagement in the area.
Using the arts to foster resilience, connection, and healing among youth aligns with Rotary’s areas of supporting education, mental health, and positive youth development.
Potential Partners:
- Local schools and school districts (Warren Township/ Gurnee; Waukegan District 60; Grayslake Community District 46/127)
- Grayslake Arts Alliance
- Local community centers
- Mental health nonprofits (e.g., NAMI Lake County)
- The Patch/Patch Community Leaders (to help spotlight and publicize)
Recommended Actions / Next Steps:
- Meet with district arts coordinators and school counselors to evaluate needs and opportunities; invite local artists and mental health professionals.
- Design and fund a “Healing Through the Arts” program for teens: a series of after-school or weekend workshops focusing on art, music, performance, and guided conversations about loss, challenge, and resilience.
- Coordinate with the Grayslake Arts Alliance for artist volunteers and possible venues (e.g., Grayslake Festival of the Arts).
- Apply for Rotary funding to provide supplies and stipends; consider a fundraising benefit show, with proceeds supporting long-term mental health support in schools.
- Incorporate student artwork and stories into an annual community showcase to raise awareness and support for youth mental health.
Both service opportunities create visible, lasting, and partnership-based impacts directly addressing pressing community concerns in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County.
Here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities designed specifically for the current events and needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, aligned with Rotary’s focus areas:
1. Back-to-School Readiness & Health Fair at Hastings Lake YMCA’s Family Bash
Area of Focus: Education and Community Health
Context:
The Hastings Lake YMCA in Lindenhurst is hosting a “FREE Family Back to School Bash” on August 16, 2025. As families gather, many may be preparing for the new school year—some facing challenges in access to school supplies, hygiene products, and preventive health checks. Rotary can address gaps in educational readiness and health.
Potential Partners:
- YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago (Hastings Lake branch)
- Local public schools in Lindenhurst and surrounding communities
- Lake County Health Department
- Gurnee Exchange Club
- Local businesses (such as Walgreens, Target, or Walmart) for in-kind donations
Next Steps:
- Contact YMCA event organizers to offer a “Rotary Ready” booth with free backpacks, grade-level supplies, and basic hygiene kits.
- Enlist volunteer nurses or partner with the Health Department to provide simple health screenings (vision, dental, immunization checks, hygiene education) during the event.
- Promote a fundraising drive through Rotary networks and local businesses to sponsor supplies and health materials for area children.
- Coordinate with school liaisons to identify families most in need and ensure follow-up post-event.
2. Environmental Engagement & Youth Leadership at Waterfront Market, Waukegan Harbor
Area of Focus: Environment and Youth
Context:
The Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor and Marina, with recurring dates August 22 and September 26, draws local families and youth. Lake Michigan’s shoreline faces ongoing challenges with pollution and public engagement around environmental stewardship.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Main Street
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Local high school environmental or Interact clubs
- Alliance for the Great Lakes
- Waukegan Park District
Next Steps:
- Organize a Rotary “Lake Care Day” booth at the Waterfront Market, offering hands-on youth-led shoreline cleanups and interactive environmental education (recycling, storm water, invasive species).
- Launch a youth art or essay contest themed around “Protecting Our Lake,” with displays at the market and prizes donated by local businesses.
- Provide on-site recycling stations and water quality demonstrations in partnership with the Alliance for the Great Lakes and local high school science departments.
- Use this opportunity to recruit new Interact Club members and future Rotary Youth leadership candidates.
These opportunities address real community needs and leverage Rotary's strengths in partnership, resource development, and service—building stronger, more resilient communities.
1. Air Quality Awareness and Community Tree-Planting Initiative
Rotary Area of Focus: Environment; Community Health
Context:
A recent Air Pollution Action Day was declared in Lake Forest due to hazardous air quality. The rising frequency of such events reflects ongoing environmental and health concerns for residents, especially children, seniors, and those with respiratory illnesses.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Health Department: For public health guidance and promotion. - Lake County Forest Preserves and Park District: For land access and expertise on suitable tree species. - Local schools (e.g., District 115 and 67): To involve students in educational workshops and tree-planting. - Environmental groups: Such as Go Green Lake County or local Garden Clubs.
Next Steps: 1. Meet with Lake County Health Department officials to understand key air quality issues and determine educational content for the public. 2. Approach Lake County Forest Preserves and local park districts to plan tree-planting events in areas that would benefit most. 3. Organize an air quality awareness campaign, combining workshops at schools, info booths at community events, and social media outreach. 4. Recruit volunteers and secure sponsorship or donations for saplings and necessary materials. 5. Host community tree-planting days, pairing environmental education with hands-on action.
2. Supporting Women’s Safety and Crisis Assistance
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health; Peace and Conflict Resolution; Supporting Women and Children
Context:
A recent report details a violent assault against a woman in Lake County, drawing attention to ongoing challenges with domestic violence and the immediate safety needs of vulnerable populations.
Potential Partners: - A Safe Place (Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center): Local non-profit supporting victims of domestic violence. - Lake County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments: To coordinate safety resources and victim support. - Local hospitals and health clinics: For trauma and counseling referrals. - Faith-based organizations and community centers: For outreach and safe haven offers.
Next Steps: 1. Consult with A Safe Place and other service agencies to identify urgent gaps in crisis resources (e.g., emergency shelter, hygiene kits, prepaid cell phones for crisis calls). 2. Develop a Rotary-backed fundraising campaign (such as a benefit dinner or silent auction) or a donation drive for specific needs (toiletries, gift cards, transportation vouchers). 3. Invite law enforcement to speak at a community forum with Rotary sponsorship, raising awareness about local services and preventative strategies. 4. Explore grant opportunities and align with ongoing advocacy efforts, ensuring the sustainability of support initiatives. 5. Create a follow-up plan with service providers to assess impact and identify future areas for Rotary collaboration.
These service opportunities will address immediate community needs in Lake County while leveraging Rotary’s strengths in partnership-building, fundraising, and public education.
1. Youth Water Safety Education and Drowning Prevention Initiative
Context:
Following the tragic drowning of a 14-year-old boy at Illinois Beach State Park in Lake County, there is an immediate community need for improved water safety awareness and youth education. Drownings among children and teenagers remain a serious local concern, especially in areas with easy access to Lake Michigan and other local bodies of water. This directly aligns with Rotary's area of focus on saving mothers and children (by protecting young lives) and basic education.
Potential Partners: - Local school districts in Lake County (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee School District 56) - Lake County Health Department and Lake County Forest Preserves - Midwest Paddlesport Safety, Red Cross, and YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago - Illinois Beach State Park officials - Waukegan Park District and Gurnee Park District
Next Steps: - Convene a meeting with interested school and park district leaders to assess existing water safety programs and gaps. - Contact the Lake County Health Department for recent drowning statistics and recommendations. - Develop age-appropriate water safety education material for schools, camps, and youth groups. - Organize water safety awareness weeks each spring, with in-person or virtual workshops featuring demonstrations from lifeguards and water safety experts. - Raise funds for free or subsidized swim lessons for underserved youth in Waukegan, Gurnee, and North Chicago. - Publicize the program in partnership with local media and community centers.
2. Safe Spaces and Support for At-Risk Children Near Daycares
Context:
Recent incidents, including the arrest of a sex offender living within 500 feet of a Waukegan daycare and the bust of a North Chicago home selling meth while operating a daycare, highlight serious child safety concerns. The presence of crime near family care facilities threatens children’s well-being and erodes trust in community institutions. A Rotary project could provide resources, advocacy, and education to ensure daycares are safe havens—consistent with Rotary’s focus areas of supporting education, child health, and peace.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Sheriff's Office and DCFS (Department of Children & Family Services) - Childcare Network of Lake County and Voices for Illinois Children - Local parent-teacher associations (PTAs) and school social workers - Waukegan and Gurnee Police Departments’ community outreach divisions
Next Steps: - Partner with law enforcement and DCFS to sponsor public forums educating daycare providers and parents about warning signs of criminal activity and how to report suspicions. - Develop and distribute a “Safe Daycare Toolkit” with checklists for security, staff background checks, and safety plans. - Host a fundraising drive to provide daycares, especially those serving low-income neighborhoods, with grants for security upgrades (cameras, lighting, fencing). - Offer support for children affected by trauma or unsafe home environments, in conjunction with local counselors and the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center. - Initiate a Rotary Community Recognition Program that honors exemplary daycare staff and safe facility practices.
Both of these initiatives address current issues, respond to community needs, and offer opportunities for meaningful partnerships and fundraising within Rotary’s mission.