1. Safe Homes Initiative: Addressing Youth Safety Amid Social Media Trends
Context:
Recent news reports highlight the arrival of a destructive social media trend—the “door kick challenge”—in Lake County suburbs, including Gurnee and Waukegan. With young people participating in dangerous pranks that damage property and threaten neighborhood security, families and law enforcement face new safety challenges. This underscores the need for youth education on responsible digital citizenship and for supporting safer, more connected communities.
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Development and Youth Protection
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, Gurnee School District 56)
- Gurnee and Waukegan Police Departments
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office
- Community centers and local PTAs
- Youth service organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, YMCA)
Next Steps: - Convene a planning committee with representatives from Rotary, law enforcement, schools, and local parents. - Host safety workshops or forums in schools and public libraries, with presentations from officers and digital safety experts on responsible online behavior and legal consequences. - Develop age-appropriate outreach materials (flyers, social media campaigns) to educate youth and their families on digital responsibility and property respect. - Launch a “Safe Homes” pledge program where families and youth commit to keeping neighborhoods safe and reporting destructive behavior. - Seek local businesses or insurance companies as sponsors for small home safety kits or new doorbells for impacted families.
2. Skills for Independence Fundraiser: Expanding Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities
Context:
Although highlighted in neighboring Batavia, the Valley Sheltered Workshop’s 60-year legacy reflects a broader, growing need in Lake County for more space and resources to teach life and job skills to people with cognitive and developmental disabilities. Lake County, with its diverse population, similarly faces gaps in supported employment and independent living skill programs. Community-based fundraising can empower local organizations to serve more individuals in Gurnee, Waukegan, and beyond.
Rotary Area of Focus: Economic and Community Development, Supporting Education and Inclusion
Potential Partners:
- Local organizations such as the Pioneer Center for Human Services (serving Lake County)
- Avenues to Independence, Clearbrook, or similar nonprofits
- Special education staff from local school districts
- Area businesses that hire or mentor workers with disabilities
- Municipal agencies and advocacy groups
Next Steps:
- Meet with existing service providers to assess space and resource needs and identify collaboration opportunities.
- Organize a “Skills for Independence” fundraising event: host a community walk, dinner, or benefit auction featuring testimonials from program participants and families.
- Work with local schools and business partners to create internship, job shadowing, or mentoring programs for students with disabilities, leveraging Rotary’s local business connections.
- Secure grants or matching pledges from area foundations and Rotary International to maximize fundraising impact.
- Publicize the impact through local press and Rotary social media to build sustained community support for disability inclusion and employment.
These two projects directly address current events and urgent community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and across Lake County, aligning with Rotary’s mission and bringing together diverse partners for lasting impact.
1. Illinois Beach State Park Environmental Restoration and Community Engagement Initiative
Context:
Recent calls for help from officials in the Illinois Beach State Park area highlight urgent concerns about environmental health and safety, including reports of “people dying” (Lake County News-Sun, Aug. 2025). The area faces ongoing environmental challenges due to erosion, pollution, and decreased resources for park maintenance and safety. The need for community-based responses supports Rotary's focus on the environment and community health.
Potential Partners:
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
- Illinois Beach State Park officials
- Local environmental nonprofits (e.g., Lake County Forest Preserves)
- Area youth groups (scouts, school eco-clubs)
- Local businesses for sponsorship and volunteer recruitment
Next Steps:
- Reach out to IDNR and park officials to identify priority restoration, safety, and education needs.
- Organize a "Rotary Day of Service" focused on park cleanup, invasive species removal, and public safety awareness in the park.
- Incorporate educational workshops on beach and water safety, environmental stewardship, and conservation.
- Leverage Rotary networks to secure sponsorships for new signage, life-saving equipment, or environmental monitoring tools.
- Involve youth organizations for hands-on environmental education and community building.
2. Youth Mental Health and Confidence-Building Program in Partnership with Local Schools and Community Centers
Context:
The recent story of Libertyville alum Emily Fisher transferring colleges “seeking confidence” after a difficult year underscores the broader issue of youth mental health, resilience, and confidence (Lake County News-Sun, Aug. 2025). With ongoing pressures from social media, academic competition, and post-pandemic recovery, youth in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County communities are increasingly in need of mental health support and empowerment.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools, Warren Township High School in Gurnee)
- Youth and Family Counseling Services in Lake County
- Local community centers and park districts
- College athletes and alumni like Emily Fisher for guest speaking/mentoring
Next Steps:
- Connect with school administrators and local counseling centers to assess specific needs and gaps in youth programming.
- Plan a series of "Rotary Empowerment Workshops" featuring guest speakers, peer mentors, and small-group activities focused on building confidence, coping skills, and mental health awareness.
- Fundraise for program materials, mental health first aid training, and scholarships for ongoing counseling or summer camp experiences.
- Evaluate interest in an ongoing “Rotary Youth Leadership” program, partnering with existing organizations and leveraging Rotarian mentors.
- Promote the program through social media, school channels, and local news to maximize reach and impact.
Project Idea 1: Supporting Youth Literacy and Academic Excellence
Context:
Lake County seventh grader Visharad Sathish recently won a marathon 45-round spelling bee, earning the opportunity to represent the region at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. This achievement highlights both individual excellence and a broader commitment to literacy and education among Lake County youth, with 73 schools and hundreds of students participating in the county-level event.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts and PTAs (especially those with students who participate in spelling bees and academic competitions)
- Scripps National Spelling Bee organizers
- Local libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee)
- Corporate sponsors interested in supporting education (ex: local banks, bookstores)
Next Steps:
1. Contact the Lake County Regional Office of Education to discuss ongoing needs for literacy and academic event support (e.g., prizes, scholarships, travel grants for finalists like Visharad).
2. Organize a fundraising event, such as a “Community Spelling Bee Challenge” for adults and youth with entry fees and sponsorships, to fund scholarships for spelling bee participants and literacy initiatives in local schools.
3. Offer Rotary support to expand literacy programs—such as afterschool spelling practice clubs, reading tutoring, or book drives—especially targeting underserved schools.
4. Celebrate local champions with recognition at a Rotary meeting and through local media, fostering youth motivation and community awareness of Rotary’s commitment to education.
Project Idea 2: Addressing Community Health and Safety Near Illinois Beach State Park
Context:
A recent call for help has been reissued by officials near Illinois Beach State Park amid concerns about public safety, with a troubling note that “we have people dying.” Though details are limited, this suggests urgent health or safety needs in that community—potentially related to accidents, drownings, substance use, or lack of public health resources.
Potential Partners:
- Illinois Beach State Park staff and administration
- Local police/fire departments and first responders (Zion, Waukegan, Gurnee)
- Advocate Aurora Health and/or Lake County Health Department
- Nonprofits focused on health and safety (e.g., American Red Cross, Lake County Opioid Initiative)
- Environmental groups concerned with park and beach safety (e.g., Friends of Illinois Beach State Park)
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to park officials and local health or emergency response agencies to assess pressing needs: Is the issue related to water safety, drug overdoses, heat-related illness, or another factor?
2. Organize a Rotary-led community health and safety day at Illinois Beach State Park, offering free water safety demonstrations, first aid/CPR training, and information on local health resources.
3. Fundraise for and distribute life jackets and/or beach safety signage in partnership with local agencies.
4. Develop and disseminate targeted public awareness campaigns (in English and Spanish) about risks (drowning prevention, heat safety, opioid dangers), possibly partnering with schools and media outlets for broader reach.
5. Evaluate opportunities for ongoing support, such as sponsoring Narcan training, first-aid supplies, or expanding access to preventive health care in the area.
These two initiatives align strongly with Rotary’s areas of focus—supporting education/literacy and advancing community health—and respond to immediate, identified needs in Lake County, Gurnee, and Waukegan.
1. Community Oral Health Education and Outreach Initiative
Context:
The heartbreaking recent death of Sophia Farmer, a young girl from Spring Grove who died after a dental visit at a Grayslake clinic (as widely reported and currently investigated by the Cook County Medical Examiner), has brought renewed community concern regarding the safety and understanding surrounding both children's oral health and dental care. In Lake County, there is significant need for accessible oral health education for families, especially those in underserved areas, to help prevent emergencies and ensure parents know what to expect from dental visits.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department (Oral Health Program)
- Local dental clinics and pediatric dentists
- Schools (e.g., Woodland Community Consolidated School District 50 in Gurnee, Waukegan Public Schools)
- Local non-profits focusing on health and family support (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Lake County Health Department and local dental clinics to gauge interest and identify speakers for a Rotary-sponsored oral health information series.
- Plan and promote a series of "Safe Smiles" community workshops at local schools, libraries, and community centers, targeting families with children.
- Fundraise to assemble and distribute dental hygiene kits (toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss) with printed safety and health information.
- Offer CPR/first aid mini-sessions for parents in tandem with these workshops, helping families feel more prepared for medical emergencies.
- Work with school districts to incorporate dental safety education during health classes or parent nights.
2. Food Insecurity Response: Lake County Pantry Support & Awareness Drive
Context:
Recent news reports indicate that food pantries in the Chicago area, including Lake County, have experienced a spike in visits over the past year. With inflation, fluctuating employment, and lingering pandemic impacts, the need for food security is acute—especially for youth and families in Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding communities.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (Lake County branch)
- Local food pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries Food Pantry in Waukegan, Warren Township Food Pantry in Gurnee)
- Local grocery stores and faith communities
- High school Service Clubs and Key Clubs for youth involvement
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with the Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantries to identify their greatest needs (e.g., food items, volunteer shifts, financial support).
- Organize a community-wide "Fill the Truck" food drive, engaging Gurnee/Waukegan businesses and schools as drop-off sites to collect non-perishables and hygiene items.
- Plan a fundraiser event—possibly at the upcoming Gurnee Exchange Club Ribfest or another popular community gathering—to raise cash donations for food purchase.
- Engage youth volunteers to sort, pack, and deliver food donations, helping address both youth engagement and food insecurity simultaneously.
- Publicize the effort widely in partnership with local media and faith organizations to increase reach and impact.
These initiatives respond directly to current community concerns around health and essentials, leverage Rotary’s areas of focus, and embrace collaboration with local organizations for deeper and more sustainable impact.
1. Community Health & Youth Wellness: "Hero Park Grand Opening Health Fair and Kids’ Fitness Day"
Context:
The grand opening of Hero Park in Round Lake Beach on August 16 presents an excellent opportunity to address health and wellness among local families and youth. Lake County communities have also expressed ongoing concern about childhood fitness and access to health resources, post-pandemic. Rotary’s focus on disease prevention, health, and youth support aligns well with this event.
Potential Partners:
- Village of Round Lake Beach Parks Department
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (healthy snacks/water)
- Lake County Health Department (information and screenings)
- YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago (youth activities)
- Local fitness instructors or youth sports teams
Next Steps:
- Contact Round Lake Beach Parks Department to collaborate on an expanded Health Fair component for the park opening.
- Recruit vendors and partners to offer free vision and hearing screenings, dental checks, and information on immunizations.
- Organize kids’ fitness activities (relays, obstacle course, group exercise demos) and distribute wellness kits (water bottles, jump ropes, hand sanitizer).
- Promote the event with local schools, libraries, and social media channels, emphasizing free resources for families.
2. Economic Development & Education: "Lake County Career Launch: Youth Scholarship and Workforce Readiness Initiative"
Context:
With the 2025 Lake County Job Fair scheduled for August 12 in Round Lake Beach, there is heightened interest in jobs, workforce preparedness, and economic stability—critical needs for both adults and young people in Lake County. Rotary can support education and economic/community development by providing scholarships and readiness programs for job-seeking youth and adults.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Workforce Development Department
- Round Lake Area Park District
- College of Lake County Career Services
- Local employers participating in the job fair
- Waukegan Township Youth Services
Next Steps:
- Connect with Lake County Job Fair organizers to offer “Workshop Corners” at the event on resume-writing, interview prep, and work-readiness—presented by Rotarians or business partners.
- Establish a Rotary-funded scholarship for tools, uniforms, or tuition support for young adults committing to job training or certificate programs, to be awarded at the job fair.
- Schedule follow-up workforce development seminars at the public library or YMCA, extending support past the fair.
- Publicize the initiative via local schools, libraries, and on social media to both attract applicants and highlight Rotary’s role in local economic empowerment.
1. Air Quality & Community Health Initiative
Context:
A recent Air Pollution Action Day was declared in Lake Forest due to unhealthy air quality, prompting concern among residents. Such alerts are becoming more frequent in Lake County, with particular impact on children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions.
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health, Environment
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local school districts (Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Waukegan, Gurnee)
- Environmental groups (e.g., Lake County Audubon Society)
- Local hospital networks (NorthShore, Advocate Aurora Health)
Next Steps:
- Organize educational workshops in schools and community centers on air pollution risks and protecting vulnerable populations
- Distribute N95 masks and air purifiers to families and schools, especially those serving at-risk youth and elderly
- Fund or support the planting of trees and pollinator gardens in public spaces to improve local air quality
- Hold an “Air Quality Awareness Day” event, bringing together health experts, local leaders, and families to discuss prevention strategies and share resources
- Seek grant funding (Rotary and local businesses like Waukegan Tire) and in-kind donations for supplies
- Involve local Rotaract clubs and high school environmental clubs for volunteer engagement
2. Domestic Violence Prevention & Support Project
Context:
A recent police report in Lake County details a woman found in the roadway after being choked and beaten. Incidents of domestic violence remain a critical, often underreported, issue in the area, impacting the safety and wellbeing of women and families.
Rotary Area of Focus: Peacebuilding & Conflict Prevention, Community Health
Potential Partners:
- A Safe Place (Waukegan-based domestic violence shelter and service provider)
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments
- Local hospitals, counseling centers, and faith-based organizations
- County youth and family services, school districts
Next Steps:
- Organize a fundraising drive (charity walk/run, dinner event) to benefit A Safe Place and fund emergency shelter, counseling, and educational programs
- Partner with Lake County law enforcement to provide community forums on recognizing and reporting domestic violence
- Develop age-appropriate workshops for local schools and youth groups on healthy relationships and violence prevention
- Collect personal care items and gift cards for donation drives benefitting survivors housed at local shelters
- Launch a Rotary-led awareness campaign, leveraging social media and local media partnerships, to break the silence around domestic abuse
- Reach out to other community service organizations for broader coalition-building and resource-sharing
By responding to these immediate and high-need issues—air quality and domestic violence—the Rotary Club can make a meaningful impact aligned with Rotary’s global mission while addressing very real local concerns in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.
1. Community Health & Child Safety: Support for Safe and Licensed Childcare
Context:
Recent news highlights the discovery of two children at an unlicensed North Chicago home daycare during a drug-related police search (with DCFS investigating the case). The presence of drugs and unlicensed caregiving poses significant risks to child safety and community health. This indicates a need for both supporting access to safe, licensed childcare and educating the community about regulations and dangers associated with unlicensed facilities.
Potential Partners:
- Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local police departments (North Chicago, Waukegan, Gurnee)
- Local libraries and community centers
- Child advocacy organizations
Next Steps:
- Organize a public awareness campaign and resource fair on safe childcare, inviting DCFS speakers to educate parents and providers in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding Lake County communities.
- Raise funds for scholarships that help low-income families access licensed daycare providers.
- Distribute printed resources on identifying unlicensed providers and reporting concerns.
- Offer training sessions at local libraries or community centers for new or prospective home daycare operators on licensing and safety compliance.
- Seek press coverage in Patch and local media to raise awareness and reduce stigma for families seeking help.
2. Youth & Road Safety: Community Initiative for Preventing Reckless and Impaired Driving
Context:
A tragic incident in Beach Park involved a 25-year-old driver facing reckless homicide charges in the death of his 5-year-old son, with cannabis impairment noted. With multiple auto-related incidents reported (including a car crashing into a Libertyville strip mall and a recent burglary), community safety—especially for youth—is an urgent concern.
Potential Partners:
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Illinois Chapter
- Lake County Sheriff's Office
- School districts in Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding areas
- Local high schools (e.g., Waukegan High School, Warren Township High School)
- Safe Kids Lake County
- Local insurance agencies
- Healthcare organizations (Lake County Health Department)
Next Steps:
- Launch a youth-driven awareness campaign in schools about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving, focusing on both alcohol and cannabis impairment.
- Apply for grants or organize fundraising events (such as a community 5K, car safety expo, or family fun day) with proceeds funding school assembly programs, driver safety workshops, or child car seat check events.
- Partner with local law enforcement to hold mock crash demonstrations or “Drive Smart” simulators at school and community events.
- Develop and distribute safe driving pledge kits for families, encouraging dialogue about safe transportation and consequences of impaired driving.
- Coordinate with school districts and PTA/PTO groups to ensure high impact and sustainability.