1. School Bus Safety Awareness Initiative
Rotary Area of Focus: Basic Education and Literacy; Community Health
Context:
A recent letter to the editor from a local school bus driver highlights widespread lack of driver awareness regarding school bus laws and regulations in Lake County, as the school year begins. Ensuring children’s safety as they travel to and from school is a pressing community concern, especially in high-traffic areas like Gurnee and Waukegan. According to the letter, many drivers do not know or observe the critical safety laws aimed at keeping students safe.
Potential Partners: - Local school districts (e.g., Gurnee School District 56, Waukegan Community Unit School District 60) - Lake County Regional Office of Education - Gurnee and Waukegan Police Departments - Parent-teacher organizations (PTO/PTA)
Next Steps:
- Meet with local school transportation officials and law enforcement to determine the most problematic intersections or routes.
- Develop and distribute school bus safety materials, including flyers, social media toolkits, and presentations for both adults and youth.
- Host a community event featuring interactive demonstrations with a school bus, law enforcement Q&A, and safe driving “pledge” booths.
- Explore grant options or mini-fundraisers to provide reflective vests or signage for crossing guards, and additional safety equipment for buses.
- Encourage student involvement by inviting art or essay submissions on school bus safety, with winning entries featured in Rotary publications or local press.
2. Student Mental Health Awareness Fundraiser
Rotary Area of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment; Mental Health
Context:
Letters to the editor reference Illinois’s new Universal Mental Health Screening for students, and the surrounding conversation about youth mental health resources in schools. As this policy is implemented, communities in Lake County, including Waukegan and Gurnee, will need to increase support around mental wellness and reduce stigma. This aligns with Rotary’s new commitment to supporting mental health at the community level.
Potential Partners: - Local school districts and mental health coordinators - Lake County Health Department, Behavioral Health Services - Youth mental health nonprofits (e.g., NAMI Lake County) - Local therapy groups and counseling centers
Next Steps:
- Organize a fundraising event (such as a 5K run/walk or “Mental Health Awareness Day” fair) to raise money for school-based mental health resources (counselor hours, mindfulness programming, or parent educational workshops).
- Invite expert speakers and student panels to share resources and personal experiences with youth mental health.
- Coordinate a resource drive for books and materials focused on youth resilience, positive coping, and emotional literacy to be donated to school libraries.
- Connect with district officials to identify gaps in mental health programming and explore how Rotary grants could address them, focusing on sustainability and measurable impact.
- Ensure all activities include destigmatizing language, and offer information on how families can seek help locally.
These two projects directly address Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County’s present needs as illustrated by current community discussions and align closely with Rotary’s areas of focus.
Certainly! Based on recent news and current community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two recommended Rotary service or fundraising opportunities, each aligning with Rotary’s core areas of focus:
1. Flood Relief and Disaster Preparedness Initiative
Areas of Focus: Community Health & Disaster Response, Environment
Context:
Recent overnight storms have left over 60,000 residents without power in Lake County and have triggered ongoing flood warnings and advisories. These events have impacted numerous families, risking property loss, personal safety, and long-term community wellbeing. Environmental and infrastructural vulnerabilities are highlighted, and there is an increasing need for community-based disaster preparedness and recovery support.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Emergency Management Agency (LCEMA)
- Local American Red Cross chapter
- Faith-based organizations (e.g., Gurnee Community Church)
- Other Rotary Clubs in Lake County
- Local youth groups (for volunteer corps)
Next Steps:
- Organize a Flood Relief Fundraiser: Mobilize club resources to raise funds or collect essential supplies (bottled water, cleaning kits, non-perishable foods, batteries) for impacted residents.
- Volunteer Clean-Up Days: Coordinate volunteer efforts for post-flood cleanup, prioritizing elderly, disabled, or low-income households.
- Community Education Workshops: Partner with LCEMA to host seminars on flood readiness, basic first aid, and emergency preparedness for residents and businesses.
- Apply for District/Rotary Disaster Response Grants: Seek available Rotary grant funding for equipment or preparedness resources.
- Ongoing Environmental Monitoring: Launch a local awareness campaign about stormwater management and environmental changes, encouraging rain garden creation and proper disposal of hazardous household wastes.
2. Back-to-School Support for Underserved Students
Areas of Focus: Education, Supporting Youth, Community Health
Context:
With Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 and North Chicago School District 187 starting the school year—emphasizing new facilities and expanded state funding—many families still face significant barriers to school readiness, including lack of supplies and food insecurity. Additionally, State changes to SNAP and federal funding fluctuations are putting extra pressure on these families.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan CUSD 60 & North Chicago SD 187 administrators (contact: Superintendent Gwen Polk, District 60 Budget Chair)
- Local food pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank)
- Parent-Teacher Associations
- Youth-serving non-profits (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Church congregations and civic groups in Gurnee, Waukegan, and North Chicago
Next Steps:
- Host a School Supply & Food Drive: Collect and distribute backpacks, stationery, and healthy snacks or grocery vouchers ahead of the school year and school breaks.
- Health & Wellness Fair: Organize an event at or near the newly renovated Forrestal School and participating Waukegan schools, including free vision/dental screenings, mental health resource info, and nutrition education.
- Mentorship & Tutoring Programs: Recruit Rotarians and community volunteers to provide afterschool homework help, literacy support, and life-skills workshops for students.
- Grant Applications: Leverage Rotary and community foundation grants to underwrite mentorship, supplies, and resource fairs.
- Ongoing Family Support: Collaborate with SNAP outreach advocates to provide up-to-date information and application assistance for families navigating benefit changes.
These projects respond directly to urgent community needs, provide visible service, and build lasting partnerships while advancing Rotary’s mission.
1. Youth Literacy & Academic Achievement: Rotary Spelling Bee Grant and Support Initiative
Context:
Lake County student Visharad Sathish’s journey to the National Spelling Bee spotlights the strong tradition of academic competitions in the community and the broad student participation—73 schools and hundreds of youths—in local bees. This is an opportunity to champion education and literacy, a key Rotary focus area, particularly fostering excellence and opportunity for youth from diverse backgrounds.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (e.g., Gurnee District 56, Waukegan Public Schools)
- Parent-Teacher Organizations
- Public libraries (Waukegan, Gurnee, etc.)
Next Steps:
1. Connect with Organizers: Reach out to the Lake County Regional Office of Education and spelling bee coordinators to discuss partnership opportunities.
2. Establish Scholarship or Grant Fund: Launch a Rotary Spelling Bee Grant to support registration fees, travel, and learning materials for local qualifiers, prioritizing underserved families.
3. Organize an Academic Celebration Event: Host a community event celebrating bee participants, inviting past champions (such as Visharad Sathish) for recognition and mentorship.
4. Develop Ongoing Literacy Initiatives: Collaborate with schools and libraries to sponsor after-school clubs or annual preparatory workshops in vocabulary, public speaking, and study skills.
2. Community Nutrition & Health: Post-SNAP-Ed Program Nutrition Outreach
Context:
Regional headlines have noted the elimination of the SNAP-Ed program, which previously provided significant nutrition education to local families in need. This leaves a gap in accessible, evidence-based health and wellness information, especially for low-income children and families in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Lake County Health Department
- Local YMCAs or park districts (for hosting classes)
- Healthcare providers (Advocate Condell, Vista Health System)
- Local grocery stores or farmers markets
Next Steps:
1. Assess Community Needs: Coordinate with the Health Department and food banks to identify neighborhoods most impacted by the loss of SNAP-Ed services.
2. Launch Rotary Nutrition Education Series: Organize regular workshops on healthy eating, cooking on a budget, and grocery shopping tips, targeting schools, community centers, and food pantry clients.
3. Mobilize Volunteers & Secure Funding: Recruit Rotary volunteers with health or education backgrounds and seek grant funding or local business sponsorships.
4. Promote and Pilot: Roll out pilot sessions this summer at partner food pantries and collect feedback for program expansion.
These initiatives directly support Rotary’s goals of advancing education and promoting community health by creatively addressing current community developments and needs in Lake County.
1. Community Health Outreach: Energy Drinks & Youth Education Initiative
Context:
A recent news report highlights growing concerns about the availability of "Feel Free," an energy drink meant for those 21 and older, which is easily accessible to minors in local convenience stores. With documented risks associated with youth caffeine and stimulant consumption, this aligns with Rotary’s focus on disease prevention and community health. There is a clear need for education and proactive outreach to protect youth in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (e.g., Warren Township High School, Waukegan Public Schools)
- Lake County Health Department
- Lake County Opioid Initiative (offering prevention program models)
- Local parents’ associations/PTAs
- Local YMCAs or Boys & Girls Clubs
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to school leadership and the Lake County Health Department regarding concerns and opportunity for educational workshops or assemblies.
2. Coordinate with local parent organizations to host informational evenings discussing the risks of underage energy drink and stimulant consumption.
3. Develop and print Rotary-branded educational materials for distribution at school and community events (like the Grayslake Farmers Market).
4. Identify local physicians or substance abuse counselors who can volunteer to speak at sessions.
5. Organize a “Healthy Choices Week” in partnership with schools, focusing on youth wellness, healthy beverages, and peer resistance skills.
2. Senior Safety & Memory Support Program
Context:
A 79-year-old Ingleside woman with memory issues was recently struck by a car after wandering from her home without her caretaker's knowledge. This incident points to a gap in safety and support for seniors with dementia or memory loss, a concern likely shared by many families in Lake County. The Rotary can advance its focus on supporting vulnerable populations and disease prevention through elder care initiatives.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office (noted in the article), already involved in response
- Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter
- Lake County Senior Services
- Faith-based organizations with established senior ministries
- Home care agencies (Home Instead, Comfort Keepers, etc.)
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Lake County Senior Services to assess needs and existing local resources or gaps.
2. Facilitate a “Safety and Memory Care” resource fair inviting families, caregivers, and seniors, with contributions from the Alzheimer’s Association and local agencies.
3. Fundraise for or help provide GPS tracking bracelets (like the “Silver Search” initiative) for at-risk seniors in the community.
4. Develop volunteer opportunities for Rotarians to conduct home safety checks and distribute information on wandering prevention.
5. Launch a publicity campaign partnering with local media (Patch, neighborhood newsletters) to raise awareness and connect families with help.
1. Fresh Food Access and Nutrition Education at Farmers Markets
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health, Disease Prevention, Economic Development, Environment
Context:
The Summer Grayslake Farmers Market (Aug 20) and the recurring Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor (Aug 22, Sep 26) reflect strong interest in fresh, local produce and community gathering spaces in Lake County. However, food insecurity remains a challenge for many families in Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding areas. Farmers markets are ideal venues to address both access to healthy food and nutrition education.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Farmers Market organizers
- Waukegan Harbor & Marina management
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local farmers and vendors
- Lake County Health Department
- School districts (for family outreach)
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with farmers market organizers to set up a Rotary-sponsored tent offering nutrition information, recipes, and demonstrations on using seasonal produce.
- Collaborate with local food banks to accept Link/SNAP and possibly pilot a “matching dollar” program to make fresh food more affordable for low-income residents.
- Arrange Rotary volunteer days to distribute fresh food or host children’s “kids cook” workshops at the markets.
- Explore composting or food waste collection in partnership with local environmental groups to further sustain market operations and align with environmental goals.
2. Literacy and STEAM Engagement at Grayslake Area Public Library Escape Room Events
Rotary Area of Focus: Education, Basic Literacy, Youth Support
Context:
Upcoming “Escape Into Adventure” events (Sep 20-21) at Grayslake Area Public Library emphasize creative, hands-on learning. Escape rooms promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. For some Lake County youth, such enrichment opportunities are less accessible due to transportation, resources, or awareness.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Area Public Library (Youth Services and Programming)
- Local school districts/PTA units (Warren Township, Gurnee, Woodland, Waukegan)
- Youth organizations such as Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Local STEM/STEAM professionals or clubs (for mentorship and expansion of activities)
Next Steps:
- Offer Rotary funding or volunteer support to expand library escape room events to include more dates, diverse themes, or satellite locations (e.g., at schools or community centers in under-served areas of Gurnee and Waukegan).
- Organize a “Rotary Family STEM Day” at the library or partner sites, featuring portable escape rooms, robot demos, maker activities, and reading challenges.
- Work with the library and schools to provide transportation or scholarships for youth participation from low-income neighborhoods.
- Recruit club members and local experts to serve as mentors or guest facilitators, connecting kids with positive role models in STEAM fields.
Service/Fundraising Opportunity #1: Community Mosquito Control & Health Education Campaign (Area of Focus: Disease Prevention and Community Health)
Context:
The news reports that Lake Bluff is currently spraying for mosquitoes as West Nile virus activity peaks, with warm weather elevating risk. This aligns with recent heightened public health alerts and concerns across Lake County, given the history of mosquito-borne illnesses in the area.
Potential Partners:
- North Shore Mosquito Abatement District
- Lake County Health Department
- Local schools and parent associations
- Neighborhood associations and local parks departments
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District and Lake County Health Department to discuss options for a collaborative educational campaign.
2. Organize a community event or series of neighborhood pop-ups offering free mosquito repellent, demonstrations on eliminating standing water, and handouts in English and Spanish about West Nile virus prevention.
3. Engage student volunteers from local schools for outreach and peer education—this both raises awareness and offers youth community service opportunities.
4. Investigate possible funding or in-kind support, such as donations of repellent from local pharmacies or sponsorship from businesses like Waukegan Tire.
5. Publicize the event through Patch local news and neighborhood social media groups.
Service/Fundraising Opportunity #2: Flood Preparedness & Response Resource Drive (Area of Focus: Community Disaster Response and Education)
Context:
Recent coverage highlighted a flood watch for Lake Forest, with rain projected at rates of up to 2 inches per hour. Flooding is a recurring risk, damaging homes and infrastructure, and disproportionately impacting the elderly and low-income families in Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Emergency Management Agency
- Local fire departments and first responders
- Service organizations such as United Way Lake County
- Home improvement stores (Home Depot, Ace Hardware, etc.)
Next Steps:
1. Contact the Lake County Emergency Management Agency and local fire departments to identify the most urgent needs for at-risk families (e.g., sandbags, portable sump pumps, emergency kits).
2. Launch a resource drive and fundraiser: use social networks, local businesses, and events to collect supplies and monetary donations.
3. Set up a "Flood Resilience Workshop" series targeting both residents and youth, teaching basic flood preparedness, emergency planning, and how to access county resources in the event of a flood.
4. Deliver collected resources to local shelters, senior centers, or directly to families referred by partner agencies.
5. Recruit volunteers from Rotary and school clubs for both logistical support and education outreach.
6. Report successes and lessons learned via Patch and at Rotary meetings to encourage future support and collaboration.
Certainly! Based on recent news and community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Project: Support for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Among Youth and Young Adults
Context:
The recent tragedy involving Navy recruit Kayshawn Wilkerson, who died by self-inflicted gunshot wound at the Great Lakes Naval Station, highlights a critical need for mental health awareness, especially among young adults and those in high-stress environments (e.g., military recruits, college students). National mental health challenges persist, and Lake County’s youth—especially those in transitional or high-pressure settings—can be vulnerable.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department Behavioral Health Services
- Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force
- Schools and college mental health counselors (Carthage College, College of Lake County)
- Great Lakes Naval Station Wellness Office
- NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Next Steps:
a) Convene a planning meeting with NAMI Lake County and the Lake County Health Department to discuss gaps and opportunities.
b) Organize a fundraising event (such as a walk, run, or community dinner) to support local teen and young adult counseling programs and suicide prevention outreach.
c) Launch a Rotary-hosted educational forum or training for “Recognizing the Signs: Youth Mental Health First Aid,” open to parents, teachers, coaches, and local youth.
d) Explore Rotary mini-grants for youth peer support initiatives at area schools and at the naval station.
2. Project: Safe and Accessible Childcare Initiative
Context:
A recent investigation found children in an unlicensed home daycare in North Chicago. This reflects a broader, ongoing issue in the region: insufficient access to safe, affordable, and licensed childcare. Childcare deserts and the use of unlicensed facilities put children at risk and cause stress for working families—contradicting Rotary’s focus on supporting families and youth development.
Potential Partners:
- Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS)
- Childcare Coalition of Lake County
- YWCA Lake County
- Local school districts and early childhood centers
- Waukegan and North Chicago Family Service Centers
Next Steps:
a) Partner with DCFS and the Childcare Coalition to host a “Childcare Awareness & Resources Fair” educating parents/caregivers about what to look for in safe childcare, licensing requirements, and available assistance programs.
b) Develop a grant or fundraising campaign to provide scholarships or emergency funds for low-income families to access safe, licensed childcare.
c) Help recruit and support more licensed home daycare providers by sponsoring training sessions, covering certification costs, and promoting new business pathways for women and minority entrepreneurs.
d) Amplify outreach by distributing safety toolkits (in English and Spanish) and resource guides through Rotary club channels and partner agencies.
These two opportunities directly address current needs and leverage Rotary’s strengths in convening, partnership, and sustainable community support.