Certainly! Based on recent news and ongoing trends in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary project recommendations aligned with Rotary’s global focus areas and community priorities.
1. Community Health and Food Security: Mobile Fresh Food Market Expansion Supporting Waukegan and Gurnee
Context:
With ongoing economic recovery from the pandemic and reports of pandemic relief fraud in nearby counties, food insecurity remains a concern for many families, especially in urbanized and vulnerable communities like Waukegan and portions of Gurnee. Local non-profits, such as Northern Illinois Food Bank and COOL Ministries, have previously run mobile food pantries, but rising demand due to inflation and loss of various relief programs means gaps persist.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries in Waukegan
- Local municipalities (e.g., Waukegan and Gurnee Social Services)
- Local supermarkets and farms (like Mike's Market in Gurnee)
Next Steps:
1. Convene a roundtable with partners to assess current outreach and map high-need neighborhoods.
2. Organize Rotarian volunteers for monthly mobile fresh food markets or pop-up events, focusing on high-density areas with transportation barriers.
3. Apply for a District Grant to help fund purchases of fresh produce and pantry staples.
4. Coordinate with local schools/libraries to serve as recurring distribution sites, and align event marketing with local newsletters and social media.
5. Long term: Evaluate community health impact via surveys and by tracking numbers served.
2. Empowering Youth: After-School STEAM Programs in Underserved Lake County Schools
Context:
Waukegan and some areas of Lake County face significant education opportunity gaps, with many students lacking access to robust after-school enrichment. National trends show that STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) programs can foster engagement and future workforce skills—key as local employers like Abbott and schools prioritize STEM initiatives. Recent lack of reported education feature stories signals ongoing need for support, particularly as schooling recovers from pandemic disruptions.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Community Unit School District 60
- Gurnee School District 56
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- College of Lake County student/intern tutoring programs
- Local businesses (Abbott, Zebra Technologies) for potential mentors and donations
Next Steps:
1. Meet with school administrators to identify priority schools and brainstorm program structures (after-school clubs, Saturday workshops, etc.).
2. Recruit local professionals and college students as mentors and workshop leaders.
3. Apply for Rotary and external grants to fund supplies (robotics kits, art materials, etc.).
4. Develop a 6-8 week pilot program, collecting data and feedback for iterative improvement.
5. Publicize opportunities via school newsletters, local press, and Rotary outreach to maximize student and volunteer engagement.
Both proposals address urgent, evidenced community needs and align with Rotary priorities in Health and Education. They are designed for high impact and long-term community partnership.
Based on the latest news and emerging issues in Lake County, Gurnee, and Waukegan, two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus are:
1. “Healthy Beaches, Healthy Communities” Initiative
(Rotary Areas of Focus: Community Health & Environment)
Context:
Recent news highlights that bacteria contamination and unsafe water quality led to the closure of over 300 Great Lakes beaches, including many in Lake County, in 2024. With improvements planned for Waukegan’s North Beach and a spotlight on public health risks, there is an urgent need for community education, water testing, and environmental stewardship to ensure safe public recreational spaces.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department (Beach water quality and public health)
- Waukegan Park District (Community beach usage & events)
- Illinois Department of Public Health
- Local schools and youth groups (service learning)
- Gurnee and Waukegan Environmental Committees
Next Steps:
- Meet with Waukegan Park District and Lake County Health Department to identify existing water monitoring/upkeep needs and public information gaps.
- Organize regular “Rotary Beach Cleanup Days” with a public education component on bacteria prevention, safe swimming, and environmental protection, targeting both youth and families.
- Fundraise for or secure donations of test kits for citizen science water quality monitoring. Provide Rotary-branded kiosks or signage at North Beach with real-time updates on water quality.
- Collaborate with local schools for youth service projects tied to science/environmental curriculum, offering small scholarships or recognition to student leaders.
2. “Athletes for Access: Scholarships & Support for Lake County Student Athletes”
(Rotary Areas of Focus: Education & Youth Development)
Context:
Coverage of standout local youth athletes and teams (e.g., Kiersten Cieslinski, rising volleyball players, Libertyville’s girls volleyball) shows Lake County’s vibrant youth sports culture. However, access to club and school athletics—especially for travel, equipment, and training—can be cost-prohibitive. With Rotary’s focus on education and youth empowerment, there’s an opportunity to support disadvantaged youth in Gurnee, Waukegan, and neighboring areas.
Potential Partners:
- Local high school athletic programs (e.g., Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Waukegan High)
- Lake County Boys & Girls Club
- Community foundations focused on youth
- Area businesses (to sponsor tournaments, uniforms, equipment)
- Family of late George Lawrence (in honor of his legacy in sports)
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with area athletic directors and coaches to assess greatest areas of need for scholarships (travel fees, equipment, specialized coaching).
- Design a Rotary Scholarship Fund for student athletes, prioritizing those from underserved families, to be awarded annually at an all-area Rotary Sports Banquet.
- Organize an “Athletes for Access” fundraising event—such as a community sports day, bowling tournament (honoring George Lawrence), or 5K run—bringing together athletes and potential donors.
- Develop a mentorship program recruiting former high school/college athletes as Rotary volunteers to provide guidance, tutoring, and mental health support to student athletes.
These projects build on timely news stories, local priorities, and Rotary’s impact areas while allowing for sustainable partnerships and community visibility.
Certainly! Here are two Rotary project ideas for Lake County (Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas) directly informed by recent news and community themes, aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Youth Education Support and Spelling Bee Celebration Initiative
Context:
Lake County seventh grader Visharad Sathish just won the regional spelling bee—surpassing hundreds and representing 73 schools—and is heading to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in D.C. This achievement highlights the dedication of local students and the region’s educational spirit. However, such high-level competitions often require significant resources for travel, materials, and mentorship, especially for families across diverse backgrounds in Lake County.
Potential Partners: - Local schools/districts (such as the ones participating in the spelling bee) - Lake County Regional Office of Education - Public libraries (Gurnee, Waukegan) - Local businesses for sponsorships (bookstores, tutoring centers) - Media outlets (to boost visibility and celebrate achievements)
Next Steps: 1. Connect with the Lake County Regional Office of Education and Visharad Sathish’s family to discuss needs for travel and participation (e.g. scholarships, travel stipends, study resources). 2. Organize a Spelling Bee Champions Reception event to celebrate student achievement and raise funds via a community gala/benefit or spelling-themed trivia night, inviting previous Lake County spelling bee participants. 3. Establish a “Rotary Youth Academic Development Fund” to provide ongoing micro-grants for students advancing to state/national academic competitions, ensuring future opportunities for talented students from all backgrounds. 4. Develop mentoring sessions for interested students in partnership with local libraries and teachers, supporting literacy and academic excellence, and invite Visharad and other past participants as role models and speakers. 5. Promote the initiative in collaboration with local media to inspire community-wide support and spotlight Rotary’s commitment to Education and Youth Development.
2. Environmental Improvement and Community Health: North Beach Revitalization Support
Context:
Recent news highlights that improvements are underway for Waukegan’s North Beach, described by community leaders as a dream come true. Lake Michigan beaches are vital for recreation, public health, and environmental quality, but the region also faces ongoing threats such as pollution and periodic beach closures from bacterial contamination. Investing in the environment directly supports Rotary’s focus on both the environment and community health.
Potential Partners: - Waukegan Park District and city officials overseeing North Beach improvements - Local environmental non-profits (e.g., Lake County Forest Preserves, Lake Michigan stakeholders, Alliance for the Great Lakes) - School environmental/science clubs for volunteer mobilization - Healthcare organizations promoting healthy, active lifestyles
Next Steps: 1. Meet with Waukegan Park District and city planners to identify specific needs—such as funding for additional green infrastructure, eco-friendly amenities (e.g., water refill stations, interpretive signs), or community programming to sustain improvements. 2. Launch a “Rotary North Beach Stewardship Day,” recruiting Rotarians, local students, and residents for clean-up efforts, native planting, and educational workshops focused on water quality and beach ecology. 3. Fundraise for technologies (like water testing kits or litter containment systems) that prevent future closures and improve long-term public health safety at the beach. 4. Develop a recurring education campaign in partnership with schools and health institutions, encouraging residents to protect beach health (proper waste disposal, avoiding pet waste, etc.). 5. Publicize Rotary’s support at dedication ceremonies or volunteer days, highlighting collaboration and tangible community impact.
These projects respond to current achievements, challenges, and priorities in Lake County, leveraging Rotary's strengths to advance youth education and environmental stewardship in ways that are visible, inclusive, and sustainable.
1. Lake Health & Environment Initiative: Valley Lake Fish Die-Off Response
Context:
Recent news reported "dead fish wash up in Grayslake's Valley Lake," suggesting possible water quality or ecological problems in a local lake. Such events often point to pollution, oxygen depletion, or other community health and environmental threats. This situation aligns closely with Rotary's focus areas of "Supporting the Environment" and "Community Health."
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Stormwater Management Commission
- Grayslake Environmental Advisory Group
- Local schools (for youth environmental education tie-ins)
- Grayslake Park District
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)
- Friends of the Environment (local nonprofits)
Next Steps:
a) Organize a "Lake Care Day" that brings together Rotarians, local officials, students, and residents for both cleanup and educational activities at Valley Lake. This could include a cleanup drive, water testing demonstrations, and informational booths about protecting local water sources.
b) Conduct fundraising (perhaps through a charity 5K, community picnic, or family fishing day) to purchase and donate water testing kits or sponsor tree/vegetation buffer plantings around the lake to improve water quality.
c) Liaise with local environmental experts to invite them to speak at a public event or Rotary meeting to discuss long-term strategies for safeguarding Valley Lake and other local waterways.
d) Explore ongoing youth engagement via school clubs or Girl/Boy Scouts to monitor lakes and promote conservation.
2. Food Security Drive: Supporting Local Food Pantries Facing Increased Demand
Context:
A recent report notes that "Chicago-area food pantries see [a] spike in visits over past year," highlighting ongoing food insecurity. Lake County, Waukegan, and Gurnee area pantries are under increased pressure, which connects with Rotary's focus on "Fighting Disease," "Community Economic Development," and "Supporting Education/Youth" (as food insecurity impacts child learning outcomes).
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Warren Township Food Pantry (Gurnee area)
- Local businesses (Ray Auto Group, Black Lung Brewing, etc. for in-kind or matching donations)
- Area schools and faith organizations
Next Steps:
a) Develop and promote a joint food/fundraising drive, leveraging Rotary’s reach and local event calendars (e.g., brewery openings, football games, or holiday events for drop-off points and awareness).
b) Organize a community "Hunger Action Day" with collection barrels, pop-up donation sites, and partnerships with local businesses for "give-back nights" (portion of sales donated to the drive).
c) Work with youth organizations and schools to engage students in food drives, collection sorting, or pantry volunteering, fostering both service learning and community service.
d) Promote awareness via Rotarian and partner digital channels, in local press, and via the Patch event calendar, using recent statistics and stories to drive empathy and action.
e) If fundraising, match grants through Rotary for pantry infrastructure needs or school-based food programs.
These initiatives simultaneously address urgent, evidenced local needs and advance Rotary’s mission through community collaboration, public health/environmental impact, and youth involvement.
1. Community Health: Rotary Partnership at the Community Cares Resource Fair & Volunteer Recruitment Event
Context:
The Community Cares Resource Fair & Volunteer Recruitment Event is scheduled for September 10 at the College of Lake County (Grayslake Campus). Resource fairs of this kind typically address pressing local needs such as access to health services, housing, food security, and social service navigation—especially important for families, seniors, and immigrants in Lake County. Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County have seen increased need in the areas of mental health support, preventive healthcare, and outreach to under-served populations.
Potential Partners:
- College of Lake County
- Local nonprofits (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, PADS Lake County, A Safe Place)
- Lake County Health Department
- School districts and local social service providers
Next Steps:
- Contact event organizers at the College of Lake County to secure a Rotary booth or partnership role.
- Identify Rotarians with professional backgrounds in healthcare, mental health, or social services to represent Rotary at the fair.
- Develop easy-to-access resource flyers in both English and Spanish about local support services and Rotary’s involvement.
- Organize a relevant giveaway (health kits, children’s dental supplies, or food gift cards) to draw attention to the Rotary booth and facilitate positive interactions.
- Explore collaboration on a follow-up community health clinic or mental wellness workshop series in Lake County, leveraging connections made during the event.
2. Supporting Local Food Access at Grayslake and Waukegan Farmers Markets
Context:
Grayslake hosts a regular Summer Farmers Market (e.g., Wednesdays on North Whitney Street & Center Street), and Waukegan has the Waterfront Market at the Harbor and Marina. These markets are vital for food access—particularly for families in Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding communities facing food insecurity or limited transportation. Farmers markets are also hubs for health education and youth engagement.
Potential Partners:
- Market managers and local farmers
- Warren-Newport Public Library (Gurnee) and Grayslake Area Public Library
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local youth programs (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, school environmental clubs)
Next Steps:
- Contact market organizers in Grayslake and Waukegan to propose a recurring Rotary presence—either through service (food donation collection, nutrition education) or a fundraising booth.
- Consider piloting a “Market Matching” program: Rotary matches SNAP/Link dollars spent at the market, or provides “Kid Bucks” for local children to purchase healthy produce (aligning with Rotary’s focus on child wellness and nutrition).
- Organize volunteers to help with market logistics, youth activities (such as healthy snack making or story times in partnership with the library), and promote Rotary’s involvement.
- Launch a fundraising campaign (e.g., “Harvest for Hunger”) at market events, with proceeds supporting food pantries in Waukegan and Gurnee.
- Evaluate potential to build sustained partnerships and plan a “Rotary Day at the Market” with special programming.
These initiatives directly address community health, hunger, education, and youth engagement, and are rooted in current, locally relevant events happening soon in Lake County.
1. Mental Health Outreach and Support for Youth and Families in Lake County
Context:
OMNI, a recipient of the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board grant, is highlighted for its work providing mental health support to local kids, adults, and families. Mental health needs continue to rise, especially among youth, as area schools reopen and families face ongoing stresses from post-pandemic adjustment, academic pressure, and societal challenges. Rotary’s focus on Disease Prevention and Treatment and child welfare aligns well with addressing these needs.
Potential Partners:
- OMNI Youth Services
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local school districts, including Lake Forest High School and Gurnee District 56
- Local counseling centers and youth organizations
Next Steps:
- Contact OMNI and the township board to discuss specific resource gaps (e.g., funding for counseling sessions, after-school mental health programs, youth coping workshops).
- Organize a “Mental Wellness Fair” or regular speaker series, inviting professionals to educate families and teens on mental health topics.
- Develop a Rotary-funded scholarship/grant for uninsured/underinsured families to access therapy.
- Collaborate with school counselors and PTAs to identify students most in need of services and offer facilitated referrals or group sessions.
2. Community Mosquito Control and Public Health Awareness Initiative
Context:
With recent news of Lake Bluff spraying for mosquitoes due to a peak in West Nile Virus activity, there’s a clear environmental and public health concern. West Nile Virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and can pose serious health risks. Rotary’s environment and health areas of focus are both relevant, and a proactive, community-driven approach could reinforce local efforts and boost neighborhood resilience.
Potential Partners:
- North Shore Mosquito Abatement District
- Local municipalities (Lake Bluff, Waukegan, Gurnee)
- Environmental science clubs at local high schools and colleges
- Park districts and neighborhood associations
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District to facilitate neighborhood clean-up days targeting mosquito breeding sites (e.g., eliminating standing water, distributing larvicide dunks).
- Print and distribute educational flyers—available in English and Spanish—about preventing mosquito bites and symptoms of West Nile Virus.
- Host a “Protect Our Neighborhood” event with free mosquito repellent distribution and DIY backyard protection demos.
- Seek sponsorships/donations from local businesses (e.g., Waukegan Tire) to offset costs and increase community engagement.
- Develop a volunteer team to assist elderly or physically limited neighbors with yard care tasks related to mosquito control.
Context: Recent news from Lake County highlights a fatal shooting at the Great Lakes Naval Station resulting in the self-inflicted death of Navy recruit Kayshawn Wilkerson. This tragedy underscores ongoing concerns around mental health and suicide prevention, not just among military personnel, but also within the broader youth community. The beginning of the school year and national attention to acts of kindness and community support make this a timely issue.
Rotary Areas of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment, Supporting Education, Growing Local Economies
Potential Partners: - NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - Local school districts (Libertyville D128, Waukegan, Gurnee Districts) - Great Lakes Naval Station counseling services - Lake County Health Department - Youth mental health advocacy groups
Next Steps: 1. Convene a panel with representatives from NAMI, school counselors, and the Health Department to assess urgent gaps. 2. Organize a community forum and resource fair, focusing on mental health resources for youth and parents. 3. Plan a fundraising campaign (such as a mental health awareness walk or benefit dinner) to fund local suicide prevention training and school-based counseling services. 4. Distribute mental wellness toolkits and sponsor peer-support or mental health first aid training in area schools. 5. Coordinate Rotary and Interact club volunteers to participate in and promote a kindness challenge or campaign at the start of the school year.
Context: The Lake County Forest Preserves’ annual “Hike Lake County” program is now in its 27th year, encouraging residents to explore local trails and improve physical wellbeing. This program naturally aligns with Rotary’s focus on the environment, active living, and public health, especially coming out of a summer filled with outdoor activities and a growing interest in environmental sustainability.
Rotary Areas of Focus: Mother and Child Health, Environment, Community Development
Potential Partners: - Lake County Forest Preserves - Local fitness businesses and outdoor groups - Lake County Health Department - Youth organizations (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local school clubs) - Environmental groups like Lake County Audubon Society
Next Steps: 1. Meet with Lake County Forest Preserves staff to explore opportunities to expand healthy living access—potentially through new trail signage, trail clean-up events, and accessibility enhancements for people with disabilities. 2. Plan and promote Rotary-led community hike days with health screenings, environmental education booths, and family-friendly activities at trailheads. 3. Organize a “Hike for Health” fundraising challenge, inviting community members to solicit pledges for miles hiked, with funds supporting local green space maintenance and health programs. 4. Collaborate with Interact and Rotaract clubs for trail maintenance days, promoting stewardship and youth engagement. 5. Distribute educational materials on environmental stewardship and health benefits of outdoor activity, leveraging local partners for broader community engagement.
These two opportunities address both immediate needs (youth mental health) and ongoing community improvement (environment and wellness), creating visible, impactful Rotary service projects.