1. Rotary Mental Health & Homelessness Initiative: “Joan’s Bridge”
Context:
A recent column in the Daily Herald (Aug. 25, 2025) highlights the struggle of a fictional “Joan,” representing the growing concerns around mental health challenges and homelessness in local affluent suburbs, including Lake County. This mirrors real-life reports of increased need for mental health support and emergency shelter, especially in communities like Waukegan and Gurnee, which have seen upticks in visible homelessness and resource gaps post-pandemic.
Potential Partners:
- NorthPointe Resources (Waukegan)
- PADS Lake County
- Lake County Crisis Care Program
- Local churches and interfaith councils
- Gurnee and Waukegan Social Service Departments
Next Steps:
- Organize a community awareness forum, bringing together mental health professionals, shelter providers, local officials, and community members to discuss actionable solutions.
- Launch a fundraising campaign (e.g., charity walk, dinner, or online drive) supporting local crisis and outreach services, perhaps named “Joan’s Bridge Fund.”
- Collaborate with PADS and NorthPointe to create emergency backpack care kits (hygiene, granola bars, resource lists) for direct distribution to those in need.
- Work with municipal social service agencies to identify advocacy needs around affordable housing and mental health access.
2. Youth Environmental Stewardship Program: “Green Lake County”
Context:
Lake County’s rapid suburban development continues to raise concerns about green space, water quality, and environmental education. After recent local efforts and summertime news about polluted waterways and threatened park spaces, there is heightened community demand for environmental action. Schools in Waukegan and Gurnee have sought more hands-on environmental learning and outreach opportunities.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Waukegan Park District & Gurnee Park District
- Local schools (e.g., Waukegan High, Warren Township High School)
- The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO)
- Wild Ones Lake-To-Prairie Chapter
Next Steps:
- Develop a Rotary-led youth service club or after-school program focused on native planting, litter clean-ups, and educational workshops around sustainability.
- Plan a fall “Green Lake County Day”—combining volunteer park restoration, water quality testing, and interactive environmental booths, engaging both students and families.
- Partner with environmental organizations to train local teens as peer leaders for climate action, recycling education, and urban gardening initiatives.
- Seek grant funding or in-kind donations for environmental project supplies and publicize measurable “before and after” outcomes to inspire ongoing participation.
Both of these proposals address urgent local needs—mental health/homelessness and environmental education—and would build Rotary’s visibility as a proactive, compassionate community partner.
1. Community Health & Environmental Project: "Safe Swims and Clean Shores" Beach Bacteria Monitoring and Public Education Campaign
Context:
The recent closure of over 300 Great Lakes beaches—including those in Lake County—due to hazardous bacteria alerts in 2024 underscores pressing concerns about water safety and environmental health for residents of Gurnee, Waukegan, and nearby areas. As improvements are planned for Waukegan’s North Beach, there’s a critical need to engage the community in proactive beach health, environmental protection, and public education to prevent future closures and protect public health.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department’s Beach Monitoring Program
- City of Waukegan Parks and Recreation Department
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- Local youth groups (Scouts, school environmental clubs)
- Local universities/colleges with environmental science programs
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning committee with representatives from Rotary, the Lake County Health Department, and local schools.
- Develop and fundraise for the purchase of water testing kits and educational materials.
- Organize regular volunteer-driven water sampling days, especially during the summer season.
- Host public workshops (at parks, schools, and libraries) about safe swimming, environmental preservation, and prevention of shore pollution.
- Integrate a youth environmental education/service award to encourage youth participation and leadership in lake stewardship.
- Align with Waukegan North Beach improvement projects to coordinate timing and leverage outreach.
2. Youth Empowerment & Education Project: "Volleyball for a Cause" Scholarship and Mentorship Fundraiser
Context:
Local coverage celebrating outstanding high school volleyball talent (e.g., Libertyville’s Elle Knight and Vernon Hills’ Kiersten Cieslinski) shines a spotlight on student-athletes and the strong youth sports culture in Lake County. Many talented youths face financial barriers to participation or post-secondary education. There is an opportunity to foster education, leadership, and healthy activities by supporting these athletes and their peers through scholarships, mentorship, and improved sports infrastructure.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts and athletics departments (Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Waukegan)
- Coaches and athletic booster clubs
- Area businesses willing to sponsor tournaments or scholarships
- Local media (Lake County News-Sun, Tribune) for promotion
- North Shore Youth Volleyball Association
Next Steps:
- Organize an annual Rotary Charity Volleyball Tournament featuring local high school teams, alumni, and community sponsors.
- Launch a sportsmanship and leadership mentorship program, pairing young athletes with Rotary and community leaders.
- Establish and fund a Rotary Sports Scholarship for local student-athletes excelling in academics, leadership, and service.
- Engage local media to highlight scholarship recipients and tournament success stories, building support and excitement.
- Offer skills clinics run by high-achieving athletes and coaches, focusing on both volleyball skills and youth leadership development.
1. Literacy & Academic Enrichment Mentoring Program — “Bee Ready: Empowering Young Spellers and Readers”
Rotary Area of Focus: Basic Education and Literacy; Youth Development
Context:
With Lake County’s Visharad Sathish winning the regional spelling bee and heading to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, local excitement around spelling, language skills, and academic enrichment is at a high point. This also highlights a need: hundreds of students from 73 schools participate, yet only a few receive high-level support, and many could benefit from year-round enrichment. The success of students like Visharad can inspire a countywide push for improved literacy programs, especially benefiting youth who may lack access to tutoring, books, or academic mentors.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education — for school contacts and location support
- Local libraries (e.g., Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee, Waukegan Public Library) — for space, resources, and program hosts
- Schools and PTAs — for student recruitment and volunteer engagement
- Spelling Bee alumni (e.g., Visharad Sathish) — as inspirational ambassadors or student mentors
- Literacy non-profits (e.g., Reading Power, Inc.) — for curriculum support
Next Steps:
a. Convene a meeting with the county Regional Office of Education and local libraries to assess demand and identify under-resourced schools.
b. Reach out to literacy organizations and gather volunteer Rotary mentors interested in tutoring or running spelling/reading clubs.
c. Design a pilot after-school or weekend literacy mentoring program—combining spelling bee preparation, reading support, and confidence-building activities.
d. Organize annual or semi-annual community spelling bee events to showcase student progress and raise funds for books, materials, and scholarships for local youth.
e. Publicize “success stories” (e.g., Visharad’s) to attract more community involvement and possible sponsorship.
2. Waukegan North Beach Environmental Restoration & Education Initiative
Rotary Area of Focus: Environment, Community Development, Youth
Context:
Recent news highlighted ongoing improvements at Waukegan’s North Beach—a treasured but historically neglected part of Lake County’s lakefront. Restoration brings new visibility and opportunity for both environmental action and public engagement. As North Beach upgrades progress, stewardship, environmental education, and equitable access remain essential, especially for nearby youth and families.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District and City of Waukegan — for access and coordination with existing improvement efforts
- Illinois Beach State Park Staff — for environmental expertise
- Local environmental organizations (e.g., Lake County Audubon Society; Friends of Illinois Beach State Park)
- Area schools and youth groups (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Lake County Forest Preserves — for program support and resources
Next Steps:
a. Contact city and park officials to align with ongoing beach improvement plans and identify ways Rotary can supplement these with volunteer action or education.
b. Develop and promote hands-on service days (e.g., invasive species removal, native planting, shoreline cleanup), targeting Rotary members and local youth as volunteers.
c. Partner with experts to offer environmental education workshops on topics like Great Lakes ecology, beach preservation, and water safety, including special events for families.
d. Fundraise for educational signage, student field trip subsidies, and restoration materials through community events or sponsorship campaigns.
e. Create a “Rotary Beach Stewards” program, offering annual recognition for youth and adult volunteers who show leadership in ongoing stewardship of the improved North Beach.
Service and Fundraising Opportunities for Rotary in Lake County, IL:
Context:
Recent news reports highlight a significant spike in visits to Chicago-area food pantries, indicating rising food insecurity for families in Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan. Many residents are facing new and ongoing hardships, making access to healthy food a core community need.
Relevant Rotary Focus:
- Community Health
- Supporting Basic Needs
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan-based)
- Gurnee and Waukegan Township Offices
- Local supermarkets (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s)
- Schools (for backpack meal programs)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Northern Illinois Food Bank and COOL Ministries to assess current needs and partnership opportunities for food drives or mobile pantry events.
- Organize a multi-location community food collection event with support from local supermarkets and volunteers.
- Launch a “Backpack Meals” program in coordination with local schools in Waukegan and Gurnee, providing weekend meals for students most at risk of hunger.
- Plan a fundraising campaign (e.g., walkathon or charity dinner) tied to hunger relief, inviting community businesses and leaders to sponsor and participate.
- Promote the initiative through Rotary’s network and invite local media, such as Patch, to cover and boost visibility.
Context:
Dead fish recently washed up in Valley Lake, Grayslake, suggesting possible water quality or environmental management issues impacting area lakes. This presents both an environmental and public awareness concern affecting the wider Lake County region.
Relevant Rotary Focus:
- Supporting the Environment
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Stormwater Management Commission
- Liberty Prairie Foundation (environmental education center in Grayslake)
- Local lake and homeowners’ associations
- Schools (for youth environmental clubs)
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Next Steps:
- Hold a community forum or town hall with environmental experts and residents to discuss recent fish kills, water quality, and conservation options.
- Collaborate with Liberty Prairie Foundation to create an educational campaign on lake health, runoff prevention, and the impact of pollution.
- Organize a Rotary “Lake Clean-Up Day” involving youth clubs and community volunteers to remove litter, monitor water quality, and plant native vegetation along shorelines.
- Seek grant funding to sponsor water testing kits for local schools and to support ongoing community water health monitoring.
- Partner with the Stormwater Management Commission for training and materials, and document progress to showcase Rotary’s environmental impact locally.
Based on recent events and ongoing community needs in the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL areas, here are two Rotary service or fundraising project opportunities that directly align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Community Health and Resource Access Initiative at the “Community Cares Resource Fair & Volunteer Recruitment Event”
Context:
The upcoming Community Cares Resource Fair & Volunteer Recruitment Event at the College of Lake County (September 10, 3:00 pm) represents a significant community gathering focused on connecting residents with essential services. Given the rising cost of living and increasing needs for health, education, and basic resources in Lake County, Rotary could expand the impact of this event by hosting a targeted public health and wellness drive.
Potential Partners:
- College of Lake County
- Local health clinics and hospitals (e.g., Vista Health System, Lake County Health Department)
- Lake County Food Pantry and local social service agencies
- Other service clubs and local high schools (for youth involvement)
Recommended Next Steps:
- Connect with College of Lake County’s event coordinators to secure Rotary’s presence and discuss collaboration.
- Mobilize Rotary volunteers to facilitate health screenings (blood pressure, glucose, mental health resources), distribute hygiene kits, and offer informational workshops (nutrition, fitness, substance abuse prevention).
- Collaborate with local health agencies for staffing and resource materials.
- Set up a youth engagement component by recruiting local students to help with logistics and outreach, reinforcing Rotary’s connection with youth service and education.
- Subsequently, use event feedback to plan follow-up workshops or regular outreach clinics at underserved Lake County locations.
2. Environmental Education and Youth Engagement at the Grayslake and Waukegan Farmers Markets
Context:
The Grayslake Farmers Market (August 27) and Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor (September 26) draw families and young people from diverse backgrounds. These events provide an excellent platform for eco-education, especially in a region where environmental stewardship is crucial due to proximity to Lake Michigan and local wildlife areas.
Potential Partners:
- Market organizers (Grayslake Farmers Market, Waukegan Harbor and Marina)
- Local environmental groups (Sierra Club Lake County, Lake County Forest Preserves)
- School environmental clubs (Gurnee, Waukegan, Grayslake school districts)
- Businesses with sustainability initiatives (e.g., composting firms, native plant nurseries)
Recommended Next Steps:
- Obtain permission from market organizers to host “Rotary Green Booths” focused on recycling, composting, and pollinator gardening, including interactive games or demonstration workshops for children and families.
- Recruit local environmental experts to provide short talks on issues like invasive species, water conservation, or home composting.
- Organize a youth poster contest with the theme “Protecting Our Lake County Environment,” displaying entries at the market and awarding small prizes sponsored by Rotary and local businesses.
- Evaluate impact by tracking booth participation and distributing sign-ups for ongoing Rotary-sponsored eco-projects (tree planting, neighborhood clean-ups).
These project ideas focus on immediate, visible needs while building strategic partnerships and ongoing community engagement, ensuring alignment with Rotary’s key areas: community health, environment, education, and youth development.
1. Youth Mental Health Outreach and Support Initiative
Context:
Recent news highlights growing community concerns about children’s and adolescents’ mental health as they return to school (“Parents Worry Most About These 10 Things As Kids Go Back To School”). Additionally, OMNI Youth Services is a Vernon Township grant recipient for mental health support. Lake County families are expressing ongoing worries related to youth well-being, including stress, emotional health, and resource access, revealing a clear need for expanded community support and awareness.
Potential Partners: - OMNI Youth Services - Local school districts (Gurnee, Waukegan, Lake Forest) - Lake County Health Department, Mental Health Division - Parent-teacher organizations
Next Steps: - Convene a meeting with OMNI Youth Services and representatives from local schools to identify priority needs. - Develop and fund school-based mental health education workshops for parents and caregivers, and peer support programs for students. - Organize community forums featuring mental health professionals, students, and parents to raise awareness and share resources. - Seek grant opportunities or host a fundraising event (e.g., mental wellness walkathon) to support increased access to counseling and school-based mental health initiatives.
2. Environmental Health Campaign: Mosquito-Borne Illness Prevention
Context:
Recent spraying in Lake Bluff for mosquitoes amid West Nile virus activity underscores ongoing environmental health concerns in Lake County during peak season. Public health issues associated with mosquito-borne illnesses require both immediate and long-term community engagement. There is an opportunity for Rotary to support education and prevention efforts, particularly for at-risk populations like seniors, children, and low-income residents who may have less access to preventive tools.
Potential Partners: - North Shore Mosquito Abatement District - Lake County Health Department (Environmental Health) - Local parks and neighborhood associations - Public libraries and community centers
Next Steps: - Initiate an awareness campaign on mosquito-borne illness prevention (e.g., workshops, distribution of educational flyers, ethnic language outreach). - Organize free community distribution events providing mosquito repellent and larvicide tablets, especially in lower-income neighborhoods near Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake Forest. - Launch a volunteer-led yard and park clean-up day to eliminate common breeding sites, possibly tied to a fundraising event for environmental improvement. - Collaborate with public health officials to create easy-to-understand informational materials to be shared at summer community events and online.
Both opportunities align with Rotary’s focus areas—youth and mental health, and disease prevention/environmental health—while addressing pressing current events in Lake County.
1. Environmental & Community Health Initiative: Lake County Forest Preserves “Hike Lake County” Support & Expansion
Context:
The Lake County Forest Preserves’ 27th annual "Hike Lake County" program is underway, engaging residents in healthy outdoor activities and environmental education throughout local forest preserves. This aligns strongly with Rotary’s environment and community health areas of focus. Participation could be expanded to underserved youth and families in Gurnee, Waukegan, and across Lake County, promoting wellness, environmental stewardship, and inclusion.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves District (event organizers)
- Local school districts (e.g., D128, whose schools were recently recognized nationally)
- Nonprofits focused on health and youth (e.g., Waukegan to College, Gurnee Park District)
- Local health organizations (e.g., Advocate Condell Medical Center)
Next Steps:
- Contact the Lake County Forest Preserves (www.lcfpd.org) to explore partnership and sponsorship opportunities, such as providing hike supplies, covering registration fees for low-income families, and organizing group hikes for youth and seniors.
- Coordinate with local schools and youth groups to identify interested participants, focusing on equitable access for underserved families.
- Develop a volunteer “Hike Leader” program among Rotarians to chaperone, educate, and promote environmental protection during hikes.
- Organize a fundraising hike-a-thon where community members can pledge per mile walked, with proceeds supporting local conservation or Rotary local service projects.
- Publicize the program in partnership with the District and utilize Patch and social media to encourage participation.
2. Education and Youth Empowerment: Back-to-School Support & Community Safety Awareness
Context:
As schools resume in Lake County, there is heightened community focus on student well-being and safety, especially in light of recent safety-related incidents near Libertyville schools. Simultaneously, Libertyville’s D128 schools are being recognized among the nation’s top high schools, providing an opportunity to leverage educational excellence for broader youth engagement. Parents’ anxieties about returning to school (as highlighted in local coverage) further point to ongoing needs around mental health, safety, and support for at-risk youth.
Potential Partners:
- Community Consolidated School Districts in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Libertyville (e.g., D128, D50, D60)
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office / local police departments (for safety workshops)
- Local PTA/PTOs and youth mental health organizations (e.g., NAMI Lake County)
- Waukegan Public Library, Gurnee Public Library (as event hosts)
- Businesses such as the recently-closed Libertyville coffee shop or local grocery stores (for sponsorships or venue collaboration)
Next Steps:
- Organize a Back-to-School supply drive or “resource night” in coordination with local schools/library branches, focused on providing school supplies, hygiene kits, and safety materials (including information on online/physical safety, mental health resources).
- Partner with police, school counselors, and mental health professionals to offer workshops or informational sessions on student safety, emotional well-being, and digital citizenship.
- Launch a mentorship program linking Rotarians and community volunteers with students at D128 schools and neighboring districts, celebrating the area’s educational success while supporting students facing academic or personal challenges.
- Secure funding/support from local businesses and publicize the effort using school newsletters, Patch community boards, and service club networks.
- Evaluate outcomes by collecting participant feedback and coordinating follow-up events for continued engagement and support throughout the school year.