1. Addressing Rising Utility Costs and Promoting Energy Efficiency (Community Economic Development & Environment)
Context:
A recent editorial from Lake County highlights frustration over rising energy bills, particularly ComEd’s delivery charges, and calls for systemic reform to alleviate burdens on residents. Many households in Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding areas are struggling to keep up with these increasing utility bills, which can lead to financial instability and even risk to health during extreme temperatures—directly impacting local quality of life.
Potential Partners:
- ComEd’s Energy Efficiency Program outreach teams
- Local social service organizations (e.g., Catholic Charities Lake County, Community Action Partnership of Lake County)
- Municipal Sustainability Offices (Waukegan, Gurnee)
- Local high schools’ environmental and STEM clubs
- Lake County Community Foundation
Next Steps:
a) Organize a Rotary-sponsored “Energy Efficiency Fair” at a local library, park district, or community center. Invite ComEd representatives to educate residents on reducing bills, applying for assistance, and leveraging rebate programs (e.g., LED bulbs, smart thermostats).
b) Launch a fundraising campaign to provide free or subsidized home weatherization kits and installation for low-income residents and seniors.
c) Explore partnership grants with ComEd for community upgrades (LED lighting in public spaces, tree planting for shade and cooling).
d) Recruit Rotary and student volunteers for outreach, translation, and kit assembly/distribution.
e) Share stories and impact data with local media to build momentum for legislative reform and community resilience.
2. Youth Mental Health & Resilience Workshops (Disease Prevention & Youth Support)
Context:
Though not directly specified in the stories shared, the ongoing rise in youth anxiety, depression, and stress—exacerbated since the pandemic—remains a pressing concern across Lake County, including schools in Waukegan and Gurnee. With families facing financial stressors (like high utility bills), students need additional support for mental wellness and life skills.
Potential Partners:
- School districts 50 (Waukegan), 121 (Gurnee), and local PTAs
- Youth mental health nonprofits (e.g., Lake County Health Department Behavioral Health, Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center)
- Local mental health professionals willing to volunteer workshops
- Youth leadership groups (Key Club, Scouts, church youth groups)
- Gurnee Park District and Waukegan Public Library for space
Next Steps:
a) Work with school counselors and local mental health experts to design a series of “Youth Resilience & Wellness” workshops, combining evidence-based coping skills, stress management, and peer support.
b) Fundraise to cover supplies, professional facilitation costs, and healthy snacks; seek grants from Lake County Community Foundation or local businesses.
c) Collaborate with schools to promote sessions during after-school hours or as part of wellness days.
d) Offer “train the trainer” sessions, equipping teachers, club leaders, and older students to sustain support year-round.
e) Measure outcomes through pre- and post-surveys and involve Rotary Youth leadership in ongoing program planning.
Certainly! Based on the recent news stories and the current climate in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, here are two actionable Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Youth Sports Accessibility Initiative in Waukegan
Context:
The announcement of Pickleball Kingdom establishing its first Illinois location in Waukegan presents new opportunities for community recreation and youth engagement. With many local families facing financial hurdles that limit access to quality recreational opportunities, leveraging this new facility could address gaps in youth physical activity, provide positive outlets, and foster inclusion. Rotary International recognizes "Supporting Education" and "Growing Local Economies," but also emphasizes youth development and community health.
Potential Partners:
- Pickleball Kingdom (new facility management at Lakehurst Road)
- Waukegan Park District
- Local schools and community youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Waukegan Rotary Club and neighboring Rotary groups
Next Steps:
a) Arrange a meeting with Pickleball Kingdom management to discuss collaboration.
b) Partner with the Park District and schools to identify youth in need of access to afterschool sports and recreation.
c) Develop a scholarship/grant program, or free “Rotary Youth Pickleball Days,” covering entrance or equipment fees.
d) Organize a fundraising tournament or sponsorship drive to support ongoing access for underprivileged youth.
e) Solicit volunteer coaches/mentors from club membership and the community.
2. Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Campaign
Context:
The recent tragic discovery of an adult body in a submerged vehicle at Waukegan Harbor, recalling a 2024 missing persons case, underscores recurring concerns about water safety in the region. Lake County’s proximity to Lake Michigan, several waterways, and frequent harbor activity heighten the risk of both accidental drownings and water-related accidents. Educating both youth and adults on water safety directly supports Rotary’s focus on “Saving Mothers and Children” and “Disease Prevention and Treatment.”
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Waukegan Harbor & Marina
- Local first responders (Waukegan Fire and Police Departments)
- American Red Cross of Greater Chicago
- Area schools and summer camp programs
Next Steps:
a) Reach out to Harbor management, first responders, and the Health Department to assess current water safety outreach/needs.
b) Design a bilingual (English/Spanish) water safety education program targeting families, boaters, and youth.
c) Organize community workshops, “life jacket giveaway” events, or mobile demonstration days at marinas and public beaches.
d) Apply for a Rotary District or Global Grant for funding water safety lessons, signage, and supplies.
e) Recruit volunteers to assist with events and serve as program ambassadors in schools or local festivals through the spring and summer seasons.
Here are two Rotary service/fundraising project ideas for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus and based on recent local news:
1. Lake County Youth Academic Achievement Initiative
Context:
Lake County’s seventh-grader, Visharad Sathish, is representing the region in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, highlighting the importance and potential of academic extracurriculars for youth. Supporting such achievements can boost community pride, foster literacy, and provide opportunities to underserved students who may lack resources to participate in these types of competitions.
Relevant Rotary Area of Focus: Education and Literacy; Youth Support
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (organizers of the spelling bee)
- Local school districts (Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee District 56, etc.)
- Local libraries and community centers
- Parent-Teacher Associations
Next Steps:
a) Collaborate with schools and the Regional Office of Education to identify students, especially from underserved backgrounds, who wish to participate in spelling bees or academic competitions.
b) Organize a fundraising event to create a scholarship fund covering travel, materials, and participation fees for these students. Consider annual “Spelling Bee Night” events where adults and youth can compete together for fun and to raise funds.
c) Set up a mentorship program pairing Rotary volunteers with interested students to build confidence, foster reading skills, and provide coaching.
d) Work with local media to highlight stories of local youth like Visharad, showcasing Rotary’s involvement and inspiring broader community participation.
2. Youth Travel and Cultural Experience Support Program
Context:
Recent reports note that the Waukegan school board approved a team trip to Texas despite concerns about immigration enforcement and student safety. For many students, educational and athletic travel opportunities are life-changing, but fears, lack of resources, or logistical barriers limit participation — especially for immigrant and low-income families. There’s a visible need for guidance, advocacy, and support to ensure all youth have access to safe, enriching experiences.
Relevant Rotary Area of Focus: Peacebuilding & Conflict Prevention; Community and Economic Development; Youth
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 and associated high school teams
- Local legal aid and immigrant advocacy organizations (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
- Parent and family advocacy networks
- Area businesses willing to sponsor or support travel
Next Steps:
a) Meet with district officials and advocacy groups to assess current travel barriers and identify specific student/family needs (legal, financial, informational).
b) Develop educational workshops with legal and travel safety information for families, in partnership with local legal experts and school counselors.
c) Organize a Rotary-sponsored travel grant program supporting students facing financial hardship or legal hurdles, funded through an annual community dinner or auction.
d) Create a team of Rotary volunteers to serve as travel liaisons/chaperones or to help families navigate barriers so that all eligible students can participate safely.
e) Publicize success stories and advocacy efforts, demonstrating Rotary’s commitment to inclusion and youth enrichment.
These projects directly respond to recent community news and needs in education, youth support, and equity. They also open doors for meaningful, visible Rotary engagement in Lake County.
1. Food Security Initiative: "Support the Surge" Fundraiser & Service Project for Local Food Pantries
Context:
According to recent Grayslake local news, Chicago-area food pantries—including those in Lake County—have seen a significant spike in visits over the past year. Residents are facing food insecurity at greater rates, creating an urgent need for support of local pantries and feeding programs.
Potential Partners:
- Liberty Prairie Foundation: Known for community agricultural projects and involvement in local food networks.
- Northern Illinois Food Bank: Regional food resource that serves pantries in Lake County.
- Local Rotary Clubs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and neighboring towns.
- Grayslake Farmers Market: As an event hub, the market could partner for food drives/donation drop-offs.
- Community faith organizations that currently host meal programs.
Next Steps:
- Form a committee within the Rotary to coordinate efforts with local pantries and identify their most urgent needs (e.g., shelf-stable food, fresh produce, hygiene products).
- Launch a "Support the Surge" campaign combining a fundraising event (such as a community dinner or benefit concert, possibly at the soon-to-open Black Lung Brewing taproom) and a physical/digital food drive with local drop-off locations.
- Partner with the Grayslake Farmers Market to set up a monthly donation table and raise awareness about food insecurity.
- Engage local schools (recognizing their vital community role as highlighted in recent news) for student volunteerism and awareness-raising activities.
- Publicize the Rotary’s involvement through local news outlets and social media to boost participation and partnerships.
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community health, disease prevention, and local economic development.
2. Mental Health & Wellness Promotion for Youth and School Staff
Context:
Recent spotlights in Grayslake news highlight the everyday school heroes—teachers, custodians, bus drivers, and staff—who support students and keep schools running. Increased community stress and ongoing challenges (post-pandemic adjustment, rising food insecurity, etc.) point to a growing need to support school community mental health and youth wellness.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (Gurnee District 56, Waukegan CUSD 60, etc.): To reach students, staff, and families.
- Lake County Health Department: For mental health resources and expert facilitators.
- NAMI Lake County: (National Alliance on Mental Illness) with expertise in community mental health education.
- Youth organizations (e.g., YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts).
- Grayslake Arts Alliance: To sponsor art therapy events or resilience-building activities.
Next Steps:
- Organize interactive wellness workshops in partnership with school districts and NAMI, tailored for both school staff and students. Topics might include stress management, mindfulness, resilience, and self-care.
- Coordinate a "School Heroes Care Day" providing wellness bags or appreciation gifts to school employees (in collaboration with local businesses and nonprofits).
- Explore an ongoing program (such as peer support groups or after-school mental health clubs) supported by Rotary volunteers and trained facilitators.
- Host an art/writing contest (leveraging the Grayslake Arts Alliance) for students to express mental health challenges and coping skills—culminating in a community showcase event.
- Apply for a Rotary District Grant to fund materials, licensed counselor stipends, or event space rentals.
Rotary Areas of Focus: Supporting education, maternal and child health, disease prevention, community economic development.
1. Community Health and Basic Needs Initiative at the “Community Cares Resource Fair & Volunteer Recruitment Event”
Context:
Lake County, including the towns of Gurnee and Waukegan, faces ongoing challenges related to food insecurity, access to health services, and connecting residents to resources—issues highlighted throughout recent community conversations and area needs assessments. The scheduled Community Cares Resource Fair & Volunteer Recruitment Event at the College of Lake County in Grayslake (September 10) is a hub bringing together resource providers and volunteers, making it an ideal opportunity for Rotary engagement.
Potential Partners:
- College of Lake County (event host)
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
- Lake County Health Department
- Other local nonprofit presenters at the fair
Next Steps:
- Contact the event organizer at the College of Lake County to discuss securing a Rotary Club table or collaboration opportunity.
- Organize a Rotary-led collection drive ahead of the event (focus on toiletries, non-perishable healthy food, diapers, feminine hygiene products), publicizing throughout Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake.
- Recruit volunteer club members to staff the Rotary table, share information about ongoing Rotary projects, and offer support/resources to attendees in need.
- Collaborate with health department reps to distribute health education materials and, if feasible, coordinate basic health screenings or flu shot vouchers.
- Follow up after the event with interested agencies to assess gaps or unmet needs, and consider ongoing partnerships (e.g., food pantry volunteer days, quarterly supply drives).
2. Youth Empowerment and Education: “Escape Into Adventure: Escape Room” at Grayslake Area Public Library
Context:
With increasing concerns about pandemic-related learning loss and a local push for engaging out-of-school activities, programs fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and literacy are in high demand. The “Escape Into Adventure: Escape Room” events (September 20–21) at the Grayslake Area Public Library present a creative, literacy-based enrichment experience for students and families. Rotary involvement can enhance the educational value and accessibility of such programs in Grurnee, Waukegan, and throughout Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Area Public Library (host)
- Local school districts (District 121, District 60, etc.)
- Youth-serving agencies (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, United Way of Lake County)
- Educators and librarians as curriculum or program advisors
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Grayslake Area Public Library to offer Rotary volunteer support or sponsorship (covering activity materials, prizes for participants, refreshments).
- Coordinate with school districts to provide transportation support or after-school program referrals so students from underserved Waukegan and Gurnee neighborhoods can attend.
- Propose developing a Rotary-branded version of the escape room, focusing on Rotary’s values (service, integrity, peace), with rotating setups at local libraries and youth clubs across Lake County.
- Engage local high school Interact Clubs to help design, staff, or promote the event, building youth leadership while expanding Rotary’s educational impact.
- Assess interest and outcomes post-event via participant surveys and use this data to scale or adapt the program for wider community benefit.
Absolutely! Based on the recent news and updates from the Lake County area, including Gurnee and Waukegan, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that are aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus and address current community interests and needs:
1. Mental Health Support for Youth and Families: Community Awareness & Resource Fair
Context:
There is a highlighted need for increased mental health support within the community, as seen with OMNI being recognized as a recipient of a Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board grant aimed at supporting kids, adults, and families. Mental health among youth and families continues to be a pressing concern post-pandemic.
Potential Partners: - OMNI Youth Services (mental health provider) - Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board - Local school districts (e.g., Woodland, Waukegan, Lake Forest HS) - Youth organizations (Boys & Girls Club; YWCA Lake County)
Next Steps: - Connect with OMNI and the Mental Health Board to identify key resource needs. - Organize a Community Mental Health Resource Fair in Waukegan or Gurnee, providing local families and youth with access to mental health providers, wellness workshops, and information on available support. - Launch a fundraising drive (Rotary-hosted dinner, auction, or fun run) to support counseling scholarships for families unable to afford mental health care. - Publicize through local schools, event calendars, and social media to maximize awareness and participation. - Seek volunteer participation from Rotarians as well as local healthcare professionals.
2. Crossing Guard & School Staff Recognition/Wellness Program
Context:
A Patch Community initiative focuses on recognizing crossing guards, custodians, bus drivers, and other essential school staff. These unsung heroes support the safe and smooth operation of local schools, but their well-being and morale may be overlooked.
Potential Partners: - Local school districts (Waukegan, Gurnee, Lake Forest, etc.) - Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) - Local businesses (e.g., Waukegan Tire, Lou Malnati’s for food donations) - Municipal government staff (police departments often coordinate crossing guards)
Next Steps: - Coordinate with school districts to develop an Appreciation Week or special event for crossing guards and support staff. - Organize a community-wide campaign to collect nominations and stories of staff making a difference; award winners could be recognized at a Rotary-hosted event. - Incorporate a wellness component (e.g., health screenings, flu shot clinics, access to wellness resources) at the recognition event to promote community health. - Secure sponsorships or in-kind donations from local businesses to provide small tokens of appreciation (gift cards, meals, wellness kits). - Document and share stories through local media and Rotary channels to inspire ongoing support and attract new members.
These initiatives directly address the areas of community health, education, and youth support, and they provide actionable ways for the Rotary Club to show immediate impact while partnering with trusted local organizations.
1. Community Health Initiative: COVID-19 Vaccine Access & Education Drive
Context:
Recent news highlights that the FDA has limited access to newly approved COVID-19 vaccines, which target current circulating strains. This limitation can create confusion, especially for seniors, immigrants, and underserved communities in Lake County—including Gurnee and Waukegan—who may already struggle to access up-to-date health information and essential vaccines.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS in Gurnee and Waukegan)
- Community centers and local churches
- School districts (District 50, Waukegan Public Schools)
- Local media (The Patch, Waukegan Talk)
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with the Lake County Health Department to understand the specific barriers and critical needs for vaccine access in the community.
- Design a Rotary-led educational campaign focusing on accurate COVID-19 vaccine information and combating misinformation (host Q&A events, distribute flyers in English and Spanish).
- Organize pop-up vaccination clinics in partnership with local pharmacies and community spaces on weekends.
- Fundraise for transportation vouchers for residents who need help getting to vaccine sites.
- Recruit volunteers for outreach, translation, and event staffing (the Rotary Youth group could be involved for service hours).
2. Youth & Education Support Project: Recognizing and Supporting School Staff "Heroes"
Context:
Local news called for the community to spotlight "everyday heroes" in schools, such as custodians, crossing guards, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and administrative staff—the often-overlooked backbones of the school system in Waukegan and Gurnee. These roles have faced additional challenges post-pandemic and during ongoing staffing shortages. Student support is also critical, as some children rely heavily on these staff for safety and consistency.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 and Gurnee School District 56
- Parent-Teacher Associations
- Local businesses for sponsorship (Jewel-Osco, Target, Abby's Breakfast & Lunch)
- Media partners to amplify impact (Patch, Daily Herald local news)
Next Steps:
- Launch a "School Staff Hero Recognition" program, soliciting nominations from students and parents, then honoring winners at an annual or bi-annual Rotary-hosted breakfast or luncheon event.
- Organize a "Hero Grant Fundraiser"—raising money to provide mini-grants or tangible resources that nominated staff members need (i.e., winter clothing, household goods, or educational supplies).
- Connect with school principals to identify greatest needs among non-teaching staff and coordinate with PTAs for nomination and celebration logistics.
- Develop publicity materials to promote the program and encourage ongoing community engagement.
- Recruit Rotarians and community leaders to serve on the planning and selection committee.
These two initiatives directly align with Rotary’s focus on disease prevention and treatment, as well as community and youth support, and respond directly to current events and needs in Lake County, IL.