Project Idea 1: Support for Struggling Local Families (in partnership with FamilyForward)
Context:
FamilyForward is holding its "Giving Hope" fundraiser on September 28 to raise $100,000 to help local low-income families achieve stability. The organization’s goal is to provide emergency financial support, housing assistance, and essential services to families in crisis in Lake County, which includes Gurnee and Waukegan. With rising living costs and continued financial aftershocks from recent economic challenges, many families are experiencing food and housing insecurity.
Rotary Areas of Focus:
- Community Health
- Growing Local Economies
- Supporting Families/Children
Potential Partners:
- FamilyForward
- Local food pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank)
- Gurnee and Waukegan school districts
- Other area service clubs (e.g., Kiwanis, Lions)
Next Steps:
1. Contact FamilyForward to discuss post-fundraiser volunteer needs (e.g., distributing food, aid packages, or providing financial literacy workshops).
2. Organize Rotary club volunteers for a joint service day, focusing on food and household goods distribution or a pop-up family resources fair.
3. Promote a matching donation drive tied to the Giving Hope campaign to maximize fundraising impact and reach new donors, leveraging the Rotary network and local businesses.
4. Plan a quarterly collaboration with FamilyForward to address ongoing family needs, such as organizing a winter clothing/toy drive or sponsoring educational workshops (budgeting, workforce training, etc.).
Project Idea 2: Youth Resilience and Trauma Support Workshops (Inspired by Joe Gliniewicz Case Coverage)
Context:
A recent column revisited the impact of the Joe Gliniewicz case—a high-profile tragedy involving a Lake County police officer’s suicide and the resulting community trauma. The reporting emphasized the long-term emotional toll on youth, families, and first responders, and highlighted the community’s need to process trauma, build resilience, and support healthy coping for kids.
Rotary Areas of Focus:
- Disease Prevention and Mental Health
- Youth Support
- Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts’ counseling offices (District 50 Waukegan, District 56 Gurnee)
- Youth mental health nonprofits (e.g., Youth & Family Counseling Lake County, Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center)
- Police department community engagement units
- Experts in trauma-informed care (e.g., Lake County Health Department)
Next Steps:
1. Convene a roundtable with school counselors, local mental health professionals, and law enforcement to identify gaps in youth trauma support.
2. Develop a Rotary-sponsored workshop series for parents, teachers, and students on topics such as trauma response, resilience, and coping skills, facilitated by local experts.
3. Create a youth “Resilience Champions” program: Recruit and train teen leaders to promote peer support, anti-bullying, and mental wellness in schools.
4. Apply for a Rotary grant to fund materials, speaker honorariums, and outreach efforts; schedule the first pilot program in Fall/Winter.
These projects directly address current needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County and align strongly with Rotary’s focus on strengthening communities, supporting youth, and improving health and wellness.
Based on recent news from Lake County, Waukegan, and Gurnee, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities directly aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus and current events:
1. Immigrant Support & Family Preparedness Workshops (Focus: Community Health, Peacebuilding)
Context:
Lake County—including Waukegan and North Chicago—is bracing for federal immigration enforcement operations, with plans announced for the deployment of 300 ICE agents at Naval Station Great Lakes. Immigrant families are being advised to carry legal documents and be cautious, highlighting a climate of fear and uncertainty among local immigrant populations. Advocacy groups are encouraging preparedness but may lack the resources for widespread education and community support.
Potential Partners:
- Local immigrant rights organizations such as Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
- Area schools and colleges (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools)
- Faith communities and churches (notably those already working with immigrant families)
- Legal aid clinics (e.g., Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights)
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with Mano a Mano and other stakeholders to identify specific needs (e.g., Know Your Rights info sessions, legal clinics, emergency contact card distributions).
- Secure Rotary volunteers to help organize and publicize multilingual workshops, distribute preparedness materials, and provide childcare during events.
- Explore funding through Rotary grants to support printing costs, interpretation, and venue rental; solicit donations for immigration preparedness kits (e.g., folders for documents, legal aid info).
- Publicize events in partnership with schools, churches, and social media.
- Gather feedback from the community to ensure the initiative addresses evolving needs.
2. Local History & Civic Pride Youth Education Initiative (Focus: Education, Youth Empowerment)
Context:
A recent community project in Waukegan has led to 150 homes and buildings featuring historic markers to promote education and awareness of the area’s rich history. This effort offers an opening to further engage youth and foster civic pride, especially amid rising concerns over community cohesion.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Historical Society and local historians
- Waukegan and Gurnee school districts’ social studies departments
- City of Waukegan’s Department of Cultural Affairs
- Local youth organizations and clubs (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs, 4-H)
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with the Waukegan Historical Society to develop interactive youth programs—such as student-led walking tours, essay contests, or a mentorship project focused on documenting neighborhood stories.
- Apply for Rotary funding to support educational materials, field trip transportation, or small stipends for student interns or tour guides.
- Organize a community festival or showcase event where youth present their historical findings, with possible fundraising via sponsorships or donations to support further preservation and civic engagement.
- Highlight outcomes in local media, building awareness of both Rotary’s involvement and the value of local heritage in youth empowerment.
Both of these initiatives build on current events, fulfill concrete community needs, and strongly align with Rotary’s global focus areas.
1. Spelling Bee Champion Community Literacy & Youth Achievement Advocacy
Rotary Area of Focus: Education & Literacy, Youth
Context:
Lake County's own Visharad Sathish, a 12-year-old seventh grader, won the regional spelling bee after more than 45 rounds and will represent the area at the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. This achievement puts a spotlight on youth academic excellence and highlights both the talent present in Lake County schools and the importance of literacy and educational opportunities for all children.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (Waukegan, Gurnee, surrounding communities)
- Libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library)
- Scripps National Spelling Bee organizers
- Youth mentoring organizations
Next Steps:
- Host a Community Literacy Celebration: Organize an event honoring Visharad and other spelling bee participants, encouraging all ages to celebrate reading and literacy. This could include a spelling competition for various ages, author readings, and literacy games.
- Launch a Rotary Literacy Fundraiser: Raise funds for purchasing books and technology tools for underserved schools and libraries in Waukegan and Gurnee, potentially providing scholarships for students eager to participate in academic competitions.
- Develop a “Rotary Readers” Mentoring Program: Partner with schools and libraries to match Rotarians and community members with students for one-on-one or small-group reading and vocabulary sessions.
- Publicize the Event & Outcomes: Use local media, social media, and mailing lists to share the stories, sustain interest, and attract more community and business sponsors for future youth academic events.
2. Supporting Newcomer and Immigrant Families Amid ICE Activity
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health, Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
Context:
Recent news from North Chicago and Waukegan reports local officials preparing for the arrival of up to 300 ICE agents at Naval Station Great Lakes. This is likely causing anxiety among immigrant families, especially those with children in schools, and could disrupt access to essential education, health services, and community resources.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan to College, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
- North Chicago and Waukegan school district family liaisons
- Legal Aid Chicago
- Faith-based organizations (e.g., Catholic Charities, local churches, Islamic Foundation North)
Next Steps:
- Service Project: “Safe Spaces” Program for Families: Identify and promote local community centers, churches, and libraries as places where families can receive up-to-date, verified information in a supportive environment—potentially offering translation, legal resources, and child-friendly activities.
- Fundraiser: Emergency Family Resource Kits: Collect and distribute care packages including school supplies, multicultural books, basic health supplies, and lists of local services (legal, medical, counseling).
- Host Community Education Sessions: Collaborate with school social workers and legal aid partners to host know-your-rights workshops for families, especially in Spanish and other prevalent languages in Lake County.
- Engage Rotarians as Volunteers, Advocates & Connectors: Mobilize club members to volunteer at information sessions, help coordinate logistics for resource distribution, and liaise between local agencies and schools to address ongoing community needs.
1. Community Health & Food Security: Support for Area Food Pantries
Context:
Recent news notes that Chicago-area food pantries, including those in Lake County, are seeing a significant increase in visits over the past year, indicating an urgent need for food support among local families. This aligns strongly with Rotary’s focus on community health and fighting hunger.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local pantries in Waukegan, Gurnee, and greater Lake County
- Grayslake Woman's Non-Profit, known for supporting sick and vulnerable individuals
- Local supermarkets and businesses (for food or gift card donations)
Next Steps:
- Connect with regional pantry coordinators (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank) to identify the most urgent needs—packed meals, fresh produce, children’s snacks, etc.
- Organize a large-scale food and essentials drive, leveraging Rotary’s network and public events (such as local farmers markets or the upcoming Cruisin’ on Center Car Show) as collection points.
- Plan a fundraising event, possibly in partnership with the Grayslake Woman's Non-Profit or at community events, to raise funds for bulk food purchases or pantry operational costs.
- Consider an awareness campaign to educate the community about food insecurity and how they can help.
2. Youth Safety and Education: Watercraft & Summer Recreation Safety Initiatives
Context:
Recent reports show two serious watercraft accidents near Grayslake/Gages Lake (including a Labor Day crash injuring four people and a jet ski collision), highlighting a timely need for youth and family education on boating, jet ski, and recreation area safety. This meets Rotary’s focus on education, community health, and youth development.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit
- Local lake management associations (e.g., Gages Lake, Grayslake)
- Local school districts and park districts
- Area youth organizations (e.g., Scouts, Boys & Girls Club)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Sheriff’s Office and lake associations to coordinate a “Water Safety Day” or series of workshops in the spring/summer.
- Work with schools and park districts to distribute educational materials on safe watercraft operation and recreation area etiquette.
- Seek sponsorship or participation from local marine equipment retailers or repair shops, who may provide in-kind materials or instructors.
- Consider creating a Rotary-sponsored scholarship or incentive for youth to complete certified boating safety courses.
- Incorporate a fundraising angle (e.g., pancake breakfast or summer community BBQ) to support ongoing youth safety programs.
Both opportunities directly respond to the most current needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, and exemplify Rotary’s mission to create healthier, safer, and more resilient communities.
Context:
The Community Cares Resource Fair & Volunteer Recruitment Event is taking place on Wednesday, September 10 at the College of Lake County - Grayslake Campus. Many Lake County families are still struggling with access to essential services post-pandemic, including healthcare, food assistance, and mental health resources. This event draws together area organizations and prospective volunteers, making it a strategic moment for Rotary to reach community members in need and potential service partners.
Potential Partners: - College of Lake County (Grayslake Campus) - CYN Counseling Center (noted as beneficiary in another local event) - Local Food Pantries (such as Northern Illinois Food Bank) - Other service clubs and churches already attending the fair
Next Steps: - Reserve a Rotary booth or table at the Community Cares Resource Fair. - Prepare Rotary-branded materials highlighting existing programs in community health, education, and youth services, as well as opportunities for volunteering. - Develop an onsite needs assessment survey to distribute at your booth, gauging what services or programs residents most urgently want. - Recruit Rotary volunteers in the weeks prior. Promote involvement through club channels and social media, inviting prospective members to join. - Establish contact with new local organizations present at the fair, exploring partnership opportunities for future projects (e.g., joint food drives or mental health first aid workshops).
Context:
The recurring Used Book Sale at 31 Park Ave, Grayslake, draws residents of all ages and is an opportunity both for fundraising and service in Rotary’s education area of focus. Literacy and access to reading materials remain a need, particularly for lower-income families and children in Lake County and Waukegan. Leveraging the momentum of the book sale, Rotary could expand access to books and promote literacy initiatives.
Potential Partners: - Grayslake Area Public Library - Local schools (elementary and middle) - Community organizations serving youth and families (e.g., United Way of Lake County) - Businesses willing to serve as collection or donation points
Next Steps: - Meet with the organizers of the monthly Used Book Sale to sponsor a future sale or co-host a special “Rotary Literacy Day.” - Collect and donate gently used children’s and teen books, focusing on areas with lower literacy rates including parts of Waukegan and North Chicago. - Organize volunteers to run a "Buy One, Donate One" program—encourage community members to purchase an extra book for donation. - Host story-time or literacy workshops during the book sale for children and parents, partnering with local teachers or children’s librarians. - Use funds raised from the sale to support Rotary’s youth literacy efforts, such as purchasing classroom supplies or sponsoring student reading competitions in the local school districts.
Based on the recent news and community events from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Youth Education and Scholarships Initiative
Context:
A recent Lake Forest church charity golf outing is funding college tuition for five North Chicago students, underscoring a significant local need for educational support—especially in underserved communities like North Chicago, Waukegan, and parts of Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- North Chicago Community Partners
- Local schools (e.g., Waukegan High School, North Chicago Community High School)
- College of Lake County
- Local businesses (such as Waukegan Tire)
- Faith-based organizations (inspired by the Lake Forest church initiative)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the organizing team behind the Lake Forest church's golf outing to learn about their model and coordinate efforts.
- Partner with schools to identify students with the greatest need and potential.
- Organize a fundraising event (such as a Rotary-hosted golf tournament, dinner, or silent auction) to raise scholarship funds.
- Establish a selection committee including Rotarians, educators, and community leaders to ensure fair scholarship awarding.
- Launch a mentorship program pairing Rotarians with scholarship recipients for ongoing guidance and support.
2. Lake Michigan Water Safety and Environmental Awareness Project
Context:
With dangerous 8-foot waves and deadly swim conditions recently reported at Lake Forest beaches, there's an urgent need to address community water safety, especially as climate variability contributes to more hazardous beach conditions. This also highlights opportunities to blend public health and environmental education.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local lifeguards and park districts
- Environmental groups (e.g., Lake County Stormwater Management Commission)
- Beachfront municipalities (Lake Forest, Waukegan, North Chicago)
- School districts for student engagement
Next Steps:
- Initiate a public awareness campaign on water safety and rip current prevention, distributing multilingual educational materials at beaches and community events.
- Collaborate with local lifeguards and the health department to offer free or low-cost water safety and CPR training sessions to youth and families.
- Conduct school presentations about Lake Michigan ecology, environmental preservation, and climate impacts on local waterways.
- Organize a Rotary beach clean-up and “Safe Summer Kickoff” event featuring safety demonstrations, environmental stewardship activities, and informational booths.
- Advocate with town councils for improved beach signage and safety infrastructure.
These opportunities directly address current community needs while advancing Rotary’s focus on education, youth, community health, and the environment.
1. Community Health and Safety: Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Initiative
Context:
A recent incident in Libertyville involved a toddler and a man being hit by a vehicle near Green Oaks at Route 176 and Ashford Drive. This highlights an urgent community concern for pedestrian and traffic safety, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and families.
Potential Partners:
- Libertyville Police and Fire Departments
- Local schools and PTAs (e.g., Green Oaks School)
- Safe Routes to School Illinois
- Local businesses near the traffic corridor
- Lake County Department of Transportation
Next Steps:
- Organize a collaborative “Safe Streets” community walk and educational campaign. The Rotary club can provide volunteers, safety vests, and educational materials on pedestrian safety.
- Work with the Police Department to identify high-risk intersections and advocate for improvements such as better signage, crosswalk signals, or speed awareness programs.
- Seek grant funding or host a fundraising event (such as a family fun run/walk) to purchase flashing crosswalk lights or distribute reflective gear to schoolchildren.
- Partner with local media and schools to launch a social media challenge or poster contest raising awareness about pedestrian safety.
Rotary Area of Focus:
Community health, supporting safe environments for families and youth.
2. Youth and Family Services: Combating Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention
Context:
A recent arrest in Lake County involved illegal firearms and possession of a controlled substance, underscoring ongoing issues with youth violence and substance abuse in the area. Supporting proactive education and prevention initiatives is essential.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, Boy Scouts, School of Rock)
- Waukegan to College, local schools
- Nicasa Behavioral Health Services
- Law enforcement and school resource officers
Next Steps:
- Launch a fundraising campaign to support local afterschool and diversion programs targeting at-risk youth in Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County.
- Organize a community resource fair and youth summit focused on positive alternatives and educational workshops on substance abuse and conflict resolution.
- Collaborate with local music and arts programs (e.g., School of Rock) to create workshops, performances, or poster contests with anti-violence and prevention messages.
- Use Rotary connections to bring in educational speakers, provide program scholarships, and raise awareness through community events.
Rotary Area of Focus:
Youth development, disease prevention, and peacebuilding.