1. Fresh Food Access and Healthy Eating Initiative
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health & Fighting Disease; Supporting Environment
Context:
Recent local features have highlighted community gardening surpluses (such as a “flourishing garden of fresh cucumbers”), creative healthy recipes, and concerns about ultra-processed foods. Access to fresh produce is a growing issue, especially as inflation and food insecurity rise in Lake County. Gurnee and Waukegan have underserved populations who could benefit from both nutritious food and education about healthy eating.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Lake County Health Department
- Community gardens and farmers (notably local backyard gardeners who are producing surplus)
- Local schools and PTAs
- Gurnee Park District or Waukegan Park District (for garden space, events)
- University of Illinois Extension (nutrition education)
Next Steps:
- Organize a “Grow & Give” produce drive, encouraging home gardeners, local farms, and greenhouses to donate surplus fruits and vegetables.
- Host monthly fresh food distribution events in partnership with food banks and local service agencies.
- Develop targeted healthy cooking workshops or demonstration days (featuring local chefs or nutritionists), including classes on easy, low-cost recipes using local produce.
- Apply for a District or Global Rotary Grant to help cover costs for produce collection, storage, and educational materials.
- Promote the initiative at local events and through social media to engage both donors and recipients.
2. Youth Empowerment & Diversity Storytelling Project
Rotary Area of Focus: Education & Literacy; Growing Local Economies; Peace & Conflict Prevention
Context:
The “Our Heroes, Our Stories” Hispanic Heritage Month exhibit at the nearby Gail Borden Library shows a strong community appetite for storytelling projects that highlight local heroes, encourage cultural pride, and provide literacy opportunities. Lake County—including Gurnee and Waukegan—has increasingly diverse youth populations, with a need for programs that build self-esteem, celebrate diversity, and improve writing/speaking skills.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee School District 56)
- Lake County Public Libraries
- Local arts and cultural organizations (e.g., Waukegan Arts Council)
- Latino/a/x community groups
- Gail Borden Public Library (for expertise and possible exhibit exchange)
Next Steps:
- Launch a “Young Voices: Unsung Heroes” storytelling contest for K-12 students, encouraging essays, spoken word, short films, or art projects about local heroes (family, neighbors, or historical figures).
- Offer Rotary-sponsored workshops on interviewing, public speaking, and storytelling, leveraging members’ professional skills and guest educators.
- Organize a celebratory event to showcase winners at a local library, community center, or Rotary meeting.
- Collaborate on a traveling exhibit or printed anthology of the best stories, to circulate in partner schools and libraries.
- Seek mini-grants and sponsorships from local businesses and foundations to provide prizes, materials, and event costs.
These two projects would directly address community health and youth empowerment, while embodying Rotary ideals of service, education, and partnership.
1. Early Childhood Education Access and Enrichment Initiative
Context:
The recent Lake County News-Sun article highlights a new early education center in Vernon Hills for 200 children, acknowledging “a lot of demand” for early childhood education. This underscores an ongoing need for increased access to affordable, high-quality early learning in Lake County, including Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding communities. Early education aligns with Rotary’s focus on education and literacy.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Hills early education center management
- Local school districts (Waukegan District 60, Gurnee District 56)
- United Way of Lake County (noted for their Kindergarten Countdown Camps)
- Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center
- Local libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library)
Next Steps:
- Connect with the leadership of the Vernon Hills early education center to explore collaboration opportunities (scholarships, volunteering, material donations).
- Meet with school district administrators to assess gaps in pre-school enrollment and resources.
- Organize a Rotary-led fundraiser (e.g., family literacy fair, book drive, or fun run) to provide tuition scholarships or classroom supplies.
- Recruit Rotary members to volunteer as classroom readers or storytime leaders.
- Coordinate a community forum to highlight early childhood education needs and engage prospective partners, leveraging local media for awareness.
2. Immigrant Community Resource & Legal Aid Day
Context:
Lake County News-Sun coverage references concerns among local officials and immigrants about federal immigration enforcement (particularly “Operation Midway Blitz”), signaling heightened anxiety and possible unmet needs among immigrants in Waukegan, Gurnee, and Lake County generally. Many families may require legal information, translation assistance, access to health/mental health services, and connections to supportive networks—fitting Rotary’s focus areas of community health, basic human rights, and supporting vulnerable populations.
Potential Partners:
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (Waukegan-based immigrant support nonprofit)
- Prairie State Legal Services
- Lake County Health Department
- Local faith organizations (e.g., Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Waukegan)
- Local libraries for neutral hosting space
- School districts with large immigrant student populations
Next Steps:
- Initiate a dialogue with Mano a Mano and Prairie State Legal Services to gauge specific legal and social service needs now.
- Partner to organize and sponsor a “Resource & Legal Aid Day” at a local library or community center, providing free, confidential consultations, translation, and resource connections.
- Arrange bilingual mental health workshops/information sessions for families.
- Recruit Rotary volunteers to assist with event logistics, childcare, and translation.
- Fundraise for covering fees related to legal consultations or translation services, possibly with an outreach breakfast or community dinner.
- Publicize the event in collaboration with partners to ensure access for those in need, especially non-English speaking families.
1. Youth Literacy and Academic Excellence Sponsorship
Context:
Lake County seventh grader Visharad Sathish has recently won the regional spelling bee, outlasting students from 73 county schools, and will represent Lake County at the National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. Hundreds of students across the county participated in sectionals, highlighting both a broad interest in academic competitions and the value placed on literacy and education within the community. This creates an opportunity to further support youth literacy and academic excellence — a direct fit with Rotary’s focus on basic education and literacy.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local schools and parent-teacher organizations
- Lake County Public Library System
- Corporate sponsors interested in supporting youth (e.g., Abbott, Walgreens with local presence)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Regional Office of Education and express Rotary’s interest in supporting future academic competitions and literacy events; offer to sponsor travel costs for local finalists like Visharad or provide awards/prizes for future winners.
- Arrange a recognition event for regional spelling bee participants, inviting community leaders and media, to highlight and celebrate academic achievements.
- Plan a fundraising campaign (e.g., community spelling bee, read-a-thon, or trivia night) to raise scholarship or program funds for literacy initiatives in local schools.
- Explore year-round mentorship or tutoring programs connecting Rotarians with students, particularly targeting Title I schools.
2. Early Childhood Education Capacity Building
Context:
A Vernon Hills early education center for 200 children is in the planning stages, with local leaders emphasizing a strong ongoing demand for high-quality early childhood programs. Supporting early childhood education aligns with Rotary’s focus on basic education & literacy, and maternal/child health.
Potential Partners:
- New Vernon Hills early education center administration
- Lake County Health Department (for developmental/health screenings)
- Local businesses (for resource donations, sponsorship, career day volunteers)
- Social service agencies (e.g., Childcare Coalition of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Connect with the coordinators of the Vernon Hills center to assess critical needs for equipment, books, or program funding.
- Organize a community supply drive for educational materials, books, and learning toys for the center, hosted at Rotary meetings and local businesses.
- Set up Rotary-led “Early Learning Days” at the new center: Rotarians, educators, and local professionals volunteer to read to children, conduct STEM activities, or teach basic health and wellness.
- Launch a fundraising initiative (e.g., charity walk, silent auction) to support scholarships for low-income families wishing to enroll children in the early education program or to fund specialized program enhancements (such as sensory rooms or family workshops).
- Partner with the Lake County Health Department to provide periodic wellness screenings and parent education workshops at the center.
1. Community Food Pantry Support and Expansion
Context:
Recent reports (e.g., "Chicago-Area Food Pantries See Spike In Visits Over Past Year") show a significant rise in demand for food pantry services throughout Lake County, including Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding communities. Local families are increasingly reliant on food pantries and meal programs due to rising costs and economic challenges.
Potential Rotary Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local businesses (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, etc.)
- Local schools and youth groups
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with food pantry directors in Gurnee, Waukegan, and the Lake County area to identify urgent needs (food items, volunteers, infrastructure support).
- Organize a community food drive and/or fundraiser, promoted through Rotary channels, partnering schools, and local businesses.
- Explore grant opportunities from Rotary International focused on "Fighting Disease" and "Growing Local Economies."
- Arrange regular Rotary volunteer service days at local pantries and pursue the possibility of funding cold storage or transportation solutions to increase capacity.
2. Youth Mental Health and Wellness Initiative
Context:
Local news coverage reflects increased reports of stress, family disputes, and other challenges impacting area youth—including incidents such as false reporting during custody disputes and higher-than-average requests for school-based social services. Adolescents in Lake County have faced increased mental health pressures post-pandemic, echoing national trends.
Potential Rotary Partners:
- Lake County Health Department’s Behavioral Health Services
- Warren Township Youth & Family Services (Gurnee)
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee SD 56)
- Youth organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, YWCA, etc.)
- NAMI Lake County
Next Steps:
- Contact local mental health agencies and school social work teams to assess immediate needs (e.g., funding for counselors, peer support training, wellness events).
- Organize a Rotary-sponsored Mental Health and Coping Skills Workshop led by professionals—targeting middle school and high school students and their caregivers.
- Seek mental health project grants and mobilize community service volunteers for event staffing and outreach.
- Develop a fundraising campaign (potentially in conjunction with high-visibility public events like the One-Man Volleyball Team vs. Grayslake Police & Fire Departments) to support expanded access to counseling for underserved youth in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.
1. Community Health & Mental Wellness: Support for CYN Counseling Center’s ‘Behind the Mask Gala’
Context:
The CYN Counseling Center is hosting its 4th Annual Behind the Mask Gala on September 26 at The Barn at Timber Pointe in Mundelein. CYN Counseling serves Lake County youth and families in crisis or at-risk, supporting mental health—a critical community need exacerbated by recent social and economic stresses. Mental health aligns closely with Rotary’s focus on community health and supporting vulnerable populations.
Potential Partners:
- CYN Counseling Center (event organizers)
- Local businesses for sponsorships and silent auction donations
- Lake County schools and parent organizations
- College of Lake County (for student volunteers)
- Local public service agencies (police & fire departments, who are already visibly engaged in local events)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to CYN Counseling Center (contact via event website or direct line) to propose Rotary involvement (sponsoring a table, funding part of the event, recruiting volunteers, or co-hosting a fundraising drive).
- Engage club members to volunteer at the Gala or help promote ticket sales.
- Organize a pre-Gala awareness campaign in collaboration with CYN to highlight youth mental health needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding communities (e.g., info booths at the Grayslake Farmers Market or College of Lake County events).
- Seek in-kind and financial contributions from local businesses via Rotary networks.
2. Youth Development & Education: Launch a “Literacy and STEAM Day” at Grayslake Area Public Library
Context:
The Grayslake Area Public Library has a series of youth-focused events including “Escape Into Adventure” escape rooms and a Book Binding Workshop, showing robust community engagement around education and creative learning. Supporting youth development through literacy, STEAM, and hands-on activities fits Rotary’s service focus and is a current community interest. Area schools and community groups are already interacting at the College of Lake County and library events.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Area Public Library (program development and hosting)
- Lake County Area Computer Enthusiasts (LCACE) for STEAM/technology activities
- College of Lake County (student volunteers, program collaboration)
- Local schools and after-school programs
- Regional businesses (bookstores, tech shops, art supply stores)
- Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other youth groups
Next Steps:
- Contact the library’s youth services or programming coordinator to propose collaborating on a special “Rotary Literacy and STEAM Day”—combining book giveaways, literacy games, coding workshops, and hands-on science/art projects for youth and families.
- Leverage existing events (such as the Book Sale and Canvas Mural Collaboration) by providing volunteers, sponsoring materials, or funding guest presenters.
- Coordinate with LCACE and CLC to involve tech and education champions as volunteers or workshop leaders.
- Seek donations of books, STEAM kits, or funds from local businesses and Rotary connections.
- Promote the event widely, focusing on underserved neighborhoods in Gurnee and Waukegan, and offer transportation support if needed.
These initiatives are well-timed to leverage ongoing community events and partners and will visibly reinforce Rotary’s commitment to health, education, and youth in Lake County.
1. “Back-to-School Stress Relief and Mental Health Resources” – Rotary Youth & Education Initiative
Context:
The Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board is spotlighting a growing need to help students and families adjust to the start of the new school year, indicating heightened stress and mental health concerns among youth in Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan. This aligns with Rotary’s focus on supporting youth and promoting education and health.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee School District 56)
- Local mental health providers (e.g., Lake County Health Department)
- Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs)
Next Steps:
a. Contact the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board to offer Rotary’s support and to discuss co-hosting workshops for parents and students about coping with back-to-school anxiety, time management, and building resilience.
b. Organize a “Back-to-School Wellness Fair” in partnership with area schools, featuring resource tables from local providers, free counseling/intake sessions, peer-support groups, and age-appropriate wellness activities.
c. Establish a micro-grant or supply drive for items that reduce stress (art supplies, sports equipment, mindfulness kits) to support school-based wellness rooms and after-school programs.
d. Publicize events in school newsletters, Rotary social media, and through community channels.
2. “Lakefront and Water Safety Education” – Rotary Community Health & Environment Project
Context:
A recent alert warned of dangerous conditions at Lake Forest beaches, with 8-foot waves and deadly currents. This highlights an ongoing need in Lake County for community education around water safety, especially as the area encompasses many lakeshore communities, and tragic accidents have occurred in past summers. Rotary can help prevent future incidents through awareness campaigns and safety improvements near beaches and waterfronts.
Potential Partners:
- Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department
- Lake County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol Unit
- Local swim clubs or aquatic centers
- Red Cross or local lifeguard associations
- Nearby Rotary Clubs (for broader regional impact)
Next Steps:
a. Coordinate with the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department and Sheriff’s Office to develop a “Water Safety Awareness Day” near the start of summer, with interactive demonstrations, CPR/basic rescue instruction, and distribution of water safety materials (in English and Spanish).
b. Launch a fundraiser for new life rings, rescue signage, and youth swim lesson scholarships for low-income families in the Waukegan and Gurnee area.
c. Develop and distribute a social media campaign with local high school students featuring water safety PSAs (videos, posters, TikTok reels).
d. Gather feedback from partners and community members after summer to adapt and expand the initiative in subsequent years.
1. Project: Support for Immigrant Families and “Know Your Rights” Education
Rotary Focus: Community Health and Peace/Conflict Resolution
Context:
Recent reports highlight an “unsettling” presence of ICE agents at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Lake County, with daily ICE stings expected to begin soon. Local leaders and Gov. J.B. Pritzker are urging residents—especially vulnerable immigrant families—to learn their rights and prepare for potential encounters with federal agents. This climate of fear and confusion can increase stress, undermine mental health, and isolate immigrant communities.
Potential Partners:
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (Round Lake Park)—specializes in immigrant family support
- Lake County Immigrant Advocacy groups
- Local legal aid organizations (e.g., Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights)
- Area churches and schools with diverse demographics
Next Steps:
- Connect with Mano a Mano and local advocacy organizations to assess immediate needs (e.g., legal workshops, “Know Your Rights” sessions, childcare during events).
- Organize and host community forums or information sessions (in English and Spanish) at schools or community centers in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Libertyville.
- Mobilize volunteers to distribute bilingual rights cards and resources in affected neighborhoods.
- Explore a Rotary-funded legal aid micro-grant to help families cover emergency legal expenses or consulting fees.
- Publicize these sessions through trusted community liaisons and social media.
2. Project: First Responder Wellness and Community Safety Equipment Drive
Rotary Focus: Community Health and Support for Local Heroes
Context:
A Libertyville police officer was recently injured responding to a house fire in Mundelein, spotlighting the risks local first responders face. Additionally, a tragic accident involving a community member working beneath a vehicle highlights the need for both safety training and proper equipment in the community. These incidents illustrate both the ongoing dangers first responders face and the importance of community safety education.
Potential Partners:
- Mundelein and Libertyville Fire and Police Departments
- Advocate Condell Medical Center (Libertyville) or other local hospitals
- Local hardware and safety equipment businesses (e.g., Ace Hardware, Home Depot)
- Firefighters' and police unions or associations
Next Steps:
- Meet with chiefs of local police and fire departments to identify critical wellness or safety equipment needs (e.g., protective gear, vehicle safety kits).
- Plan a fundraising campaign—such as a 5K “Heroes Run” or community pancake breakfast—to purchase needed equipment and fund officer/firefighter wellness programs.
- Coordinate safety education seminars for the public, with a focus on home safety, car maintenance precautions, and first aid, possibly held at local schools or community centers.
- Involve youth (e.g., Interact or school clubs) in creating safety tip videos, posters, or volunteer opportunities related to the campaign.
- Launch the initiative with a press event recognizing recent first responder heroism, raising awareness and community involvement.
These projects are timely, responsive to current events, and deeply rooted in Rotary’s commitment to strong, healthy, and inclusive communities.