Based on the provided news and local concerns highlighted in the September 15, 2025, coverage for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, two significant Rotary project opportunities emerge that align with Rotary's areas of focus:
1. Community Health Education: Childhood Vaccine Awareness and Support
Context:
A recent letter to the editor expresses parental concerns about the number and types of vaccines recommended for young children, noting confusion and uncertainty in the community. Reliable education is needed to address questions, promote science-based health practices, and support vulnerable populations who might lack access or knowledge regarding pediatric vaccinations.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local pediatric practices and clinics (e.g., NorthShore Medical Group, Vista Health System)
- Waukegan and Gurnee school districts (for outreach to families)
- North Shore Immunization Coalition
- Local parent/teacher associations
Next Steps:
- Needs Assessment: Meet with Lake County Health Department officials to review current vaccination rates, hesitancies, and education gaps in the community, specifically targeting underserved neighborhoods.
- Educational Workshops: Organize family-friendly workshops in schools, community centers, and churches, offering medical experts to answer questions and address vaccine myths.
- Awareness Campaign: Develop and distribute multilingual printed and digital materials (flyers, videos, infographics) addressing common vaccine concerns.
- Vaccination Support Days: Partner with local clinics to offer “Immunization Days,” providing free or low-cost vaccines alongside Rotary volunteers offering onsite information and logistical support.
2. Environmental Resilience: Community Power Grid Awareness and Backup Initiatives
Context:
A local resident’s letter and recent conversation focus on growing concerns over the outdated and fragile power grid in Lake County. With increasingly extreme weather events and a vulnerable electrical infrastructure, the community needs support in resilience planning, especially for lower-income and elderly residents.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Emergency Management Agency
- ComEd (regional electricity provider)
- Municipal governments of Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County
- Environmental groups such as Citizens Utility Board (CUB)
- Local senior centers and community organizations
Next Steps:
- Information Sessions: Collaborate with ComEd and municipal agencies to host forums where engineers and emergency planners explain current vulnerabilities, household preparedness, and community efforts underway to upgrade the grid.
- Preparedness Toolkits: Fundraise and distribute “Power Outage Readiness Kits” to at-risk residents; these could include battery-powered lights, portable chargers, and information guides.
- Advocacy & Grants: Mobilize the Rotary network to advocate for state and local investments in infrastructure resiliency, including applying for public or private grants to support community microgrid pilot projects (for example, solar-plus-storage at critical community centers).
- Volunteer Power Checkups: Train Rotary volunteers to perform home readiness assessments for seniors or medically vulnerable residents, helping them develop individualized power outage plans and connecting them with municipal services.
These projects address immediate health and safety concerns voiced in the community while aligning with Rotary’s focus areas of health, environment, and support for vulnerable populations. Both offer visible, impactful ways for the local Rotary to serve and collaborate within Lake County.
1. “Welcoming Communities Health & Resources Fair” (Community Health, Education, Youth)
Context:
Recent headlines from Lake County focus on tension and uncertainty for immigrant and mixed-status families in Waukegan, highlighted by news of immigration enforcement actions (“ICE agents in the area”), smaller event turnouts due to fear, and new state vaccine guidelines. There’s a clear need for trusted information and accessible support—especially considering likely gaps in health access, youth vaccinations, and overall wellbeing in both the immigrant and broader underserved communities.
Potential Partners:
- Juntoz NFP (parade organizer and community connector in Waukegan)
- Erie Family Health Centers (Lake County)
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
- Waukegan Public Library and Gurnee Park District
- School Districts 60 (Waukegan) and 56 (Gurnee)
- Local food pantries or mutual aid groups
- Rotary International chapters
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with Juntoz NFP, health providers, and local schools to identify unmet needs
- Secure a venue (e.g., park district or public library space)
- Recruit speakers for health, legal, and civic resources (bilingual, culturally competent)
- Organize vaccine clinics in partnership with health providers, incorporating COVID-19, flu, and school-required immunizations
- Include youth activities: sports demos (potentially with local student-athletes like Round Lake’s Mya Hagi), crafts, and reading corners
- Promote via trusted community leaders and ethnic media
- Explore funding or supply grants to help cover immunization and resource fair costs
Rotary’s Impact:
Directly addresses areas of focus in disease prevention & treatment, maternal & child health, basic education and literacy, and creates a space welcoming to both immigrants and the broader community.
2. “Rotary Green Spaces Revival: Solo Cup Site to Schoolyard” (Environment, Education, Youth)
Context:
The proposed redevelopment of the former Solo Cup factory site (cited as a “wacky site”) in Highland Park offers a pivotal moment in Lake County’s environmental and economic landscape. With suburban expansion and redevelopment, there’s an opportunity for Rotary to champion green, youth-friendly public spaces—especially given disparities in nature access and youth recreation options between local communities (e.g., Gurnee’s resources versus more industrial Waukegan corridors).
Potential Partners:
- Highland Park City Council
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- School Districts 112 (Highland Park), 56 (Gurnee), and 60 (Waukegan)
- Youth sports leagues/flag football groups (leveraging local stories like Mya Hagi’s)
- Environmental nonprofits (Openlands, Friends of the Chicago River)
- Local architects, master gardeners, and businesses
- Area Rotary clubs as project funders and volunteers
Next Steps:
- Initiate a dialogue with Highland Park planning officials about incorporating green, youth-centered design (native plantings, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, outdoor STEM learning spaces)
- Host community input sessions to gather ideas from youth and families
- Organize Rotary-led service days for site cleanup, tree planting, and mural creation
- Develop educational signage in English and Spanish to promote environmental stewardship
- Seek sponsorships and grants for playground equipment, sports gear, or outdoor classrooms
- Arrange youth sports clinics or open leagues upon site completion, fostering community ownership and pride
Rotary’s Impact:
Advances Rotary priorities in supporting the environment, education, and youth development—creating a lasting community asset and catalyzing public-private partnerships for healthier, greener neighborhoods.
Service/Fundraising Opportunity 1: Lake County Youth Literacy & Academic Achievement Initiative
Rotary Focus Area: Basic education and literacy, Youth
Context:
Local seventh grader Visharad Sathish’s achievement in winning the Lake County Regional Spelling Bee and advancing to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. highlights the depth of young talent in Lake County. With 73 schools participating, this event underscores a strong area-wide commitment to academics. However, only a fraction of students reach high-level competitions, suggesting a need for broader support—especially for students who may lack resources for academic enrichment in literacy, spelling, and reading.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (host of the spelling bee)
- Local school districts (Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee School District 56, Woodland School District 50)
- Public libraries in Gurnee, Waukegan, and wider Lake County
- Educational nonprofits such as Reading Power or United Way of Lake County
Next Steps:
1. Convene a meeting with the Lake County Regional Office of Education and local school administrators to identify underserved schools and student populations.
2. Design a Rotary-sponsored literacy mentoring program, reading camp, or after-school spelling/reading club, possibly culminating in a community-wide “mini bee.”
3. Recruit Rotary volunteers and members of local high school Interact or college Rotaract clubs as tutors/mentors.
4. Organize a fundraiser (e.g., "Spell-a-Thon" or Reading Marathon) to provide books, prizes, and scholarships for student participants.
5. Publicize program and success stories, leveraging the momentum generated by Visharad Sathish’s national appearance.
Service/Fundraising Opportunity 2: Safe Routes & Cycling for Youth Health and the Environment
Rotary Focus Area: Community health, Environment, Youth
Context:
Recent regional news and ongoing community conversations have raised concerns around youth health, neighborhood safety, and the environment in Lake County, particularly as more families seek safe, active transportation options to schools and parks. Waukegan and Gurnee both have active initiatives relating to Safe Routes to School and greenways, but many areas still face barriers—poor sidewalks, bike infrastructure, and lack of access to bicycles or helmets for low-income families.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Division of Transportation
- Local municipalities (City of Waukegan, Village of Gurnee)
- Active Transportation Alliance (regional nonprofit)
- Local YMCA branches and youth groups
- Bike shops in the area (e.g., Gaggs or North Shore Bike Shop)
Next Steps:
1. Survey local schools and neighborhood groups to identify priority needs—for example, lack of working bikes, unsafe crossings, or need for bike-safety education.
2. Organize a fundraiser and community event such as a “Bike Rodeo & Safety Fair,” including free helmet giveaways, bike checks, and safety workshops.
3. Partner with local bike shops and law enforcement for safety education and donations of equipment.
4. Advocate, through municipal partnerships, for improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure near schools and parks.
5. Include youth leadership from Interact or school environmental clubs in planning, ensuring long-term community engagement and stewardship.
Certainly! Based on the recent news from Gurnee, Waukegan, Grayslake, and other Lake County communities, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Project Title: "Supporting Community Health through Breast Cancer Awareness and Patient Support"
Context:
Recent local coverage highlighted the honor given to a Lindenhurst breast cancer patient at a Chicago Bears game, and the MSABC of Lake County (Making Strides Against Breast Cancer) Kick Off event is featured on the Gurnee calendar. This underscores ongoing needs around breast cancer awareness, education, and support for patients and families in the Lake County area.
Potential Partners:
- American Cancer Society/MSABC of Lake County
- Local hospitals and clinics (e.g., Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, Vista Health System in Waukegan)
- Survivor support groups and local non-profits
Next Steps: - Reach out to organizers of the MSABC of Lake County Kick Off (event at The Ten Gurnee) to discuss partnership opportunities—such as Rotary team participation, sponsorship, or co-hosted health education sessions. - Coordinate with local hospitals to explore needs for transportation, patient care packages, or funding for mammograms for uninsured women. - Organize a fundraiser—such as a walkathon or community brunch—with proceeds supporting local breast cancer services. - Promote breast cancer screenings and awareness at existing community events, boosting both education and Rotary visibility.
2. Project Title: "Safe Communities Initiative: Support Resources for Missing and Vulnerable Children"
Context:
The Gurnee Police Department recently used a new drone program to quickly locate a missing autistic child. This highlights the frequent risks faced by vulnerable youth—including those with autism and special needs—when they go missing, as well as the vital role of rapid response technologies and community awareness.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies
- Local autism support organizations (e.g., Autism Speaks–Lake County, SEDOL Foundation)
- School districts (CCSD 46, 50, 56, etc.)
- Businesses with relevant tech (drone retailers, service providers)
Next Steps: - Invite Gurnee Police to present at a Rotary meeting on their drone program and discuss needs for further support (e.g., funding additional equipment or public education). - Organize an awareness and safety fair for families of children with special needs, including information on tracking devices, rapid response, and community resources. - Launch a fundraising campaign for “Safety Kits” (ID bracelets, QR code tags, etc.) for local families with at-risk youth, working with schools and advocacy groups for distribution. - Develop an educational campaign in partnership with schools and local autism organizations on preventing and responding to missing child incidents.
These projects directly address health, education, and community support, and enable the Rotary club to make tangible impacts, leveraging Rotary’s tradition of service and local partnerships.
1. Community Health: Support for MSABC of Lake County (Making Strides Against Breast Cancer) Kickoff
Context:
On September 21, 2025, the "MSABC of Lake County Kick Off" event is being held at The Ten Gurnee. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) is a high-profile community effort supporting breast cancer awareness, prevention, and care. This aligns with Rotary’s focus on disease prevention and treatment.
Potential Partners:
- American Cancer Society (local MSABC coordinators)
- The Ten Gurnee event center
- Local hospitals and clinics (e.g., Advocate Condell, Lake Forest Hospital)
- Gurnee Women’s Club or other civic groups
Next Steps:
- Contact the MSABC event organizers to identify volunteer and fundraising gaps.
- Propose a Rotary volunteer team for the kickoff (set-up, check-in, information booths).
- Organize a Rotary-led health fair or screening booth during the event (offering mammogram information, resources, and survivor support).
- Launch a fundraising campaign within the Rotary network to sponsor mammograms for uninsured women in Lake County, culminating in a check presentation at the event.
- Leverage local media and Rotary’s channels for broader outreach and participation.
2. Youth and Education: STEAM Art & Learning Collaboration with Grayslake Arts Alliance and Public Library
Context:
Multiple arts and community education events are scheduled in September and October, including the Grayslake Arts Alliance’s Fall For Art: Oktoberfest (Sept 27), canvas mural collaborations, and youth-focused library events (Book Binding Workshop, Escape Into Adventure). These public gatherings celebrate creativity and offer learning opportunities for children and teens, aligning with Rotary’s focus on education and youth development.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Arts Alliance
- Grayslake Area Public Library
- Local schools (Grayslake North High School, other area K-12)
- Youth organizations (Girl Scouts, Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Arts Alliance and library to identify needs (volunteers, materials, sponsors for workshops).
- Sponsor a Rotary “Imagination Station” at the Oktoberfest or mural events, providing hands-on art/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) activities for kids.
- Organize Rotary volunteers to assist with set-up, guide participants, and mentor students.
- Offer mini-grants for art supplies, or fund a scholarship for youth artists highlighted at these events.
- Host a collaborative art project themed on “Service Above Self,” with artwork displayed at Rotary events and in community centers.
- Promote ongoing literacy and creativity through a Rotary-hosted book or art supply drive, coordinated with the library’s used book sale.
These projects address prominent local events and needs, offer high community visibility, and provide tangible Rotary impact aligned with your areas of focus.
1. Mental Health and Youth Wellness Initiative: Back-to-School Stress Support
Context:
The Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board is actively working to help children and parents cope with back-to-school stress, as noted in their recent outreach programs and the upcoming Mental Health Fair. With families and educators focusing on student wellbeing, and mental health agencies providing critical support, there is an ongoing need for community-backed mental health resources, especially at school transitions.
Rotary Area of Focus:
Disease Prevention and Treatment; Supporting Education
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local school districts (Gurnee, Waukegan, Lake County)
- Youth-serving agencies (e.g., Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club)
- Local therapists or mental health nonprofits
Next Steps:
- Contact Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board to identify gaps in support and determine current needs (Anne Flanigan, Board Chair).
- Develop a series of workshops or assemblies in local schools focused on coping strategies, stress relief, and mental health resources for families and students.
- Offer Rotary volunteers as event facilitators or mentors, and seek local therapists to present or provide counseling hours.
- Secure funding through a Rotary fundraising campaign, possibly holding an awareness walk or school supply drive where proceeds support expanding mental health programs.
- Publicize events through Patch, local school newsletters, and community centers.
2. Holiday Giving Program Expansion: "Adopt-a-Family" for Food Security and Youth Empowerment
Context:
With Vernon Township launching robust holiday giving programs—including donations of Thanksgiving baskets, gifts, and meals—there is significant community mobilization toward supporting families in need during the holiday season. Rising food insecurity and economic pressure remain pressing issues for many in Lake County, especially for youth and school-aged children.
Rotary Area of Focus:
Growing Local Economies; Supporting Education; Maternal and Child Health
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township (Holiday Giving Program coordinators)
- Local food pantries and grocery stores (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank)
- Area businesses and faith communities
- School social workers and local youth organizations
Next Steps:
- Meet with Vernon Township’s holiday program coordinators to discuss high-need families, logistics, and collaboration opportunities.
- Launch an "Adopt-a-Family" drive where Rotary members and partner businesses sponsor families, providing meals, winter gear, and educational supplies.
- Organize a fundraising event (such as a community breakfast or holiday market) with proceeds directed at purchasing supplemental food and gifts.
- Develop a volunteer schedule for food/gift packaging and delivery days, with press releases to local media and Patch to boost participation.
- Evaluate recipient feedback after the holidays to refine for next year and consider expanding to quarterly meal/essential drives.
Both opportunities directly address critical and timely needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County, while aligning with Rotary’s areas of focus and leveraging local momentum and partnerships.
1. Immigrant and Refugee Support Initiative (Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health and Peacebuilding)
Context:
Recent news highlights an increased ICE presence and daily raids in the Gurnee/Waukegan/Lake County area, causing fear and uncertainty among immigrant and refugee residents, especially around the Great Lakes Naval Base. Local leaders have urged residents to know their legal rights. This situation threatens not just family stability but also access to health care, mental health resources, education, and basic needs, as families may avoid seeking help out of fear.
Potential Partners:
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (Round Lake Park, IL), which specializes in immigrant family support
- Local faith organizations (such as Cristo Rey Church in Waukegan or St. Paul the Apostle in Gurnee)
- Lake County Health Department
- Public libraries (e.g., Waukegan Public Library offers citizenship and language classes)
Recommended Rotary Project:
Organize a series of "Know Your Rights" and Resource Fairs to connect vulnerable residents to trusted legal services, mental health counseling, medical screenings, and family support programs. Workshops could include presentations by legal aid attorneys, Lake County Health Department nurses, mental health counselors, and translators, with informational materials provided in multiple languages.
Next Steps:
- Meet and collaborate with Mano a Mano and local faith/community leaders to assess urgent needs and schedule events
- Recruit bilingual volunteers and medical/legal professionals from within the Rotary network
- Secure a venue in Waukegan or Gurnee with high accessibility and transportation options
- Apply for a Rotary District Grant to cover costs for materials, speakers, and on-site health screenings
- Promote the fairs through partner organizations, community schools, food pantries, and ethnic media outlets
2. Home Safety and Emergency Preparedness Campaign (Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health & Disaster Response)
Context:
There has been a recent tragic fatality in Libertyville: a man was killed while working under his vehicle at home, and separately, a police officer was injured while responding to a house fire in Mundelein. These incidents underscored recurring risks tied to home safety, fire prevention, and accident preparedness. The growing community interest in fall events and gatherings also presents an opportunity for proactive outreach.
Potential Partners:
- Local Fire Departments (Gurnee, Libertyville, Mundelein)
- Lake County Health Department
- Home Depot or Lowe’s (for donations of safety supplies)
- American Red Cross of Greater Chicago
Recommended Rotary Project:
Launch a "Safe Homes, Healthy Families" campaign that combines educational workshops on home fire prevention, proper vehicle maintenance safety, and emergency planning. Include free distribution of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and car jack stands or wheel chocks to families in need. Hands-on demonstrations could be provided at community centers or local fairs.
Next Steps:
- Connect with local fire chiefs and Red Cross preparedness teams to coordinate presentations and supply donations
- Schedule "Safe Home" days at accessible community spaces, ideally partnering with fall festivals or area schools
- Recruit volunteers, particularly those with first responder or technical expertise, from the Rotary and partner organizations
- Create bilingual safety materials to distribute
- Seek sponsorships from local hardware stores and apply for a district grant or corporate Rotary partner support
- Publicize through school newsletters, park district bulletins, social media, and partner networks