Certainly! Here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, based on current community context and Rotary's areas of focus:
1. Mental Health & Community Resilience Workshops
Context:
Recent events, including high-profile violence and polarized rhetoric in the news (e.g., editorials discussing the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk assassination and calls for civility), highlight increased stress, anxiety, and concerns about moral discourse in the community. Many residents, especially youth and vulnerable populations, may feel anxious or divided. Building local resilience and providing wellness resources align directly with Rotary’s "Community Health" and "Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention" areas of focus.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee Community Schools)
- Youth-serving organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with the Health Department and NAMI to assess priority mental health needs, especially in schools.
- Develop a series of free workshops or discussion panels on stress management, conflict resolution, and civil discourse for educators, parents, and teens.
- Identify funding needs or volunteer trainers—host fundraising events (e.g., benefit 5K walk, silent auction).
- Create information materials and promote workshops through schools, community centers, and social media.
2. Youth Civic Engagement & Leadership Initiative
Context:
With recurring editorials and letters referencing a sharply divided public and youth exposure to political conflict and violence, there is a clear need for education in civic engagement, nonpartisan leadership skills, and critical thinking. This effort can also help students process recent events and become positive contributors to their community, aligning with Rotary’s "Education" and "Youth" areas of focus.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (specifically social studies or civics departments)
- College of Lake County
- Local chapters of the League of Women Voters
- Lake County Youth Advisory Board
- Local libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to school and college contacts to co-design an interactive youth leadership program or summit, incorporating workshops on conflict resolution, community project planning, and responsible use of social media.
- Arrange for local leaders and civic mentors to participate and share experience.
- Apply for Rotary District/International grants to support materials, speakers, or youth scholarships.
- Plan a capstone student-led service project or youth town hall to give participants hands-on leadership experience.
- Publicize the initiative and invite broader community attendance at culminating events.
Both projects would address immediate community needs while embodying Rotary’s commitment to health, education, youth development, and peace.
1. Community Health: Supporting Undocumented and Vulnerable Residents
Context:
Recent headlines highlight concern for undocumented residents in Lake County, especially in the wake of increased ICE activity. Local leaders, including State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove), are urging residents to document ICE actions and calling on community members to support and protect their neighbors. Many residents are living in fear, creating barriers to accessing health care and other essential services. Rotary’s focus on disease prevention, maternal and child health, and supporting vulnerable populations directly aligns with these urgent local needs.
Potential Partners: - HACES (Hispanic American Community Education and Services) - Mano a Mano Family Resource Center in Round Lake Park - State Senator Adriane Johnson’s office - County Health Department - Local clinics offering low- or no-cost care (such as Erie Family Health Centers)
Next Steps: - Organize community health clinics in safe, trusted locations to offer free screenings, flu/COVID shots, food/hygiene kits, and educational resources in English and Spanish. - Coordinate with trusted community groups (like Mano a Mano) to ensure the clinics feel welcoming and not threatening. - Arrange Rotary volunteer training on trauma-informed outreach and “know your rights” information for immigrants. - Launch a fundraising drive to cover clinic costs, medicine, and outreach materials, potentially tied to a community meal or event to build solidarity and raise funds/awareness.
2. Youth & Education: Extracurricular Enrichment in Local Schools
Context:
Coverage of high school sports and area colleges (e.g., Grant High School’s Logan Sledzik) underscores the community’s pride in youth achievement—but many families lack resources for activities outside the classroom. Chronic underfunding, especially in Waukegan and Round Lake, limits after-school opportunities that are vital for student development, health, and academic motivation. Rotary’s mission to support education and youth aligns with this community need.
Potential Partners: - Waukegan and Gurnee school districts (e.g., Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, Gurnee District 56) - Boys & Girls Club of Lake County - College of Lake County (for volunteer/staff support) - Local sports leagues and arts organizations
Next Steps: - Identify gaps in after-school programming (sports equipment, arts supplies, tutoring, STEM clubs) by surveying school partners. - Develop a “Rotary Youth Enrichment Fundraiser”—such as a community walk-a-thon or trivia night—to raise money for extracurricular activities, equipment, and transportation. - Recruit Rotary members as mentors, coaches, or STEM club leaders. - Publicize through local media, partner newsletters, and at community events such as Oktoberfest celebrations to maximize engagement and visibility. - Measure impact via student/teacher feedback and reporting on numbers served.
Both projects leverage Rotary’s service ethos to strengthen trust, health, and opportunity for all Lake County residents—regardless of their status or circumstances.
1. Youth Literacy and Education Support: Lake County Spelling Bee Champions Celebration & Mentorship Program
Context:
The recent achievement of Visharad Sathish, a 12-year-old seventh grader from Lake County, who is advancing to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, highlights academic excellence in the local youth community. Seventy-three schools and hundreds of students participated in regional spelling bees–showing a strong local interest in academic competitions and literacy.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts
- Lake County Public Libraries
- Local educational nonprofits (e.g., Waukegan to College)
- Area businesses (for sponsorships and event support)
Next Steps:
- Organize a public celebration event honoring Visharad Sathish and all spelling bee participants, inviting local media and community members.
- Launch a Rotary youth mentorship program, pairing club members with spelling bee participants for ongoing support in literacy, public speaking, and leadership skills.
- Coordinate with the Regional Office of Education to provide annual grants or scholarships for academic competition participants or low-income families.
- Fundraise through a literacy-themed dinner, spelling contest, or read-a-thon, with proceeds benefiting programs in literacy, book distribution, or speech coaching for local youth.
2. Community Health and Wellness: Addressing Food Insecurity in Waukegan and Gurnee
Context:
Waukegan’s decision to continue the 1% grocery tax indicates ongoing municipal focus on food-related economic issues, which may impact local families already struggling with food insecurity. Many Lake County nonprofits have reported increased need at food pantries and meal programs. Food access and nutrition remain pressing needs for vulnerable community members, especially as inflation and cost-of-living remain high.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Waukegan Public Schools (especially Title I schools)
- Lake County Community Foundation
- Local grocery stores and farms
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with partner organizations to sponsor fresh produce giveaways or pop-up food pantries in Waukegan and Gurnee neighborhoods most in need.
- Organize a Rotary-led fundraising campaign or food drive, leveraging local businesses for matching donations or in-kind contributions.
- Launch nutrition education and healthy cooking workshops for families, possibly in school settings or community centers, to maximize the health benefits of available food resources.
- Advocate with local government for resources to offset the burden of the grocery tax on low-income families, reinforcing Rotary’s commitment to community health.
Both project ideas strongly align with Rotary’s focus on education and health, draw on current events, and create meaningful partnership opportunities in the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County area.
1. Fundraiser and Awareness Campaign Supporting Local Breast Cancer Patients — In Partnership with MSABC of Lake County
Context:
The news highlights that the "MSABC of Lake County" (Making Strides Against Breast Cancer) is running a kickoff event at The Ten Gurnee, and a local breast cancer patient from Lindenhurst was honored during a Chicago Bears game. These events underscore the ongoing community impact of breast cancer and the visibility of active support networks. Demand for support and services remains high, especially with associated financial and emotional burdens for patients and families.
Potential Partners:
- MSABC of Lake County (the local arm of the American Cancer Society's Making Strides campaign)
- Area hospitals and clinics (such as Advocate Condell, Vista Health)
- Local businesses (willing to host or sponsor fundraisers: The Ten Gurnee, Pequod's Pizza, and others)
- Local Rotary clubs from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County North
Next Steps:
- Reach out to MSABC of Lake County (connect via upcoming events or through the American Cancer Society) to explore collaboration on breast cancer walks, educational sessions, or support programs.
- Organize a community fundraiser—such as a pizza night at Pequod’s or a family fun run—bringing together businesses and residents, with proceeds directed toward patient support (transportation, treatment costs, comfort kits).
- Incorporate an educational or screening component by partnering with local hospitals for free or discounted mammogram events.
- Engage Rotary members and high school Interact volunteers to help coordinate, promote, and staff events.
- Publicize the event using Patch, community calendars, and partners’ social media.
2. Food Drive and Community Resource Fair in Response to Increased Local Food Pantry Demand
Context:
Chicago-area food pantries are seeing a significant spike in visits over the past year, stressing already limited resources and clearly highlighting local food insecurity. With rising costs of living, many local families in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas are at greater risk of hunger.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries, Roberti Community House, Warren Township Food Pantry)
- Area schools (for involvement of youth volunteers and as collection sites)
- Local businesses and supermarkets (Jewel, Mariano’s, Target, small groceries)
- Municipalities and civic groups (Gurnee, Waukegan, Lake County agencies)
Next Steps:
- Convene with Northern Illinois Food Bank to assess the highest-need items and potential bulk partnerships.
- Organize a coordinated multi-location food drive, engaging local schools, places of worship, and retailers as donation sites.
- Expand the event to a “Community Resource Fair”—invite organizations to provide information on SNAP, housing assistance, and job training, addressing root causes and offering wraparound support.
- Activate Rotary members and Interact/Rotaract students for logistics, marketing, and volunteer staffing.
- Schedule the event in October or November, leveraging increased community attention around World Food Day and holiday giving.
- Use Patch and social media to promote the food drive and resource fair broadly, ensuring community awareness.
Both of these initiatives closely align with Rotary’s focus areas of disease prevention and treatment (community health), basic education and literacy, and community economic development.
Certainly! Based on the provided events and recent news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary project opportunities aligned with Rotary’s focus areas and current community activities:
1. Senior Wellness and Dementia Awareness Initiative
Area of Focus: Community Health
Context:
The upcoming “Senior Resource Fair” and “Dementia Live - Simulation Training” (both at the Sports Center, Round Lake Area Park District, Sept 25), highlight a growing attention in Lake County to senior health and dementia awareness. With an aging population, supporting seniors and caregivers—especially regarding dementia—is a vital local need.
Potential Partners:
- Round Lake Area Park District (existing senior programs)
- Dementia Live facilitators or similar local organizations (Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter may collaborate)
- Local healthcare providers (e.g., Advocate Aurora, Northwestern Medicine)
- Area senior living communities
Next Steps:
- Contact the Sports Center or Park District staff to discuss debriefs or unmet needs observed at the resource fair.
- Organize a Rotary-led “Follow-Up Forum” for seniors and caregivers, featuring talks on memory health, local resources, legal/financial planning, and caregiver support.
- Pursue partnerships with healthcare professionals to offer free or discounted memory screenings and wellness checks.
- Seek grant opportunities (Rotary Foundation, local businesses) to fund respite services or sensory/caregiver toolkits.
- Publicize via senior centers, houses of worship, and ethnic associations to maximize inclusivity.
2. Environmental Stewardship Through Community Education and Action
Area of Focus: Environmental Sustainability/Education
Context:
On Sept 23, the Grayslake Greenery Garden Club is hosting an event on “Exotic Invasive Weeds of Illinois,” showing local interest and concern about invasive species and broader ecological well-being. Lake County, home to many parks and wetlands (including Des Plaines River Trail, Waukegan Harbor area), faces challenges from invasive plants affecting habitat and water quality.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Greenery Garden Club
- Lake County Forest Preserves District (restoration programs)
- Waukegan Park District/Marina staff (site access/education)
- Local schools (Eco-Clubs, science programs)
- University of Illinois Extension (Master Gardener program)
Next Steps:
- Meet with Greenery Garden Club leaders to coordinate a “Rotary Invasive Species Action Day”—including public education talks, demonstration pulls, and native planting at a local park or harbor area.
- Partner with school clubs and Scout troops for youth engagement; offer service learning credits.
- Solicit sponsorships from local nurseries or businesses to provide tools and native plant starts.
- Develop take-home educational materials (in multiple languages as feasible) for community members.
- Plan an annual event tied to Earth Day or World Environment Day to sustain impact and recognition.
Both initiatives respond to current programs and demonstrated interests in the area, and each offers strong opportunities for Rotary to provide valued leadership and community benefit.
1. Support for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
Context:
Local news highlights the Riverside Foundation in Vernon Township, a community for those with developmental disabilities and a recent grant recipient of the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board (VTCMHB). Additionally, a Mental Health Fair was recently organized to connect residents with agencies specializing in mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities, highlighting a clear and ongoing need for resources and awareness in this area in Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Riverside Foundation
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Organizations represented at the Mental Health Fair (e.g., A Safe Place, NAMI Lake County)
- Local schools or libraries as host venues
Next Steps:
a) Organize a Rotary-sponsored educational forum and resource fair in Gurnee or Waukegan, focused on mental health and developmental disability services for families.
b) Host a fundraising event (such as a gala, charity run/walk, or benefit dinner) benefiting Riverside Foundation and/or partnering local organizations, raising awareness and direct funds for vocational programs, respite services, or therapeutic equipment.
c) Recruit volunteers from Rotary membership to assist with transportation, tutoring, or social activities for Riverside Foundation residents.
d) Reach out to VTCMHB and Riverside Foundation to co-develop the event plan and set a timeline.
2. Holiday Giving and Youth Support Program
Context:
Vernon Township has launched holiday giving programs providing Thanksgiving baskets, wish list gifts, and meals to local families during the upcoming season. Food insecurity and financial strain continue to affect families in Gurnee, Waukegan, and wider Lake County, especially around the holidays. This aligns well with Rotary’s focus on supporting families, children, and education.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Social Services
- Local food pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Ministries in Waukegan)
- Schools in Gurnee and Waukegan (for identifying families in need and organizing deliveries)
- Local businesses (Waukegan Tire, supermarkets) for donations or sponsorships
Next Steps:
a) Collaborate with Vernon Township to expand the reach of their holiday giving program, setting new collection/drop-off locations in Gurnee and Waukegan.
b) Organize a Rotary-driven gift and food drive, leveraging member resources and business partnerships for maximum impact.
c) Offer Rotary volunteers to sort, pack, and deliver holiday meals and gifts to families, working alongside township staff and pantries.
d) Publicly recognize partner businesses and engage the media for broader community participation.
e) Plan for follow-up projects (such as back-to-school supply drives) targeting the same families and building long-term relationships.
1. Senior Safety & Scam Prevention Program
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community Health, Supporting the Elderly, Peace and Prevention (reduction of crime)
Context:
A recent incident in Vernon Hills involved an elderly woman scammed out of $27,000. Police suspect other seniors may also be at risk or have already been victimized by similar schemes. Elder fraud and scams are a growing threat in Lake County, especially with the aging population. While law enforcement pursues criminal justice, there is an urgent community need for prevention, education, and support services targeted at older adults.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff's Office (Community Outreach or Senior Liaison)
- Local senior centers (e.g., Gurnee Senior Center, Waukegan Park District’s senior programs)
- Area libraries (hosting workshops)
- AARP Illinois
- Banks and financial advisors (to co-present about financial safety)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Lake County Sheriff's Office to coordinate an educational campaign.
- Develop and distribute easy-to-understand printed guides, translated where necessary.
- Schedule interactive seminars and workshops at senior centers, libraries, and churches.
- Organize a volunteer team for one-on-one scam prevention counseling sessions upon request.
- Consider a fundraising event (e.g., pancake breakfast, charity walk) with proceeds used to provide free door locks, phone call blocking technology, or transportation for vulnerable seniors.
2. Youth Resilience & Safe Spaces Initiative
Rotary Areas of Focus: Child and Maternal Health, Supporting Education, Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
Context:
Recent news of a critically injured girl in a domestic stabbing in Beach Park and a missing youth in Long Grove highlights ongoing risks facing children in Lake County. There have also been other high-profile safety concerns in the community, including police incidents and youth missing or endangered. There is a clear need for safe spaces, trauma-informed support, and positive outlets for local youth, especially in higher-risk areas such as Waukegan, Beach Park, and Gurnee.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee School District 56)
- Youth services organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, A Safe Place)
- Police departments (to offer mentoring, community policing programs)
- Local therapists and social workers (to lead group support sessions)
- Park districts or libraries (for hosting programs)
Next Steps: - Convene a meeting with local school counselors, community wellness organizations, and police youth officers to assess the greatest youth needs. - Launch an after-school “Safe Spaces” series at rotating library or park district sites, offering supervised activities, meals, and workshops on conflict resolution, mental health, and safety. - Seek sponsorships and grants for materials, healthy snacks, and transportation. - Train Rotary volunteers as mentors and workshop facilitators. - Promote regular community nights and events for families to connect with support services and one another.