1. Community Healing and Mental Health Support Initiative
Context:
The tragic assassination of public figure Charlie Kirk has undoubtedly had a deep and emotional impact across Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County. The aftermath of such a high-profile event can increase trauma, anxiety, and fear in the community—especially among youth. There will likely be heightened needs for grief counseling, community dialogue, and safe spaces for healing. This aligns with Rotary’s focus on community health and supporting mental well-being.
Potential Partners:
– Lake County Health Department (Behavioral Health Services)
– Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee School District 56)
– Youth mental health nonprofits (e.g., The Josselyn Center)
– Houses of worship and interfaith councils
– Advocacy group Erika’s Lighthouse (promotes mental health in young people)
Next Steps:
– Organize a community forum on trauma recovery and resilience, inviting mental health professionals, faith leaders, and affected residents.
– Fund or facilitate youth-targeted workshops in schools focused on coping with grief and stress, utilizing expert facilitators.
– Raise funds for expanded counseling services in local schools or community centers.
– Launch a public awareness campaign promoting available mental health resources, crisis hotlines, and drop-in support sessions.
– Enlist club members as volunteers for event planning, logistics, and outreach.
2. Youth Civic Engagement & Nonviolence Education Programs
Context:
In light of increased political tensions, misinformation, and the shock of recent violence, there is a critical need for initiatives that foster constructive dialogue, civic engagement, and nonviolence—especially among young people in Lake County. Rotary can provide platforms for education, build bridges among diverse groups, and empower youth to lead positive change.
Potential Partners:
– Local high school social studies departments
– College of Lake County student government and social justice programs
– Lake County United (civic action non-profit)
– Gurnee and Waukegan public libraries
– PeaceWorks or similar organizations focused on nonviolence education
Next Steps:
– Host “Youth Civic Leadership Summits” focused on constructive dialogue, media literacy, and nonviolence (panels, workshops, and speaker series).
– Develop a mini-grant or essay contest for students proposing projects addressing division and violence prevention.
– Collaborate with libraries and schools to provide guided book discussions or film screenings (e.g., on civil discourse, democracy, and peacebuilding).
– Seek club volunteers to mentor youth groups, moderate forums, or judge student contests.
– Launch a fundraising campaign to cover speaker honoraria, materials, and event refreshments, leveraging community and business sponsorships.
Both initiatives respond directly to the urgent needs emerging from recent events while reinforcing Rotary’s commitment to youth, education, and strong, healthy communities.
1. Community Health Initiative: Response to Vista East’s Service Cuts
Context:
Vista East’s recent decision to cut services has “shocked” officials and concerned Waukegan’s Mayor Sam Cunningham, who noted the move is another blow to the community. Vista East, a major hospital serving Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas, reduces access for the uninsured, seniors, and families with limited transportation. This highlights a critical need for supplemental health access, preventative screening, mental health outreach, and support for vulnerable populations.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Township & City of Waukegan: For outreach and facilities.
- Lake County Health Department: For expertise and resources.
- Local nonprofits: Such as the Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (health initiatives in Lake County).
- Health-focused Rotary clubs in Lake County.
- Faith communities: Who often lead such grassroots efforts.
- Colleges of Lake County (Nursing/Health).
Next Steps:
- Contact Mayor Sam Cunningham’s office and Lake County Health Department for a community briefing on biggest emerging healthcare gaps post-cuts.
- Convene a collaborative Rotary townhall to map out direct impacts (e.g., what services are most urgently lacking—diabetes care, screenings, maternal health, etc).
- Identify a signature service project: such as hosting regular mobile health fairs, offering free screenings and immunizations, mental health first aid training, and telehealth sign-ups.
- Plan a fundraising campaign: Host a Rotary “Health for All” benefit gala or walk/run with proceeds supporting mobile clinics or medical transportation vouchers.
- Engage local businesses and philanthropists for sponsorships.
2. Youth Safety and Healing: Response to Rising Violence
Context:
Recent violent incidents, including the tragic case of a Beach Park man sentenced for stabbing a girl, signal concern over youth safety, trauma, and the need for preventive intervention in Waukegan, Gurnee, and broader Lake County. Rising violence underscores gaps in afterschool programming, youth mentorship, safe spaces, and mental health services for traumatized children and families.
Potential Partners:
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County and YWCA Lake County: For direct youth programming.
- Waukegan and Gurnee Police Departments: Community policing/youth outreach.
- Community schools and school district counselors.
- Local trauma centers/mental health providers (e.g., Lake County Trauma Task Force).
- Faith-based youth advocates and civic groups.
Next Steps:
- Host an open forum in partnership with local schools and youth agencies to identify specific youth-focused needs (mental health, afterschool safety, mentorship, restorative justice).
- Develop or expand Rotary’s “Safe Harbor” Youth program: Funding and staffing trauma-informed afterschool clubs, peer mentoring, or youth leadership workshops.
- Apply for Rotary district or global grants focused on youth violence prevention or mental health.
- Coordinate a fundraising event: such as a “Peace in the Park” community picnic or youth sports challenge—with local police, first responders and schools—to raise funds for counseling services, peer mentorship training, and crisis support programming.
- Promote volunteer recruitment drives targeting Rotarians as mentors, reading buddies, or arts/sports facilitators, building trust and alternatives for area youth.
Both projects directly address urgent, high-visibility needs tied to current headlines, leverage Rotary’s networks, and align with Rotary’s areas of focus—especially Disease Prevention and Treatment, Maternal and Child Health, Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, and Supporting Education.
Rotary Project Ideas for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL:
1. Youth Literacy, Academic Achievement, and Spelling Bee Sponsorship
Context:
Lake County seventh grader Visharad Sathish recently won the Lake County Regional Spelling Bee and is advancing to the National Scripps Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. This achievement spotlights the academic potential of local youth and the value of literacy, spelling, and academic competitions. There is an opportunity to foster a culture of academic excellence and provide equitable access to resources for more students.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts and PTA organizations
- Community libraries
- Literacy-based organizations (e.g., Reading Power, Waukegan to College)
- Local businesses for sponsorship support
Next Steps:
a. Connect with Lake County Regional Office of Education to discuss needs for the local spelling bee and literacy programs.
b. Launch a "Student Excellence Fund" to help cover participation costs (travel, supplies, prep materials) for spelling bee and other academic contest winners, especially those from underrepresented communities.
c. Organize Rotary-sponsored spelling workshops and reading mentor programs in area schools, using volunteers to coach and encourage aspiring contestants.
d. Publicly celebrate spelling bee participants/winners through awards or recognition ceremonies, reinforcing Rotary’s commitment to youth education.
2. Addressing Healthcare Gaps after Vista East Hospital Service Reduction
Context:
Recent local news highlighted community shock and concern following the decision by Vista East Medical Center (Waukegan’s main hospital) to cut several services, including the imminent reduction or closure of critical care programs. This development increases strain on other local health providers, disproportionately impacts low-income and vulnerable residents, and places stress on health access in Gurnee, Waukegan, and all of Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Rosalind Franklin University Health Clinics
- Nonprofits such as Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, Oasis Women’s Health
- Faith-based organizations involved in health outreach
- Local pharmacies and urgent care facilities
- Community leaders and patient advocates
Next Steps:
a. Convene a community health roundtable with stakeholders to understand urgent service gaps and transportation/access barriers created by Vista East’s decision.
b. Organize a Rotary Health Resource Fair, offering flu vaccines, basic screenings, and navigation help for residents needing ongoing or specialized care.
c. Host educational sessions on telehealth and alternative care options, including how to access these affordably.
d. Start or support a Medical Transportation Fund or volunteer rideshare program specifically for those affected by hospital cuts (elderly, disabled, low-income patients).
Both projects answer direct, documented community needs, align with Rotary areas of focus (supporting education/youth and building healthier communities), and present clear, actionable next steps for local Rotary engagement.
1. Community Food Drive and Fresh Food Access Initiative
Context:
Recent news highlights a continued spike in visits to Chicago-area food pantries, reflecting both persistent and growing community food insecurity in Gurnee, Waukegan, and across Lake County. This aligns directly with Rotary’s focus on community health, as food insecurity impacts all aspects of wellbeing, especially among youth and seniors.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (serving Lake County)
- Local food pantries in Gurnee and Waukegan
- Grayslake Woman's Non-Profit (previously featured for helping sick patients)
- Local supermarkets and farmers’ markets (e.g., The Vine, other area businesses)
- Faith-based organizations (e.g., St. Peter's Church in Antioch)
- Schools and student clubs (for youth involvement)
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to the Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantries to determine current highest-need items and coordinate logistics.
2. Connect with the Grayslake Woman's Non-Profit to recruit volunteers or leverage their outreach experience.
3. Identify businesses and markets willing to serve as collection or distribution points and sponsors.
4. Involve local schools to organize collection drives and educate youth on food insecurity.
5. Plan a Rotary-branded awareness event coinciding with fall or pre-holiday season, promoting both non-perishable and fresh food donations.
6. Publicize the drive via local news calendars (e.g., Patch, Facebook) and community partners.
2. Community Health & Wellness Resource Fair
Context:
There is notable concern about health care scams (e.g., $17 million fraud in the news), growing needs among breast cancer patients, and an upcoming “Senior Resource Fair.” Rotary can meaningfully address misinformation and access issues, while focusing on both senior and broader community health education.
Potential Partners:
- Nearby hospital systems (Advocate Aurora Health, NorthShore University HealthSystem)
- Breast cancer support groups (Lindenhurst Breast Cancer Patient story) and MSABC (Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, with a kickoff event in Gurnee)
- MedLogic (highlighted as an expanding medical practice in Libertyville)
- Area pharmacies and public health departments
- Senior and youth advocacy groups
Next Steps:
1. Contact organizers of the existing “Senior Resource Fair” and MSABC event to explore partnership or cosponsorship.
2. Invite hospitals and clinics to offer screenings (e.g., blood pressure, diabetes, breast cancer awareness) and fraud prevention information at a Rotary-hosted day.
3. Collaborate with MedLogic and other wellness providers for presentations and resource tables.
4. Add educational components addressing healthcare fraud: invite local law enforcement or the Illinois Attorney General’s office to speak.
5. Promote the event broadly to all ages, emphasizing access to reliable information and preventive services.
6. Engage Rotary members as event volunteers, greeters, guides, and information providers.
These two opportunities – a food access drive and a health & wellness fair – will concretely address present needs spotlighted in recent community news and align with Rotary’s focus on health, hunger, education, and service.
1. Senior Wellness and Support Initiative (Community Health & Supporting Seniors)
Context:
The upcoming “Senior Resource Fair” (September 25, Round Lake Area Park District) offers health screenings such as blood pressure checks and stroke prevention education, highlighting ongoing needs in Lake County for senior health resources and social engagement. The aging population in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding Lake County often faces barriers to healthcare access and networking, making this a prime opportunity for Rotary involvement.
Potential Partners:
- Round Lake Area Park District (host of the Senior Resource Fair)
- Local health providers (Advocate Aurora Health, local clinics)
- Council on Aging or area senior advocacy groups
- Area high school volunteer groups or Interact Clubs
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Round Lake Area Park District and offer Rotary’s support at the Fair, such as volunteers for logistics or hospitality.
- Organize a follow-up event: For example, schedule quarterly health days at local park districts or libraries, offering screenings, basic checkups, and informational talks.
- Coordinate with local high schools to bring student volunteers for tech support (helping seniors with smartphones, etc.) and social connection activities.
- Fundraise through a charity walk or dinner, with proceeds supporting expanded senior wellness outreach (transportation to appointments, medical devices, etc.).
2. Clean Lake County: Invasive Plant Awareness and Action (Environment & Education)
Context:
The Grayslake Greenery Garden Club’s September 23 event, “Exotic Invasive Weeds of Illinois,” signals both a concern and an opportunity: invasive species threaten Lake County’s native plants and water quality. Area residents and schools would benefit from increased environmental education, hands-on stewardship opportunities, and coordinated eradication projects.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Greenery Garden Club
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Local schools and youth groups (Eco Clubs, Scouts, Interact Clubs)
- Local businesses for supplies/sponsorship (nurseries, landscaping firms)
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with the Grayslake Greenery Garden Club to expand their educational programming—offer a Rotary-sponsored speaker series, printed guides, or a family event on invasive plant removal.
- Organize a “Rotary Invasive Clean-Up Day” at a local park or preserve, inviting students, families, and adults to work alongside experts.
- Create a “Junior Stewards” program in partnership with schools, with Rotary offering small scholarships or certificates for youth who contribute volunteer hours.
- Fundraise via a “Plant Native” sale or an Earth Day event, bolstering both the project and Rotary’s environmental brand in the community.
Context:
Vernon Township has launched its annual Holiday Giving Programs, which provide Thanksgiving baskets, wish list gifts, and holiday meals to local families in need. This coincides with a growing recognition of community needs among low-income families, especially with lingering economic pressures and rising living costs affecting Gurnee, Waukegan, and the greater Lake County area.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township (e.g., Community Mental Health Board)
- Local food pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank)
- School districts (for wish lists/gift identification)
- Area businesses such as Waukegan Tire
Next Steps:
a. Connect with Vernon Township’s administrative team to coordinate Rotary’s involvement—either through financial support, volunteer hours, or supply drives.
b. Organize a club service day to assemble and distribute holiday baskets, leveraging Rotary members and youth clubs (e.g., Interact).
c. Partner with local businesses to collect and match donations (food, gifts, or funds).
d. Promote the program within Rotary channels and through township communication for wider reach and engagement.
Context:
Woodlands Academy in Lake Forest has held both a Service Day and a Flag Ceremony to celebrate cultural diversity. Their recent activities underscore a vibrant commitment to hands-on service and multicultural inclusion among local youth. With 16 Lake Forest high students recently being named National Merit Semifinalists, there is a strong pool of youth leaders in the area.
Potential Partners:
- Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
- Local public high schools (Lake Forest, Waukegan High)
- Service organizations focusing on youth empowerment and mentorship (e.g., Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago)
- Area colleges for logistics support and resources
Next Steps:
a. Reach out to Woodlands Academy to explore a partnership creating an annual “Rotary Youth Leadership Day” that brings together diverse students from area schools for service and intercultural projects.
b. Develop a mentorship or scholarship component, highlighting opportunities for students with outstanding academic and service records (leveraging National Merit Semifinalists as role models).
c. Coordinate with local civic and business leaders to sponsor workshops, leadership training, and service activities—linking Rotary’s international mission with local action.
d. Publicize the initiative through school networks and Rotary PR outlets, emphasizing unity and community service as key goals.
1. Elder Fraud Prevention and Support Initiative
Context:
Recent news in Vernon Hills and Libertyville highlights a growing problem of scams targeting elderly residents, with an incident involving a woman in Vernon Hills being scammed out of $27,000. Law enforcement believes there are additional victims. Financial exploitation is both a criminal matter and a community health and well-being issue; elderly victims often suffer long-term emotional and financial harm.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Hills Police Department
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office
- Senior centers, such as the Libertyville Senior Center
- Local banks and financial institutions (e.g., BMO Harris Bank—it’s common for banks to participate in fraud prevention workshops)
- Nonprofits like AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois
Next Steps:
a. Contact the Vernon Hills Police Department’s community liaison or crime prevention unit to propose a Rotary-backed series of workshops for seniors and their caregivers on avoiding scams and reporting incidents.
b. Coordinate with local banks to co-host secure financial seminars and distribute Rotary-branded resource kits on fraud prevention.
c. Design multilingual outreach materials for diverse populations, including immigrant seniors.
d. Organize a volunteer-based Fraud Assistance Hotline for seniors in Lake County to get immediate help or referrals.
e. Promote awareness through social media, local news outlets, and places of worship.
2. Youth Empowerment for Safer Communities
Context:
Recent reports from Lake County and Beach Park show alarming trends in violence affecting young people, including the critical injury of an eight-year-old girl in a stabbing. Additionally, events highlight community efforts, such as the Zacharias Center’s Race to Zero supporting survivors of sexual violence. These incidents, paired with widespread youth concerns over safety, underline a community need for violence prevention, trauma support, and resilience-building for local youth.
Potential Partners:
- Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (Gurnee)
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee District 56)
- Youth mental health organizations (e.g., Youth & Family Counseling)
- Lake County Health Department
Next Steps:
a. Convene listening sessions with youth (middle/high school age) in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club and school counselors to identify their key safety and wellness concerns.
b. Collaborate with the Zacharias Center and mental health providers to host workshops on trauma recovery, self-defense, and peer-mentoring for violence prevention.
c. Launch a Rotary “Safe Spaces” campaign—fundraised through a community event (e.g., a family walkathon or benefit concert)—to provide safe after-school environments, peer support groups, and medical counseling where needed.
d. Establish a Rotary Youth Advisory Board to co-design initiatives and amplify youth voices in community safety discussions.
e. Seek grant support from Rotary International for youth-focused community health and trauma resilience programming.