1. “Autism & Inclusion” Community Program
Context:
A recent feature (Dave Heun, Sep 26, 2025) spotlights Tom Callsen and his son Thomas, who, as individuals bonded by both family and autism, found joy and inclusion through shared experiences like roller coaster rides. Their story underscores the ongoing need in Lake County for inclusive social opportunities and support for individuals with autism and their families. Gurnee, home to Six Flags Great America, is a natural hub for such activities. Rotary’s areas of focus on “supporting education” and “growing local economies” can be advanced by building community inclusion and awareness for neurodiverse families.
Potential Partners:
- Six Flags Great America (local major employer, event host)
- Autism Society of Lake County
- Local school districts’ special education departments
- Local autism support therapists/practices
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Tom Callsen for possible involvement/sharing his experience.
- Approach Six Flags about an “Autism Day” event with sensory-friendly hours and activities, open to families in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas.
- Plan a fundraising walk/ride or resource fair to support local autism advocacy, programs, and scholarships, channeling Rotary and community resources.
- Partner with the Autism Society for educational materials and program structuring.
2. Youth Civic Engagement “Fact Finding” Forums
Context:
Recent letters and commentary highlight pressing issues—political divisiveness, concern for factual accuracy in public dialogue (see the editorial and Kane County Board member David Young’s commentary on September 26, 2025), and national debates echoing locally. This is an opportunity for Rotary to support “Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution” by increasing civic literacy and engagement among youth, empowering the next generation to lead positive change, and encouraging respectful dialogue.
Potential Partners:
- Local high schools (Waukegan High School, Warren Township High School)
- Lake County League of Women Voters
- Youth advocacy groups (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA of Lake County)
- Illinois State Board of Education (civics requirement support)
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning committee with school educators and student leaders to identify discussion topics and priorities.
- Host rotating “Fact Finding Forums” where students, local officials, and journalists discuss current events, practice civil discourse, and fact-check information.
- Rotary to sponsor incentives for participation (scholarships, service awards); fund resource materials (civics literacy handouts, refreshments, venue costs).
- Evaluate outcomes and community impact for future forums or speaker series.
Based on current news and ongoing community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service and fundraising project opportunities that align with Rotary's areas of focus, complete with context, potential partners, and actionable next steps:
Area of Focus: Community Health / Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention
The Lake County victim support group is actively fundraising for a new facility, prompted by the rising need to support local victims and address what is described in recent headlines as "an epidemic." Such organizations provide resources for those affected by domestic violence, assault, or trauma—directly supporting community resilience and recovery.
Area of Focus: Child and Maternal Health / Basic Education and Literacy
Recent reporting on local student athlete Will Mercure’s recovery from a traumatic skull fracture during pole vaulting brings local attention to youth sports safety and wellness. With increasing awareness around concussion and injury protocols, there's a need for education, preventative resources, and post-injury support for students, coaches, and families in area schools (e.g., Grant, Stevenson, and other Lake County high schools).
Both of these initiatives address immediate community concerns, align with Rotary priorities, and offer high visibility, impactful opportunities for club service and fundraising in Lake County, IL.
Context:
Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish recently won a marathon Lake County Regional Spelling Bee and will represent the area at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. This achievement highlights not only exceptional individual talent, but also the importance of promoting literacy, academic achievement, and confidence among local youth. The spelling bee involved 73 schools and hundreds of students, illustrating widespread interest and potential impact.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local schools and PTAs
- Waukegan and Gurnee Public Libraries
- Scripps National Spelling Bee (regional representatives)
- Local businesses (for sponsorships/prizes)
Next Steps:
- Organize a Rotary “Word Champions” Literacy Fund: Host an annual fundraiser or sponsorship drive to provide travel stipends, study resources, and scholarships for Lake County children qualifying for state/national academic competitions, starting with the Spelling Bee.
- Host Community Spelling & Literacy Events: Collaborate with schools and libraries to host mock bees, reading nights, or tutoring/mentorship programs led by Rotarians or past spelling bee participants.
- Promote Academic Role Models: Invite Visharad Sathish and other high-achieving students to speak at local Rotary meetings/schools, promoting youth leadership and achievement while strengthening Rotary’s visibility among families.
Context:
A recent story notes that a Lake County victim support group is currently fundraising for a new facility to serve survivors of domestic violence, assault, and other traumas: “It’s an epidemic.” The increasing demand highlights significant, urgent community health and safety needs. Victim support centers are essential for recovery and resilience, offering shelter, counseling, and advocacy.
Potential Partners:
- Existing Lake County victim support organizations (e.g., A Safe Place, Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center)
- Local healthcare providers (Advocate Condell, Lake County Health Department)
- Lake County law enforcement and social services
- Area businesses and faith groups
Next Steps:
- Rotary “Safe Harbor” Benefit Event: Organize a walk, gala, or online campaign to raise funds specifically for the new victim support facility, engaging community leaders, survivors, and local sponsors.
- Supply & Volunteer Drives: Coordinate Rotarian-led drives for needed items (bedding, hygiene supplies, children’s materials), or recruit volunteers to assist at the support center.
- Awareness Campaigns: Partner with healthcare and law enforcement to host awareness seminars on domestic violence prevention and available resources, amplifying the impact of Rotary in community health and protection.
These two opportunities not only respond directly to current local news and needs, but also align strongly with Rotary’s focus areas of education, youth empowerment, and community health.
1. Support and Enhance Safe Housing for Victims of Domestic Violence
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health/Peacebuilding
Context: A recent news item highlights that a local organization is seeking support for a new domestic violence facility in Grayslake. Domestic violence remains a critical issue in Lake County, and enhancing local shelter and support capabilities for survivors is vitally important, especially as economic strains and housing crises have led to increased demand for such services.
Potential Partners:
- The local organization requesting support for the new facility (the news item does not name the group, but organizations like A Safe Place operate in Lake County and may be the beneficiary or involved).
- Local women’s support networks and healthcare providers.
- Municipal government social services.
- Other service organizations such as United Way of Lake County.
Next Steps:
- Connect with the organization requesting support (contact may be obtained through Patch staff or by reaching out to area social services).
- Assess the immediate needs: fundraising for building costs, supplying furniture, or creating survivor resource kits.
- Organize a fundraising event (e.g., charity dinner, online auction, or community run/walk) to directly support the facility’s opening and operation.
- Explore opportunities for hands-on Rotary service, such as landscaping, painting, or assembling welcome packages for residents.
2. Youth Safety and Violence Prevention Initiative
Rotary Area of Focus: Supporting Education/Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention
Context: Following a recent shooting that injured a 19-year-old woman in Round Lake Beach and an uptick in youth-related incidents (including a teen in custody and a car crash involving a school bus), there is a demonstrated community need to address youth safety, conflict resolution, and mental health resources. Proactive initiatives can improve youth well-being and reduce violence.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts and administrators.
- Police and community liaisons in Round Lake Beach, Waukegan, and Gurnee.
- Nonprofits focused on youth empowerment, mental health (such as Youth & Family Counseling of Lake County), and violence prevention.
- Public libraries and community centers for event hosting.
Next Steps:
- Meet with school and police representatives to clarify needs and identify best practices for youth engagement.
- Develop or fund afterschool and weekend programs (e.g., workshops on conflict resolution, peer mediation, and leadership skills).
- Host a community education fair featuring mental health resources, mentoring programs, and violence prevention talks.
- Launch a scholarship or micro-grants program for youth-led initiatives in community safety or positive activities.
These initiatives address immediate, high-impact needs and align closely with Rotary’s vision for supporting healthier, safer, and more empowered communities.
1. Community Literacy Initiative: Book Collection & Reading Mentor Program
Context:
The upcoming “Used Book Sale” (Sep 27, 2025) at 31 Park Ave, Grayslake, highlights both local interest in books and the community’s desire to promote literacy. At the same time, many Lake County students and families continue to face barriers to book access and academic support outside of school. Awareness and support for literacy at all ages align with Rotary’s education area of focus, particularly for youth in Gurnee, Waukegan, and within Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Area Public Library and Friends of the Library (hosts of the used book sale)
- Local schools and after-school programs in Waukegan and Gurnee (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools, Woodland District 50)
- United Way of Lake County (through their Success by 6 and Reading Success programs)
- Local youth organizations: Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Grayslake Library to explore collaborating on book drives before and after their September event, with the goal of redistributing children’s and teen books to under-resourced neighborhoods, especially in Waukegan and Gurnee.
- Organize Rotary members and community volunteers to serve as reading mentors or homework helpers through partner after-school programs.
- Develop and publicize a “Books for All” campaign at fall farmers markets and upcoming school events to maximize donations and awareness.
- Apply for Rotary District grants to purchase new bilingual/ESL books where needed.
2. Lake County Harvest Fest Food Drive & Sustainability Showcase
Context:
Multiple fall festivals are highlighted (e.g., Harvest Fest at Hawthorn Row, Hometown Harvest Fest, Fall Grayslake Farmers Market), indicating a strong seasonal community spirit and opportunity to engage large numbers. Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Lake County (especially in Waukegan and select Gurnee neighborhoods), while the popularity of farmers markets reflects interest in sustainable local food systems. This service project touches both community health and the environment, aligned with Rotary priorities.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (regional food pantry supplier serving Lake County)
- Grayslake Farmers Market and individual local farm vendors
- Lake County Sustainability Office (for educational resources, composting demonstrations)
- Local civic organizations, garden clubs, and school eco-clubs
Next Steps:
- Coordinate a Harvest Fest Food Drive table at Grayslake’s Hometown Harvest Fest (Sep 27), Vernon Hills Harvest Fest (Oct 18), and other local fall events, where attendees bring nonperishable items or make cash donations for local food pantries.
- Collaborate with Lake County Sustainability for live “green living” demonstrations (composting, food waste reduction, healthy eating) during these festivals, giving Rotary visibility while serving the educational needs of the community.
- Recruit volunteers (including area high school students seeking service hours) in advance for set up, donation collection, and community outreach.
- Partner with local schools for a “Harvest for Hunger” food drive competition in October leading up to World Food Day.
- Review outcomes and assess expansion opportunities for further seasonal or year-round efforts.
These two initiatives address both immediate and long-term community needs, fostering literacy, food security, and environmental awareness within Lake County while maximizing Rotary’s impact through partnerships and hands-on service.
Based on recent news and developments in Gurnee, Waukegan, and the wider Lake County, IL area, here are two Rotary service/fundraising project opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus and respond to identified community needs:
1. Community Health & Vaccination Awareness Initiative
Context:
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has recently issued its own COVID vaccine guidance for the fall season alongside ongoing concerns about respiratory illnesses such as flu and RSV. This signals a need for sustained public education and equitable access to vaccines in Lake County, especially for underserved populations in Waukegan, Gurnee, and other nearby cities. Given the history of disparities in healthcare access, Rotary can play a pivotal role in promoting both health education and vaccine equity.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Waukegan Public Library (as a site for outreach)
- Local hospital networks (Advocate Aurora Health, Vista Health System)
- IDPH regional offices
- Walgreens/CVS or other pharmacies for on-site vaccination clinics
Next Steps:
- Initiate outreach to the Lake County Health Department to identify underserved areas or populations with low vaccine uptake.
- Organize informational seminars and distribute multilingual print materials in public spaces (libraries, schools, churches).
- Coordinate with local pharmacies and healthcare providers to host pop-up clinics in accessible community locations.
- Seek grant funding from Rotary International’s Disease Prevention and Treatment focus area to support logistics, publicity, and supplies.
- Recruit volunteers from Rotary membership and local high school service clubs to assist with outreach and clinic organization.
2. Youth Empowerment and Education Program with Woodlands Academy and Riverside Foundation
Context:
Recent news highlights Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest receiving a National Blue Ribbon School Award and organizing service days where students support area organizations. The Riverside Foundation, a local center for individuals with developmental disabilities, also relies on community engagement. There is an opportunity to foster intergenerational, inclusive, and skills-based service learning for youth with and without disabilities—aligning strongly with Rotary’s Education and Youth leadership areas.
Potential Partners:
- Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
- Riverside Foundation (Vernon Township)
- Local Special Olympics chapters
- Lake County youth service clubs (e.g., Interact, Key Club)
Next Steps:
- Connect with leadership at Woodlands Academy and the Riverside Foundation to propose a collaborative “Service Learning Day” or after-school program pairing high school students with adults with developmental disabilities for inclusive activities (arts, gardening, vocational skills, etc.).
- Develop a curriculum or set of structured activities that foster empathy, teamwork, and understanding of diversity and inclusion.
- Apply for a Rotary district grant to provide adaptive equipment, transportation, or supplies as needed.
- Publicize opportunities to other local schools to join, fostering broader youth engagement.
- Incorporate elements of fundraising (e.g., a community art show or “Abilities Walk”) to further support Riverside Foundation’s mission.
These initiatives address current and ongoing needs in the community, advance Rotary’s mission, and leverage local partnerships to maximize impact.
1. Rotary Youth & Community Safety Initiative: Awareness and Violence Prevention Programs
Context:
Recent news from Lake County, particularly in Waukegan and Round Lake Beach, highlights pressing concerns regarding community safety, especially youth-involved incidents. These include the tragic hit-and-run incident in Waukegan that killed a pregnant Mundelein mother, and a shooting involving a 19-year-old woman in Round Lake Beach. Such events indicate a need for youth engagement, violence prevention, and improved community-police relations.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Police Department and Round Lake Beach Police Department
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan District 60, Round Lake Area Schools)
- Community organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Lake County or YouthBuild Lake County
- Faith-based groups and local churches
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) or local Safe Streets coalitions
Next Steps:
- Host a community forum in Waukegan/ Round Lake Beach to bring together youth, families, law enforcement, and educators for open discussion and resource-sharing.
- Organize school-based workshops on violence prevention, conflict resolution, and emergency awareness, possibly featuring guest speakers or lived-experience testimonials.
- Launch a fundraising campaign (e.g., Rotary Safety Community Walk/Run) to support trauma-informed counseling services and afterschool programs in affected areas.
- Mobilize Rotary volunteers to help with mentorship programs or neighborhood safety audits, working alongside police liaisons and social workers.
2. Rotary Senior Care & Fraud Prevention Project
Context:
A recent news item reports a Wheeling man accused of scamming an elderly woman in Lake County and failing to appear in court. This underscores a growing concern for the safety, financial literacy, and well-being of seniors, who remain vulnerable to scams and social isolation.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Senior Services (part of Catholic Charities)
- Area on Aging of Lake & McHenry Counties
- Local financial institutions (banks, credit unions) for fraud education
- Police Departments’ Senior Services Units
- AARP Illinois and Lake County Bar Association for legal/fraud expertise
Next Steps:
- Plan and publicize a “Fraud Awareness and Prevention” workshop held at Gurnee and Waukegan senior centers or local libraries, with presentations by law enforcement or financial professionals.
- Develop and distribute a “Senior Scam Alert” toolkit—co-branded with Rotary and partners—with tips, local contacts, and reporting procedures for scams.
- Recruit Rotary and high school Interact Club members to participate in a “Tech Help Day,” offering one-on-one technical assistance to seniors—helping them set up secure phones, recognize email/phone scams, and use online banking safely.
- Fundraise (e.g., host a pancake breakfast or trivia night) for emergency grant funds to assist seniors who have been victimized, covering expenses like legal counsel or basic needs support.
By focusing on youth safety/violence prevention and senior care/fraud prevention, these Rotary initiatives deliver sustainable support in response to current Lake County community needs and align strongly with Rotary’s areas of focus on community health, education, and supporting vulnerable populations.