1. Cognitive Wellness for Seniors: Supporting Dementia & Alzheimer’s Patients Through Doll Therapy and Creative Engagement
Context:
With the rise of memory care needs for aging populations in Lake County, local facilities are adopting doll therapy, music, and art to support seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s. The article by Barbara Vitello spotlights both the growing need and the community’s openness to innovative supports like doll therapy. This aligns with Rotary’s focus on disease prevention and community health, as well as supporting the dignity of aging.
Potential Partners:
- Memory care facilities in Gurnee and Waukegan (e.g., Silverado, Sunrise Senior Living)
- Local hospitals with geriatric psychiatry or memory care wings
- Alzheimer’s Association – Illinois Chapter
- Area artists, musicians, and school art clubs
- Local social service agencies
Next Steps:
a. Conduct outreach meetings with facility directors to assess specific needs for dolls, art/music materials, and volunteer programming.
b. Organize a fundraising drive (“Comfort & Connection”) to purchase lifelike quality dolls, art supplies, and music devices; host donor recognition events.
c. Recruit volunteers (including Interact/Rotaract youth) to support regular creative engagement sessions with residents (art making, musical performances, doll therapy facilitation).
d. Partner with memory care professionals to provide brief trainings for volunteers on best practices.
e. Publicize impact stories to build further community support and awareness.
2. Health Education & Prevention: Tick Awareness and Outdoor Wellness Campaign
Context:
According to Mick Zawislak’s reporting, tick-borne illness remains a persistent risk in Lake County even as cooler weather arrives. Education and prevention are key to reducing Lyme and other tick-related diseases. Many residents enjoy Lake County’s trails and parks, making community education and resource distribution timely and impactful—this fits Rotary’s areas of disease prevention and environmental stewardship.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves District
- Local park districts in Waukegan, Gurnee, and neighboring municipalities
- Lake County Health Department
- Community schools and scout troops
- Local outdoor retailers and nature centers
Next Steps:
a. Collaborate with Lake County Health Department to design updated, accessible tick-safety educational materials—flyers, posters, info cards.
b. Organize a service day at local parks/trails with Rotary, Interact, and partner youth clubs to distribute tick-removal kits, demonstrate tick checks, and share prevention tips with park-goers.
c. Host free educational workshops at libraries, schools, and senior centers on tick-bite prevention, safe removal, and early symptom spotting.
d. Seek donations or discounts on tick prevention supplies from outdoor retailers.
e. Promote the campaign across Rotary’s social media and connect with local media to amplify the message during peak tick seasons.
These two projects meet current, local needs while strongly aligning with Rotary’s areas of focus.
1. College of Lake County (CLC) Student Support Fundraiser & Mentoring Program
Context:
The College of Lake County (CLC) recently launched its 2030 Strategic Plan, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships to support student success and sustainable improvement. Many CLC students face financial challenges, food insecurity, and require access to mentoring, workforce readiness, and support services.
Potential Rotary Partners:
- College of Lake County administration and Foundation
- Local businesses (for internship and job shadowing opportunities)
- United Way of Lake County, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, Lake County Workforce Development
Next Steps:
a) Connect with the CLC Foundation to identify student support needs (scholarships, emergency funds, food pantry).
b) Organize a Rotary-led fundraiser (e.g., community dinner, online auction) with CLC students/alumni stories featured.
c) Recruit Rotary members and local professionals as mentors for CLC students—especially first-generation and underserved students.
d) Evaluate program success annually with college partners.
2. Waukegan Youth Environmental Restoration & Career Exploration Project
Context:
Waukegan is poised to benefit from the new Great Lakes economic plan, which aims to bring next-generation green jobs to the region. The city, with its historic industrial legacy, continues to need stewardship of its lakefront and brownfield sites. Youth exposure to STEM and environmental careers is a key pathway to maximizing these new opportunities and tackling ongoing environmental justice issues.
Potential Rotary Partners:
- Waukegan Park District, Waukegan Public Schools
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Midwest Sustainability Group, Alliance for the Great Lakes
- Local employers in clean energy, restoration, and water technology
Next Steps:
a) Collaborate with schools and youth organizations to launch hands-on restoration and career exploration days at local lakeshore or park sites.
b) Partner with environmental groups for training and project supervision; integrate lessons on environmental careers and skills.
c) Create small scholarships or stipends for participating youth, jointly funded by a Rotary-led community walk/fundraiser.
d) Publicly recognize youth and partners in local media, and advocate for further green-infrastructure investment.
Certainly! Here are two Rotary project recommendations for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, based on current regional news and community needs—and aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Lake County Youth Academic Achievement Fund
Context:
Highlighting the recent achievement of Visharad Sathish, a 12-year-old from Lake County who will represent the region at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, brings attention to the incredible talent and academic ambition among local youth. However, many students face financial barriers preventing them from participating in academic competitions, enrichment camps, or educational travel experiences.
Rotary Area of Focus: Education & Literacy; Youth
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts and parent-teacher organizations
- Area businesses seeking youth engagement
- Organizations like 826CHI (youth writing and tutoring)
Next Steps:
- Establish a Rotary-sponsored “Youth Academic Achievement Fund” with annual fundraising events (e.g., gala spelling bee, trivia night, or sponsored walks).
- Work with schools to identify students with financial need and set up an application/recommendation process.
- Publicize the program alongside local media when celebrating high-achieving students like Visharad Sathish, emphasizing Rotary’s commitment to making academic enrichment accessible.
- Incorporate mentorship, inviting past local spelling bee champions and academic achievers (like Visharad) as role models or junior advisors.
- Seek local sponsors for matching grants or named scholarships.
2. Great Lakes Environment & Workforce Future Initiative
Context:
Waukegan is actively exploring benefits from the regional Great Lakes economic development plan, which emphasizes jobs for the next generation and the economic potential in environmental restoration and stewardship. Ensuring Lake County’s youth and underserved citizens are aware of and prepared for jobs in this sector is both a workforce and environmental need.
Rotary Area of Focus: Environment; Economic & Community Development
Potential Partners:
- City of Waukegan (Economic and Workforce Development Departments)
- College of Lake County (workforce programs, environmental science)
- Great Lakes Restoration Initiative collaborators
- Nonprofits like Alliance for the Great Lakes or local conservation corps
- Local unions and businesses in green industry sectors
Next Steps:
- Organize an annual “Green Futures” career fair or panel event focused on jobs in environmental restoration, clean technology, and lake management targeting high school/college students and job seekers.
- Facilitate a Rotary Youth Environmental Leadership Program: mentorship, site visits (e.g., Waukegan Harbor), and summer internships in partnership with local NGOs or public works.
- Launch a community mini-grant program for youth-led local conservation projects or entrepreneurial green business ideas.
- Collaborate with the College of Lake County to offer scholarship funding for students pursuing degrees/certificates in environmental fields.
- Publicize success stories from local environmental job trainees and connect their achievements to Rotary’s global commitment to sustainability.
Both project opportunities leverage local news events, meet community needs, and are ripe for Rotary leadership through fundraising, service, and partnership.
1. Supporting a New Domestic Violence Facility in Lake County
Context:
Recent reports highlight a local organization’s call for support in opening a new domestic violence facility in Lake County. This issue urgently intersects with Rotary’s focus areas of peace and conflict prevention/resolution, community health, and supporting vulnerable populations. With incidents like the reported sexual assault and teen endangerment in Grayslake and ongoing community safety concerns, there’s an evident need for expanded services to protect and empower survivors.
Potential Partners:
- The local domestic violence organization (name not specified in article; could reach out to A Safe Place Lake County, a well-known provider)
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments
- Health and social service agencies
- Local school districts for outreach
- Area businesses (for funding and goods-in-kind)
Next Steps:
- Contact the primary organization establishing the facility to understand immediate needs: funding, supplies, volunteer labor, and advocacy.
- Organize a fundraising event, such as a community walk or dinner, with proceeds directly benefiting the new shelter.
- Lead a drive to collect essential supplies (toiletries, bedding, clothes, books, school supplies).
- Coordinate volunteer support for facility setup or ongoing needs (e.g., tutoring for youth, mentorship, job-skills workshops for adults).
- Partner with local law enforcement and schools to deliver education/awareness programs about domestic violence, prevention, and available resources.
2. Enhancing Access to Nature and Physical Activity Through the Lake County Hiking Challenge
Context:
The Lake County Forest Preserve District’s annual “Hike Lake County” program features thirteen local trails as part of a 2025 challenge—a direct opportunity to support Rotary’s focus on community health, the environment, and youth development. With increased emphasis on wellness post-pandemic and recent data showing a rise in food pantry use and mental health strain, facilitating participation in outdoor activities can have a transformative community impact, especially among youth and families with limited resources.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserve District
- Local schools and youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club, Scouts)
- Health care providers and wellness groups
- Environmental organizations (e.g., Lake County Audubon Society)
- Local businesses for incentives/prizes
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with the Forest Preserve District to co-sponsor free, guided hikes targeted toward underserved youth and families.
- Organize transportation to trailheads for those with limited access (partner with schools, community centers).
- Launch a “Hiking Gear Drive” to collect boots, water bottles, packs, and weather-appropriate clothing for kids and families.
- Integrate simple educational components–wildlife talks, litter clean-up, Leave No Trace lessons.
- Consider a pledge-based fundraising hike where participants raise money per mile hiked, with proceeds benefitting both Rotary projects and the Forest Preserve’s conservation efforts.
- Publicize through local schools, community centers, and social media to maximize community engagement and impact.
Project 1: Youth Art Empowerment & Mental Health Workshops
Context:
Upcoming Grayslake events such as the Canvas Mural Collaboration at Beer Bazaar (Oct 12) and the Day of the Dead Collage Workshop at Grayslake North High School (Oct 23) highlight growing local interest in communal art and cultural expression, especially among youth. Art is proven to support mental health and emotional resilience, a need acutely felt post-pandemic in Lake County. Hosting hands-on art events pays direct homage to both Rotary’s focus on supporting education and disease prevention (mental health).
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake North High School staff and art programs
- Beer Bazaar – local business supportive of public art
- Local artists, e.g., Sinéad Carus (recently featured at GAA events)
- Lake County Health Department - Behavioral Health
- Youth mental health organizations (e.g., NAMI Lake County)
Next Steps:
1. Contact Grayslake North High School’s art department and Beer Bazaar management to collaborate on an expanded youth art and wellness day, integrating guided group mural making and mental health resource booths.
2. Recruit local artists, including those connected with recent events, to facilitate workshops or work on collaborative murals.
3. Involve Lake County Health Department to provide on-site or take-home mental health resource kits and brief presentations for youth and parents.
4. Apply for a Rotary Foundation District Grant to subsidize materials and promotional costs.
5. Market the event through Patch, school bulletins, and local businesses.
Project 2: Lake County Home Safety & Housing Resource Fair
Context:
The upcoming HUGE, FREE Lake County Home Show (Oct 25–26, Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake) presents an ideal opportunity—thousands of local residents attend seeking solutions for home improvement and safety. Many in Waukegan and Gurnee struggle with safe, affordable housing, including an aging senior population. By hosting a Rotary-sponsored resource booth and mini-fair within this larger event, Rotary can directly address two areas of focus: community health and supporting the vulnerable.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Fairgrounds event organizers
- Local housing nonprofits (e.g., Lake County Housing Authority, Habitat for Humanity Lake County)
- Senior services (Catholic Charities of Lake County, Lake County Council for Seniors)
- Local fire departments (for home safety presentations)
- Businesses exhibiting at the home show (for sponsorships or donated raffle items)
Next Steps:
1. Connect with Home Show organizers to reserve booth space and discuss co-sponsorship for a “Rotary Resource Row.”
2. Invite local housing authorities and senior service agencies to co-host, providing free information on affordable repairs, safety modifications, and senior/low-income support.
3. Coordinate with local fire departments to provide free home safety checks, smoke detector giveaways, and short educational sessions during the fair.
4. Organize a fundraising raffle or 50/50 drawing with prizes donated by home show vendors, proceeds supporting local home repairs for vulnerable residents.
5. Promote this resource fair tie-in ahead of the Home Show via Rotary networks, Patch, and city websites to target those most in need in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding Lake County.
1. Service Project: Supporting Families Affected by ICE Operations and Children in Crisis
Context:
Recent Waukegan-area news highlighted an incident where workers say a father was “abducted” by ICE agents in front of his children, and another case where three children were found living in “horrific conditions.” These events underscore a growing need for both emergency family support and advocacy for the well-being and stability of vulnerable children in Lake County communities.
Rotary Areas of Focus:
- Community Health
- Supporting Families & Peacebuilding
- Education (resource provision and advocacy for children in disrupted households)
Potential Partners:
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (Round Lake)
- Lake County Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
- Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
- Local school social workers and faith-based organizations such as The Chapel Waukegan
Next Steps:
1. Needs Assessment: Meet with social services, Mano a Mano, and school representatives to identify immediate needs (such as food, temporary housing, legal aid, trauma counseling, and school supplies) for children/families affected by such incidents.
2. Service/Fundraising Event: Organize a “Family Resilience Drive"—collecting funds, emergency backpacks for at-risk children, and offering a community day for free notary/legal clinic and trauma counseling referrals in partnership with the above organizations.
3. Ongoing Support: Explore mentorship or tutoring programs for children undergoing family separation or crisis, connecting Rotarians and Interact members as volunteer mentors or tutors through local schools and agencies.
2. Service or Grants Project: Expanding Inclusion Activities and Volunteer Support for Riverside Foundation
Context:
The Riverside Foundation in Vernon Township, a recipient of recent mental health funding, provides residential and vocational support for adults with developmental disabilities. With public attention around the grant and their vital work, there’s an opportunity for Rotarians to help broaden community inclusion, promote independence, and support mental health through new programming or volunteerism.
Rotary Areas of Focus:
- Community Health and Inclusion
- Supporting People with Disabilities
- Education (life skills, vocational training)
Potential Partners:
- Riverside Foundation
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Woodlands Academy (for potential intergenerational projects)
- Local businesses (for vocational training or supported employment opportunities)
- Lake County Center for Independent Living
Next Steps:
1. Project Planning: Connect with Riverside Foundation leadership to assess needs for new equipment, program funding, or gaps in volunteer support—especially for enrichment activities, outings, or supported work programs.
2. Rotary Volunteer Recruitment Day: Organize a “Rotary Service Day” at Riverside, inviting Rotary, Interact, and community volunteers to lead activities such as art, gardening, or computer skills, and to assist with outings.
3. Grant Application/Fundraising: Launch a fundraising campaign or apply for a Rotary District Grant to help purchase equipment (e.g., adaptive technology, recreational supplies) or support Riverside’s community integration efforts.
4. Ongoing Advocacy: Leverage Rotary’s visibility to raise awareness around the needs and celebrate the achievements of adults with disabilities in local media, possibly organizing a yearly “Day of Inclusion” in partnership with the Foundation and township.
1. Community Health & Safety: Child and Family Wellness Initiative in Response to Local Crises
Context:
Recent news from Waukegan and Lake County highlights critical incidents involving children and families, such as the three children found living in "horrific conditions," a toddler recovering from a severe lawnmower injury, and traumatic events like fatal hit-and-runs impacting families and youth. These stories show acute needs for family support, preventive safety education, and health resources for vulnerable children and parents in the area.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services)
- Advocate Aurora Health (local clinics and hospitals)
- Local schools (Waukegan and Gurnee School Districts)
- Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with health and social service agencies to identify gaps in family wellness and child safety education.
- Organize a Family Safety & Wellness Fair featuring child injury prevention workshops, mental health screenings, and parenting resource booths.
- Launch a Rotary fundraiser (such as a fun run or family festival) to support grants for local agencies aiding families in crisis (helping with food, emergency housing, and safety equipment).
- Recruit Rotarians and youth volunteers to distribute safety materials (e.g., car seats, bike helmets) and educational kits to families.
2. Youth Empowerment & Community Trust: Positive Police-Youth Engagement Project
Context:
Waukegan is currently experiencing tension over police-community relations following the trial of former officer Dante Salinas for a fatal shooting and ongoing concerns about youth safety, including predators near schools and tragic accidents. Building trust and providing safe, constructive activities for youth are urgent in the wake of trauma and mistrust.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Police Department’s Community Outreach Division
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Youth Guidance/BAM (Becoming A Man)
- Waukegan Park District
- Local churches and faith-based coalitions
Next Steps:
- Initiate roundtable discussions between youth, law enforcement, and community leaders to foster dialogue and determine areas of need.
- Develop and fund a “Youth Leadership & Safety Workshop Series” co-led by Rotarians and police mentors, teaching conflict resolution, civic responsibility, and personal safety.
- Plan a service-based youth-police collaboration, such as a "Community Day of Service," where teams work on neighborhood beautification or food drives.
- Seek grant support, sponsorships, and local business donations to subsidize program costs and offer stipends or scholarships for youth participants.