Given the limited direct news from October 1, 2025, but considering ongoing community needs and Rotary’s areas of focus, here are two timely and relevant project opportunities for the Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County region:
1. Community Food Security & Nutrition Program
Context:
The recent food-related stories and recipes (Red Lentil Soup, Instant Ramen upgrades) reflect an ongoing community interest in food security and practical, nutritious meal solutions. Northern Lake County, including Waukegan, has significant pockets where food insecurity, especially among youth and seniors, remains a persistent issue. Food pantries and soup kitchens regularly report rising demand, particularly during autumn and winter.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Roberti Community House (Waukegan)
- Local schools and after-school programs
- Area grocery stores (for food drives)
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with key local food pantries and Roberti Community House to assess the most urgent needs (e.g., nutritious meal kits, culturally appropriate foods, cooking classes).
- Design a Rotary-branded "Soup for the Season" campaign, combining a fundraising dinner, soup/cooking class, and a food drive (collecting lentils, ramen, and other shelf-stable essentials).
- Engage schools to promote student involvement in sorting/delivering donations and to identify families for support.
- Collaborate with local chefs to lead hands-on nutrition/cooking workshops for families and youth.
2. Youth Resilience & Mental Wellness Initiative
Context:
Although no specific youth news was included, ongoing national and local trends indicate a heightened focus on youth mental health and well-being post-pandemic. Lake County school districts, including Gurnee and Waukegan, face challenges supporting students’ emotional health. Community engagement around mental wellness, especially as the school year progresses into higher-stress periods, is a recognized need.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Youth & Family Counseling (Libertyville)
- Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (Gurnee/Waukegan)
- Local school districts (Community Consolidated School District 56, Waukegan Community Unit School District 60)
- Lake County Health Department
Next Steps:
- Connect with school counselors and social workers to identify current gaps in supportive programming (peer support groups, mindfulness workshops, afterschool enrichment).
- Organize a Rotary-coordinated “Youth Mental Health Awareness Week” with workshops, speakers, and destigmatization art projects at area schools and libraries.
- Apply for a Rotary District Grant to fund evidence-based mental health training (e.g., Youth Mental Health First Aid) for teachers, parents, and youth leaders.
- Engage student leaders in designing service/fundraising events to sustain counseling and enrichment activities throughout the year.
Both initiatives offer high-impact opportunities to address urgent community health and youth needs, align with Rotary’s mission, and foster strong partnerships with local agencies.
Context:
Vista Medical Center in Waukegan recently suspended its obstetrical and neonatal services, leaving expectant mothers and newborns—particularly those in vulnerable populations—without critical local care. This closure has sparked concern from advocates and families about increased risks due to longer travel times and reduced accessible support.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local maternal health nonprofits (e.g., March of Dimes Lake County Chapter)
- Area hospitals still providing OB/GYN services (Advocate Condell, NorthShore)
- Waukegan Township
- Churches and community centers
Next Steps:
- Connect with the Lake County Health Department to assess immediate community needs and identify service gaps.
- Organize a maternal/infant resource fair to provide information on available health resources, transportation support, and alternative providers; offer free or subsidized rides to appointments.
- Launch a fundraising campaign (e.g., a walk-a-thon or gala) with funds directed toward transportation vouchers, doula support, prenatal classes, and newborn care kits.
- Coordinate volunteer training for Rotarians to serve as patient navigators, assisting families in securing appointments and services.
- Share advocacy efforts in collaboration with local partners to promote reopening or new service provision in Waukegan.
Context:
Waukegan School District is seeking new food vendors after an “independent study for a standards review” revealed consistent student dissatisfaction with current school meals. With persistent concerns over the quality and accessibility of school food, many students are at risk of food insecurity and lack reliable, healthy meals—impacting their well-being and academic performance.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan School District
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local farms and food co-ops
- Parent-Teacher Associations
- YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs
Next Steps:
- Meet with Waukegan School District officials to review study findings and discuss ways to directly engage students and families in meal planning, taste tests, and feedback sessions.
- Organize a fundraiser (such as a “Taste of Waukegan” community dinner) to raise funds for fresh produce offerings, kitchen upgrades, or weekend backpack meal programs.
- Collaborate with Northern Illinois Food Bank to expand school-based pantries or breakfast/lunch programs during school breaks.
- Launch a “Healthy Food Ambassadors” program with trained Rotarians and older students to lead nutrition education and promote healthy eating habits within schools.
- Explore sustainable partnerships with local farms to provide fresh, locally sourced food for schools and after-school programs.
These two initiatives directly respond to urgent recent developments in community health and youth nutrition, aligning with Rotary’s areas of focus and leveraging the power of local collaboration.
1. Lake County Youth Literacy Initiative – Supporting Academic Achievement
Context:
Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish's success in the regional spelling bee—culminating in a berth at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee—spotlights academic achievement and the importance of literacy and language skills among local youth. This is a prime opportunity for the Rotary to champion education, recognize academic excellence, and help bridge literacy gaps that may limit similar success for other students in the community.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan, Gurnee, and North Chicago schools)
- Public libraries (Warren-Newport Public Library, Waukegan Public Library)
- Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs)
- Local businesses (for event sponsorship/prizes)
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with key partners (schools, libraries, and the Regional Office of Education) to discuss needs and gaps in literacy programming.
- Launch a “Rotary Reads” campaign: recruit Rotarians as reading mentors, coordinate book drives for under-resourced students, and sponsor after-school spelling clubs or competitions.
- Organize an annual recognition event for spelling bee participants and strong readers, securing sponsorships and PR.
- Seek grant funding for books, dictionaries, and literacy resources, and consider scholarships for regional/national contest participants.
- Publicize outcomes and student stories (like Visharad’s) to inspire broader community engagement and support.
2. Newcomer Family Resource and Wellness Fair – Addressing Immigrant & Community Health Needs
Context:
Reports indicate an increasing presence of immigrant families in Lake County, reflected in recent news about families detained by ICE and heightened concern among community organizations (e.g., Black Lives Matter Lake County opening a resource center in Waukegan to be "a voice for the voiceless"). Immigrant youth often face educational and health access barriers, while their families may be unfamiliar with local support networks. A coordinated service project can foster community health, connection, and stability for these vulnerable residents.
Potential Partners:
- Black Lives Matter Lake County Resource Center
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (Round Lake Park)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local school district family liaisons
- Faith-based organizations and immigrant advocacy groups
- Healthcare providers and behavioral health agencies
Next Steps:
- Reach out to existing resource centers and family advocacy organizations to coordinate timing, location, and programming for a free “Newcomer Family Wellness Fair.”
- Solicit Rotarians and community volunteers to provide multilingual information, distribute hygiene kits, books, and school supplies, and offer vision/dental screenings or children’s health checks.
- Host workshops on navigating schools, healthcare, and local services, and include fun youth engagement activities.
- Publicize event through district schools, libraries, food pantries, and social media.
- Consider ongoing follow-up programs such as “Rotary Friends” mentorship for youth, after-school homework clubs, or quarterly wellness check-ins in partnership with trusted local organizations.
Project Idea 1: Listeria Outbreak Response & Food Security Initiative
Context:
A growing, fatal listeria outbreak linked to products sold at IL Walmart and Trader Joe’s has led to hospitalizations and deaths. This follows broader trends of increased food pantry usage locally ("Chicago-Area Food Pantries See Spike in Visits Over Past Year"). Community health and food security, both Rotary focus areas, are significant current needs.
Potential Partners: - Northern Illinois Food Bank - Local food pantries in Gurnee, Waukegan, Grayslake, and throughout Lake County - Lake County Health Department - Supermarkets such as Walmart and Trader Joe’s (for recalls, consumer education) - Local media (Patch, Daily Herald) for outreach
Next Steps: 1. Establish a Task Force: Convene a working group with representatives from Rotary, Northern Illinois Food Bank, & county health officials to coordinate efforts. 2. Organize Community Education Events: Host information sessions about listeria risks, proper food handling, and current recalls at key community venues (libraries, senior centers, food pantries). 3. Food Drive with Safety Focus: Launch a "Safe & Healthy Food Drive," collecting non-perishable, low-risk food items while raising awareness about foodborne illness. 4. Support for Affected Families: Use Rotary funds to provide grocery store gift cards or fresh produce deliveries to families hospitalized or at high risk. 5. Promote and Distribute Educational Materials: Work with health authorities to create simple flyers tailored for food pantry visitors and other at-risk groups.
Project Idea 2: Youth Safety & Empowerment Programs
Context:
Recent news highlights alarming incidents of violence and exploitation among local teens, including a teenager being sexually assaulted and pushed from a moving car by a perpetrator threatening to share explicit images. Preventing abuse, empowering young people, and teaching digital safety fit Rotary’s youth, education, and community support focuses.
Potential Partners: - Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter), Gurnee/Waukegan - Grayslake North & area high schools (school counselors, resource officers) - Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center - Local police/crime prevention units - Youth organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps: 1. Host Youth Digital Safety Seminars: Organize assemblies or evening workshops at schools focusing on consent, sexting laws, online safety, and available resources, in partnership with ZCenter and law enforcement. 2. Parental Awareness Sessions: Offer workshops for parents/guardians to identify warning signs, communicate with their children, and tap into support networks. 3. Scholarships and Support Programs: Raise funds (e.g., through a community walk/run or benefit dinner) for therapy scholarships or emergency safe housing for survivors. 4. Peer-Led Empowerment Projects: Support school clubs or create youth ambassador programs where trained students can lead peer discussions on healthy relationships and reporting abuse. 5. Evaluate Expanding Initiatives: Work with schools and advocacy organizations to assess follow-up needs or pilot prevention curricula.
Through these initiatives, Rotary can respond directly to recent crises, build community trust, and further its mission of “service above self.”
1. Community Health & Youth: Rotary Family Wellness Day at the Fall Grayslake Farmers Market
Context:
Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan, continues to face disparities in access to healthy food and preventive health resources, particularly among lower-income families. The Grayslake Fall Farmers Market (October 4) is a well-attended community event attracting diverse families from across the county.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Area Public Library (already hosting a concurrent Book Drive, linking to youth literacy and engagement)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local farmers/vendors
- University of Illinois Extension/Lake County
- Gurnee and Waukegan Park Districts
- Youth organizations (e.g., local Boy/Girl Scouts)
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with the Farmers Market organizers to secure booth space and event support.
- Organize free healthy living checkups (e.g., blood pressure, BMI) with Lake County Health Department.
- Provide nutrition education/demos (partner with U of I Extension).
- Host a youth activity (scavenger hunt with fresh produce, healthy snack making, or farm-to-table trivia).
- Collect children’s books in collaboration with the ongoing Grayslake Area Public Library Book Drive.
- Publicize through social media and library channels to maximize diverse community outreach.
- Recruit Rotary members and youth volunteers for staffing and logistics.
2. Environment & Education: Rotary-Led Environmental Awareness and Art Project at the Canvas Mural Collaboration Event
Context:
The October 12 Canvas Mural Collaboration in Grayslake offers a creative platform to engage youth and adults in environmental stewardship—a growing concern in Lake County, which faces stormwater/flooding challenges and loss of natural habitats.
Potential Partners:
- Local schools and Grayslake Area Public Library (art and environmental storytelling)
- Artists featured at Beer Bazaar/Canvas Mural Event
- Lake County Forest Preserve District
- Environmental clubs (school-based or community)
- Regional environmental nonprofits (e.g., Conserve Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Meet with mural organizers to propose an “Environment & Community” mural theme, possibly focusing on local wetlands or Lake Michigan.
- Engage youth and families to submit “environmental action pledges” or mini-sustainability art pieces to incorporate into the mural.
- Provide environmental education handouts and resources at the event; organize brief talks by Rotarians or experts in conservation.
- Plan a follow-up volunteer event with the Forest Preserve or local cleanup group, inspired by themes of the mural project.
- Secure sponsorships for art supplies and promotion; ensure recognition for Rotary and partners.
- Capture event with photos and testimonials to share with members and regional Rotary networks as a model for creative environmental engagement.
1. Community Health & Developmental Disabilities: Awareness and Support Initiative
Context:
Recent coverage highlights efforts by the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board to increase awareness of available supportive services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. In Lake County (including Gurnee and Waukegan), gaps remain in community knowledge and access to resources serving people with special needs, a population that faces challenges related to healthcare, social participation, and employment.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local organizations such as Misericordia, Clearbrook, or Lake County Center for Independent Living
- Special education departments of local school districts
- Parent support groups
- Healthcare providers (Lake Forest Hospital, Advocate Aurora Health)
Next Steps:
- Plan an inclusive community resource fair or workshop in collaboration with the above partners, offering information on healthcare, vocational training, and social services for individuals and families affected by developmental disabilities.
- Organize a service project, such as building sensory-friendly spaces in community centers or supplying adaptive technology to local schools.
- Launch a fundraising campaign (e.g., inclusive walkathon or dinner) to provide scholarships for recreational, educational, or employment programs serving youth and adults with disabilities.
- Promote the event through local news outlets and Rotary networks to maximize outreach and engagement.
2. Education & Youth: Partnering with Waukegan to College and Celebrating Academic Excellence
Context:
Waukegan to College is hosting its annual 1000 Dreams Gala, supporting local youth on their path to higher education. In addition, Lake Forest’s Woodlands Academy recently garnered a National Blue Ribbon Award, highlighting educational achievement in the region. Despite these successes, disparities persist for students in Waukegan, North Chicago, and Gurnee who lack academic resources or mentoring.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan to College
- Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
- Local public school districts (Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee D56)
- Lake County Community Foundation
- Area businesses willing to sponsor scholarships or internships
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with Waukegan to College to expand their scholarship or mentoring program, with Rotarians volunteering as mentors or hosting college readiness workshops.
- Organize a joint fundraising event (e.g., trivia night, golf outing, sponsor-a-student campaign) with proceeds benefiting under-resourced students’ college access needs—such as application fees, campus visits, or ACT/SAT prep.
- Recognize student achievers from both public and private schools through an “Academic Excellence Award,” presented at a local Rotary meeting or community event.
- Work with school counselors and local news outlets to share stories of student success and promote volunteer opportunities among Rotary members.
1. Community Health Initiative: Food Safety and Listeria Prevention Outreach
Context:
A "Growing Fatal Listeria Outbreak Linked To IL Walmart, Trader Joe’s Products" has caused hospitalizations and deaths statewide, including local concerns in Lake County. Community members—especially elderly, immunocompromised, and those with young children—are at increased risk. Many may not know the signs of listeria, proper food handling, or recall procedures, especially in lower-income or non-English speaking populations in Waukegan and Gurnee.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- UnitedHealthcare of Illinois (Dr. Abbie Miller, CMO, is engaged in public communications)
- Local grocery stores (Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Jewel-Osco)
- College of Lake County / local schools for student volunteers
- Houses of worship & local food pantries
Next Steps:
- Connect with Lake County Health Dept. to align on current messaging and needs.
- Develop bilingual (English/Spanish) food safety info sheets and distribute at food pantries, schools, and grocery stores.
- Host a community Q&A event (virtual or in-person) featuring a local physician or public health official addressing listeria and general food safety.
- Run a social media/Web campaign utilizing Rotary’s platforms and local community pages.
- Fundraise for safe food storage equipment donations (e.g., small refrigerators) for vulnerable households.
- Measure impact via post-event surveys and health department feedback.
2. Youth and Road Safety Project: “Safe Streets for All” Libertyville & Gurnee
Context:
A local youth from Gurnee was recently involved in a violent incident, and a motorcyclist suffered life-threatening injuries from a road crash in Libertyville. Additionally, the recent Libertyville ordinance banning electric bikes and scooters in downtown and parks reflects heightened community concern over pedestrian, cycling, and driver safety—especially for youth and families.
Potential Partners:
- Local police departments (Libertyville, Gurnee, Waukegan)
- School districts (particularly middle and high schools)
- MainStreet Libertyville
- Biking clubs/shops (for safety classes)
- Gurnee Park District
- AAA or insurance agencies for road safety grants
- Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTO/PTA)
Next Steps:
- Organize a “Safe Streets” education and safety gear giveaway event targeting youth and families. This could include bike helmet fittings, tips for e-bike/scooter safety, and defensive walking/riding seminars.
- Partner with police and local cycling groups for demonstrations.
- Coordinate with schools for assemblies or after-school programs on anti-violence, conflict resolution, and safe travel in the community.
- Launch a fundraising campaign for safety gear (helmets, reflective gear, lights), especially for lower-income students.
- Advocate for and help implement “walking school bus” programs or safer crosswalks near schools and parks, working with municipal authorities.
- Track progress by number of participants, gear distributed, and feedback from teachers/police/parents.