1. Project Idea: “Youth Mental Wellness Workshops” (Focus: Community Health, Youth)
Context:
Lake County, Waukegan, and Gurnee communities continue to see sharp divides, heightened stress, and public concern around safety, inclusion, and communication—as noted in recent editorials about community division and personal conflict. Local schools and families may benefit from stronger youth resiliency and mental health programming, particularly addressing bullying, emotional well-being, and crisis response.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Public Schools and Gurnee School Districts
- Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook (which runs branches in Lake County)
- Lake County Health Department—Behavioral Health
- Local mental health professionals or social workers
- Rotary Interact clubs (high school level)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to school administrators and counselors to assess specific needs and interest in pilot programming.
- Form a Rotary project committee of members with a passion or relevant experience.
- Partner with local mental health experts to develop workshop content for students and training for teachers/parents.
- Secure funding (Rotary Foundation grants, local business support, fundraising event).
- Schedule pilot workshops for winter or early spring 2026; measure impact via surveys and adjust approach as needed.
2. Project Idea: “Lake County Green Spaces Restoration Day” (Focus: Environment, Community)
Context:
While recent headlines don’t highlight an immediate environmental crisis, ongoing opportunities exist to address local environmental needs such as park cleanup, invasive species removal, and native planting in public spaces. Lake County boasts many forest preserves and community parks; supporting their health aligns with Rotary’s environmental area of focus and strengthens community ties.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves District
- Gurnee and Waukegan Park Districts
- Local environmental and wildlife organizations (e.g., Citizens for Conservation, Lake County Audubon Society)
- High school environmental clubs (for student volunteers)
- Local businesses willing to sponsor supplies or refreshments
Next Steps:
- Contact Lake County Forest Preserves volunteer coordinator for priority sites and dates.
- Establish Rotary club leadership for event coordination.
- Publicize the event: invite community members, schools, and business groups to join in.
- Organize supply drives for gloves, bags, native plants.
- Hold a “Green Spaces Day” in spring 2026, with educational activities (tree identification, wildlife info) and community celebration.
- Document impact and plan for an annual event, adding fundraising elements (e.g., t-shirt sales, sponsorship banners) to support future projects.
1. Community Solar Energy Access & Education Initiative (Waukegan, Lake County) Context: Waukegan is launching a new solar farm on a reclaimed Superfund site, allowing local residents—especially low-income families—to participate in cost-saving community solar. Given Lake County’s history of environmental justice concerns and economic inequality, this project aligns with Rotary’s focus areas of supporting community health, the environment, and economic development.
Potential Partners: - Illinois Solar for All (ISFA) or local solar program coordinators - Waukegan city officials (e.g., Mayor Ann Taylor’s office) - Faith-based organizations and local non-profits such as the Waukegan Park District or Mano a Mano - Local schools willing to host solar education sessions
Next Steps: - Organize a community information event in partnership with the City of Waukegan and ISFA to help families enroll in the solar program - Set up fundraising opportunities (e.g., “Sponsor a Solar Share”) to offset application/connection fees for low-income residents - Develop and deliver educational kits or workshops on clean energy, reducing household power costs, and climate resilience for youth and families in Waukegan and Gurnee - Recruit Rotarians and volunteers to assist with enrollment, translation, and outreach at community centers
2. Youth Mental Health & Wellness Symposium (Lake County, with focus on Waukegan and Gurnee) Context: Recent coverage (including ongoing struggles with contract negotiations in North Chicago District 187 and a new report highlighting high costs and equity problems in Illinois public education) underscores growing stress for students, educators, and families. Combined with the region’s history of under-resourced schools, supporting youth mental health directly addresses Rotary’s focus areas of education and disease prevention.
Potential Partners: - Local school districts (e.g., North Chicago CUSD 187, Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee School District 56) - Lake County Health Department - Youth mental health non-profits (e.g., Youth & Family Counseling, NAMI Lake County) - College of Lake County’s counseling and health students
Next Steps: - Convene a planning group with educators, youth workers, and the Lake County Health Department to identify pressing needs and speakers - Secure venue space at a school or library for a one-day symposium or series of workshops on mental wellbeing, stress management, and academic resilience - Use Rotary fundraising (e.g., sponsorships, walk-a-thon) to cover speaker costs, resource packets, and refreshments - Arrange for ongoing peer support or mentorship for students as a follow-up, utilizing trained Rotarian volunteers and local providers
Certainly! Based on the recent news highlights for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that address current community events and needs and align with Rotary's areas of focus:
1. Literacy and Youth Empowerment: Spelling Bee and Academic Excellence Initiative
Context:
Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish recently won a Regional Spelling Bee and will compete at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. This event has engaged hundreds of local students from 73 schools, demonstrating an existing passion for literacy and educational achievement across the region.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts and PTAs
- Libraries (e.g., Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee)
- Existing literacy organizations (e.g., Reading Power Inc.)
Next Steps:
- Organize an annual or semi-annual “Rotary Academic Achievement Night” celebrating participants and winners in local spelling bees, math competitions, and similar events.
- Launch a Rotary-funded grant or scholarship program for literacy, reading materials, and academic support to local students, particularly from underserved areas.
- Recruit Rotary volunteers to serve as mentors, spelling bee judges, or coaches for district-wide enrichment events.
- Partner with libraries to host reading workshops and “Family Literacy Days” with fun competitions and prizes.
2. Environmental Sustainability: Supporting Community Solar and Clean Energy Access
Context:
A new solar farm in Waukegan aims to help local residents save on energy bills and invest in sustainable infrastructure. This initiative aligns with Rotary’s “Supporting the Environment” area of focus, addresses climate change, and supports economic resilience.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan city officials
- Local energy providers (e.g., Soltage, ComEd)
- Environmental advocacy groups (e.g., Citizens’ Greener Evanston, Lake County Sustainability)
- Local neighborhood associations
Next Steps:
- Host a community event or educational forum (“Solar Saturday” or “Waukegan Goes Solar”) to raise awareness about solar energy opportunities, answering questions about signups, savings, and environmental benefits.
- Organize a Rotary fundraising campaign to assist low-income families with application or connection fees to the solar farm, thereby ensuring equitable access to clean energy.
- Develop a youth “Green Ambassadors” program in partnership with local schools, training students to become advocates for sustainability and environmental education in their communities.
- Collaborate with city leaders and environmental groups to plan follow-up projects such as community cleanups, native plantings, or energy-efficiency workshops.
1. Community Health & Senior Safety – "Safe Seniors Initiative"
Context:
An 80-year-old woman in Green Oaks, Lake County, was recently scammed out of $17,000—a high-profile case reported in Patch News. This highlights the increasing vulnerability of local seniors to financial fraud and scams. Many seniors are isolated and may not be aware of evolving scam tactics, especially as technological scams become more common. Supporting this population aligns with Rotary’s emphasis on community health, economic development, and protection of vulnerable groups.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office: Already handling scam cases and community policing.
- Local banks and credit unions: Such as Great Lakes Credit Union, willing to provide fraud-awareness education.
- Senior centers and retirement communities: Including Gurnee Park District Senior Center and Waukegan Township Senior Programs.
- AARP Illinois.
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to co-host community talks on scam prevention, especially tailored for seniors.
- Organize educational workshops at senior centers and libraries in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Green Oaks featuring speakers from law enforcement, local banks, and cybersecurity experts.
- Develop and distribute easy-to-read, multilingual printed materials warning about common scams and how to report them.
- Launch a "Senior Buddy" volunteer program, connecting Rotarians and community members with local seniors for regular check-ins and scam-awareness updates.
- Pursue grant funding or a Rotary fundraising event to print materials and support tech training for seniors.
2. Youth & Education – "Youth Resilience and First-Responder Support Fund"
Context:
Recent news includes a fire causing heavy damage to a Gurnee home and a hazardous meth lab incident in Lake County, which hospitalized first responders. Additionally, local cancer rates among younger adults are rising, indicating broader health and safety concerns. Many area families are under stress from health emergencies and disasters, which can disrupt youth learning and stability. Rotary’s focus on education and community health creates an opportunity to build youth resilience and assist first responders.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee Fire and Police Departments.
- Lake County Health Department.
- Local school districts (e.g., Woodland District 50, Waukegan District 60).
- UnitedHealthcare of Illinois (noted in cancer education).
Next Steps:
- Coordinate "Resilience Workshops" for youth and families at local schools and community centers, focused on fire safety, emergency preparedness, and healthy lifestyle education (in partnership with health agencies).
- Develop a service project to assemble "Reentry Kits" for families displaced by fires or disasters—kits can include school supplies, hygiene items, and resource guides.
- Establish a fundraising campaign (e.g., community pancake breakfast or sponsored walk) with proceeds supporting both local first responders (to purchase respiratory protection equipment, in light of hazardous materials incidents) and youth mental health/resilience programming.
- Collaborate with the school districts to identify at-risk youth and families in need of support post-disaster.
- Invite guest speakers from the fire department and health experts for Rotary meetings and public youth-focused events.
These projects respond directly to current, newsworthy issues and leverage Rotary’s service framework for measurable, collaborative impact in Lake County.
1. Community Literacy and Book Access Initiative
Context:
The Fall Book Drive at Grayslake Area Public Library on October 4 reflects a local focus on literacy and community learning resources. Ongoing school and library events highlight the need for continued access to books and educational materials, particularly for youth and families who may not have robust home libraries. The Lake County area, including Waukegan and Gurnee, has neighborhoods where literacy and educational equity are ongoing concerns.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Area Public Library (contact: Friends of the Library Group)
- Waukegan Public Library
- Local schools (e.g., Grayslake North High School, Meadowview School)
- United Way of Lake County
- Rotary-sponsored Interact Clubs in area high schools
Next Steps:
- Connect with Friends of the Grayslake Area Public Library and United Way to assess greatest community needs and destinations for book donations (e.g., Waukegan afterschool programs, local shelters).
- Organize a countywide Rotary book drive, leveraging Rotary and Interact club volunteers for collection and distribution logistics.
- Host book giveaway and reading events at schools and community centers, pairing book donation with family literacy workshops or read-aloud sessions.
- Publicize via Patch, social media, and partner organizations to encourage community participation and raise Rotary’s profile in local educational equity efforts.
2. Youth Arts and Mental Health Collaboration
Context:
Multiple fall events highlight local engagement with the arts—art shows, mural collaborations, and seasonal family festivals. Creative activities provide crucial support for youth mental health, self-esteem, and social connection, all of which have been priorities in the wake of pandemic isolation and ongoing national concerns about youth well-being. With Waukegan and Gurnee’s diverse populations, inclusive arts programming can reach youth who may lack access to enrichment.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Arts Alliance
- Beer Bazaar’s Canvas Mural Collaboration coordinators
- Local schools’ art departments (Grayslake North High School, Meadowview School)
- Community mental health organizations (e.g., Lake County Health Department)
- Youth organizations (e.g., Boys and Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to existing event coordinators (e.g., Canvas Mural Collaboration, Art at Home Show & Sale) to co-host or sponsor interactive art activities for youth, with a focus on mental health and emotional expression.
- Coordinate with local mental health providers to add resources, support, and information at arts events—possibly offering short workshops on stress reduction or mindfulness through creativity.
- Seek funding and volunteer artists through Rotary to provide scholarships for ongoing youth art instruction or materials for public art projects.
- Utilize Rotary’s promotional network to expand event visibility and recruit underserved youth to participate.
- Evaluate potential for an annual “Youth Art and Wellness Day” as a signature Rotary project each fall.
Both projects directly align with Rotary’s focus areas of education, youth, and community health, and are grounded in current community programming and needs in Lake County.
1. Community Mentorship and Scholarship Support for Waukegan To College
Context:
Waukegan To College (W2C) is hosting the “1000 Dreams Gala,” highlighting its commitment to preparing first-generation, economically disadvantaged, and underrepresented students for college. Woodlands Academy, recently awarded a National Blue Ribbon, and students excelling in debate, show regional academic promise, but the need for structured college prep and mentorship—especially in communities like Waukegan—remains significant.
Rotary Area of Focus:
Education; Supporting Youth
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan To College
- Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
- Local school districts and community colleges (e.g., College of Lake County)
- Businesses like Waukegan Tire (community sponsors)
Next Steps:
- Meet with W2C leaders to discuss gaps in mentoring, scholarship funds, and volunteer needs.
- Develop a Rotary scholarship fund to be presented annually, possibly at next year’s Gala.
- Recruit Rotary volunteers to serve as mentors or hosts for college-readiness workshops and interview prep sessions.
- Engage with partner schools (e.g., Woodlands Academy) to organize joint education events such as career days or essay-writing clinics.
- Consider expanding to transport partnerships, making sure students get to events/interviews, collaborating with local sponsors for logistics support.
2. “Healthy Futures Initiative” – Addressing Rising Cancer Rates in Young Adults
Context:
A recent report highlighted rising cancer rates among younger adults in Lake County, according to Dr. Abbie Miller (UnitedHealthcare of Illinois). This points to an urgent need for both preventive education and accessible screening/services—especially for at-risk and underinsured populations.
Rotary Area of Focus:
Disease Prevention and Treatment; Community Health
Potential Partners:
- UnitedHealthcare of Illinois (potential medical sponsor)
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board (noted for inclusive services)
- Local health departments (e.g., Lake County Health Department)
- Area hospitals and clinics
- Local businesses (e.g., Waukegan Tire for sponsorship/publicity)
Next Steps:
- Host a “Young Adult Health Day” in partnership with UnitedHealthcare, offering free or low-cost cancer screenings, educational sessions, and nutrition/fitness workshops aimed at young adults.
- Collaborate with mental health organizations (like Vernon Township Board) to add support for young adults coping with diagnosis or family histories of cancer.
- Publicize the event through Rotary networks, school partners, and sponsor businesses to ensure outreach to diverse communities in Waukegan, Gurnee, and across Lake County.
- Evaluate ongoing needs and explore sponsorship for regular awareness campaigns or transportation vouchers for treatment/screening access.
These projects align with Rotary’s focus areas, respond directly to current community stories, and encourage strategic partnerships within Lake County.
Certainly! Based on the recent news and ongoing trends in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities, each with context, partners, and actionable next steps:
1. Community Health & First Responders: Support for Responders Exposed to Meth Lab Fumes & Public Health Education
Context:
A recent incident hospitalized first responders due to exposure to meth lab fumes in Lake County. This highlights not just the risks of illicit drug operations but also the physical and emotional toll such events place on emergency personnel and the broader community. Additionally, other health-related news (e.g., rising cancer rates among younger adults) in Libertyville points to the need for broader community health education, potentially integrating substance abuse prevention and mental health support.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Sheriff's Office and local police/fire departments - Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science - UnitedHealthcare of Illinois (as referenced by Dr. Abbie Miller) - Local hospitals (Advocate Condell, Vista Medical Center) - Waukegan Township's "Helping Hands" program
Next Steps: - Organize a Mental Health & Wellness Day for first responders and their families, including free counseling, stress management workshops, and health screenings in partnership with local healthcare providers. - Develop and distribute public education materials in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Libertyville, focusing on drug awareness, mental health, and cancer prevention. - Fundraise for first responder wellness resources (e.g., therapy grants, training on hazardous materials) through community events like 5k runs, benefit dinners, or online campaigns. - Invite speakers (including healthcare professionals like Dr. Abbie Miller and local law enforcement) for a panel discussion at a Rotary meeting to raise awareness and plan collaborative actions.
2. Youth & Education: Safe Mobility and Healthy Choices Initiative
Context:
Libertyville’s recent ban on electric bikes and scooters in downtown areas and parks signals rising safety concerns regarding youth transportation and recreation. Coinciding with news of accidents (e.g., a serious motorcyclist collision) and general community interest in youth wellbeing and healthy habits, there is a clear opening to foster both safe mobility and youth engagement in healthy, positive activities.
Potential Partners: - Libertyville/Vernon Hills Area High Schools, and Waukegan High School - MainStreet Libertyville (organizer of “Witches Night Out”) - Gurnee Park District and local recreation departments - Illinois Secretary of State (for traffic and bicycle safety resources) - Local bike shops and sports stores
Next Steps: - Launch a "Safe Wheels, Safe Communities" campaign in partnership with local schools, law enforcement, and parks, teaching safe usage of bikes, scooters, and skateboards, emphasizing helmet use and traffic rules. - Organize an annual bike and scooter safety rodeo and tune-up event, offering free helmet fittings, educational workshops, and basic equipment checks—also providing an opportunity for families who cannot afford safe equipment. - Fundraise for scholarships or stipends for youth to attend local sports camps and safe recreation programs, particularly focused on underprivileged communities in Waukegan and Gurnee. - Coordinate with school districts to integrate educational assemblies or after-school programs promoting healthy, active lifestyles and smart decision-making regarding personal transportation.
These opportunities directly align with Rotary’s focus on community health, supporting first responders, public safety, and youth education by addressing current community needs as seen in Lake County news.