Based on recent community news and ongoing needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Community Health: Affordable Access to Mental Health and Primary Care
Context:
Lake County continues to face challenges related to affordable healthcare access, as highlighted in current discussions on the costs of health insurance and debates on extending subsidies. Additionally, the recent editorial and opinion columns reflect ongoing public dialogue about equitable access to healthcare, especially for underinsured or vulnerable populations. Waukegan and surrounding communities have reported increased mental health struggles, particularly among youth and low-income families, with local clinics and schools advocating for more resources.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- NorthShore Health Centers
- Nicasa Behavioral Health
- Advocate Aurora Health
- Local school districts and PTAs (Gurnee and Waukegan)
Next Steps:
- Host a Rotary-sponsored Community Health Fair, offering free screenings (mental health, blood pressure, diabetes) and insurance counseling.
- Collaborate with health organizations to provide informational seminars and resource guides on low-cost/free healthcare services.
- Fundraise for mental health programs in schools, including after-school peer counseling (working closely with local districts and Nicasa).
- Seek grant opportunities and Rotary district funding for the health fair and continued education/support efforts.
2. Youth Empowerment & Civic Engagement: Youth Voter and Civic Participation Initiative
Context:
Recent letters and opinion columns discuss the importance of equitable, fair elections and democratic engagement. Given the local and national focus on youth civic engagement—often seen as low in Lake County—and the debates around election integrity and participation, now is an opportune time to support youth education in civics and empower future voters.
Potential Partners:
- Local high schools (Warren Township HS, Waukegan HS)
- College of Lake County
- League of Women Voters of Lake County
- Lake County Clerk’s Office
- 4-H and Boys & Girls Clubs
Next Steps:
- Organize a Youth Civic Leadership Day: workshops on voting, government structure, and advocacy, with guest speakers from local government and nonprofits.
- Run a student essay or multimedia contest on "Why Voting Matters," with winners recognized at a public Rotary event.
- Partner with the League of Women Voters for school-based voter registration drives and informational booths.
- Apply for Rotary Foundation or civic grants to provide scholarships and support educational materials and transportation for participating students.
Both of these service opportunities respond directly to the current and ongoing needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County, leveraging Rotary’s strengths in mobilizing community partners and fostering sustainable impact.
Based on the recent news and community activities in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County, Illinois, here are two well-aligned Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that correspond to Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Youth Empowerment & Beautification: Downtown Waukegan Art and Youth Leadership Project
Context:
A group of high school students in Waukegan has started to decorate downtown with art installations and seasonal décor. This initiative boosts civic pride and creates a more welcoming downtown, with the added benefit of providing meaningful opportunities for local youth to engage with the community.
Rotary Area of Focus:
- Supporting Education
- Growing Local Economies
- Supporting Young Leaders
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan High School art clubs
- Waukegan Main Street Association
- Waukegan Parks and Recreation
- Local artists and art galleries
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Waukegan High School staff (e.g., art teachers or club advisors) to discuss expanding support for student-led beautification and leadership projects (such as mentorship, supplies, scholarships, or a Youth Service Award).
- Partner with local businesses for sponsorship and visibility.
- Organize a fundraising event (silent art auction, mural unveiling festival), where proceeds fund ongoing downtown revitalization and youth project grants.
- Create a “Rotary Youth Art Leadership Team” to formalize mentorship and youth engagement, offering capacity for future community projects.
2. Community Health & Veteran Support: Wellness Initiative for Local Veterans
Context:
A recent local ceremony honored 36 Vietnam-era veterans, recognizing a need to support this population. Rotary can play a key role in addressing ongoing wellness, isolation, and health challenges experienced by older veterans in Lake County.
Rotary Area of Focus:
- Disease Prevention and Treatment
- Community Health
- Supporting Peace & Conflict Resolution (via veteran reintegration)
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission
- Local VFW and American Legion posts (e.g., Waukegan, Gurnee)
- NAMI Lake County (mental health)
- Lake County Health Department
Next Steps:
- Connect with veterans’ organizations to assess needs (e.g., wellness checks, social events, transportation, resource fairs).
- Plan a “Veteran Wellness Day” featuring health screenings, mental health resources, and social activities.
- Fundraise for care packages, transportation support, or specialized wellness programs (fitness classes, healthy meals, home visits).
- Train Rotary volunteers to provide regular check-ins for aging or homebound veterans.
Both projects build on current news and community trends, deeply aligning with Rotary’s mission and the acute needs of the Gurnee-Waukegan-Lake County area.
Here are two recommended Rotary service or fundraising opportunities for the Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County, IL area, tailored to current events and Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Youth Literacy & Academic Achievement Scholarship/Support Initiative - Context: Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish recently won the regional spelling bee and is representing the area at the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., highlighting strong community engagement in youth literacy and academic achievement. Hundreds of students from 73 schools participated, demonstrating both interest and need for additional support for literacy and academic programs. - Potential Partners: - Lake County Regional Office of Education - Local school districts and PTAs (e.g., Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, Gurnee School District 56) - Local libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library) - Educational nonprofits (e.g., 826CHI, Reading Power Inc.) - Next Steps: - Organize an annual "Rotary Champion Spellers" event to support participation in spelling bees, sponsor entrants, and provide grants for underserved students' travel and registration costs. - Launch a youth literacy fundraiser or book drive timed to coincide with the National Spelling Bee, with proceeds funding year-round literacy tutoring in local schools and libraries. - Form a Rotary mentoring team to coach students in public speaking, spelling, and academic confidence, recruiting volunteers from education and journalism sectors.
2. Vibrant Spaces & Youth-Led Community Beautification - Context: Waukegan students are actively decorating downtown Waukegan year-round, aiming to improve the area’s appearance and community spirit. There’s interest in turning underutilized sites (like the Lake Villa school building) into vibrant, active spaces for youth and families, directly tying into Rotary’s environment and youth engagement focus areas. - Potential Partners: - City of Waukegan Arts Council - Waukegan High School art and leadership programs - Local business improvement districts and chambers of commerce - Environmental organizations (Lake County Forest Preserves, local garden clubs) - Next Steps: - Coordinate a "Rotary Day of Service: Youth in Bloom" event—fundraising for public art supplies, garden beds, murals, and cleanup efforts, with student leadership. - Develop an adopt-a-spot program, pairing Rotary volunteers and students with neglected public spaces to provide ongoing beautification and maintenance, possibly focusing on the Lake Villa school site redevelopment. - Apply for Rotary grants supporting environment/youth joint projects and work with the city to secure approvals for more public youth art installations.
Both projects directly respond to current news and local priorities, connect with Rotary’s mission, and foster partnerships that expand impact and visibility within the Lake County community.
1. Community Health & Water Safety Initiative
Context:
Recent news reports from Lake County highlighted two separate boating incidents, including the tragic drowning of Larry Suchowski of Gurnee and an ongoing search for another missing man on Fox Lake. These incidents underscore a need for greater water safety education and support for families affected by water-related tragedies.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Marine Unit
- Local YMCA or Park Districts (e.g., Waukegan Park District, Gurnee Park District)
- Fox Waterway Agency
- Local hospitals and the Lake County Health Department
- Grayslake and Gurnee school districts for outreach to youth
- Businesses such as Dick’s Sporting Goods or West Marine (for life jacket donations)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Sheriff’s Marine Unit and Park Districts to coordinate a "Community Water Safety Day," offering free or subsidized swim lessons, life jacket fittings, and water rescue demonstrations.
- Work with local schools and youth organizations to incorporate water safety education into the summer curriculum or after-school programs.
- Organize a fundraising campaign to provide life jackets for low-income families, naming the initiative in memory of Larry Suchowski to honor the local connection and raise awareness.
- Partner with local media (such as Patch) to amplify safety messages and promote the event.
2. Education & Support for Immigrant Students
Context:
A recent, highly publicized ICE arrest of a College of Lake County (CLC) student in Waukegan—witnessed by students, staff, and community members—has sparked concern and fear in the local immigrant and student communities. This incident points to a heightened need for education about rights, community support, and mental health resources for both immigrant youth and their families.
Potential Partners:
- College of Lake County student services and counseling office
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (Round Lake)
- HACES (Helping All Children Excel Successfully), a Waukegan-based immigrant support nonprofit
- Local high school guidance counselors
- Lake County Bar Association (for legal rights presentations)
- Faith-based groups (e.g., Waukegan and Gurnee churches with Hispanic ministries)
Next Steps:
- Organize a “Know Your Rights” seminar series at CLC and local high schools, featuring attorneys from the Lake County Bar Association and facilitators from organizations like Mano a Mano and HACES.
- Launch a fundraising campaign within Rotary to provide scholarships or emergency funds for immigrant students impacted by immigration enforcement actions.
- Create a community support network that connects students and families to resources for mental wellness, legal aid, and academic support—including multilingual counseling support.
- Publicize these resources in cooperation with CLC, local churches, and community centers to ensure they reach the intended audience.
1. Neurodiversity Resource and Support Initiative
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health / Supporting Education / Youth
Context:
On November 15, the "Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair" will be held at 122 Hawthorn Ctr, Vernon Hills. This event is a community-focused fair providing resources and celebration for individuals and families connected to neurodiversity (such as autism, ADHD, and other neurological differences). Events like these reveal an ongoing regional need for support, education, and inclusion for neurodiverse youth and their families in Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- "Neuro Universe" event organizers
- Local school districts (e.g., Grayslake, Waukegan public schools)
- Special education professionals and advocacy groups
- Parents and caregivers support organizations
- Libertyville and Vernon Hills YMCA (for possible space/volunteer collaboration)
- Local businesses interested in inclusive hiring
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Neuro Universe event organizers to express Rotary's interest in volunteering, sponsoring future events, or providing in-kind resources (such as sensory kits, communication tools, or scholarships for neurodiverse youth).
- Collaborate with school districts and advocacy groups to survey families about unmet needs in support, resources, or inclusive extracurricular activities.
- Organize an awareness and resource fair in spring 2026 with education stations, local therapists, and inclusive recreation providers, or consider a fundraising campaign to purchase and distribute classroom sensory tools.
- Recruit Rotarians and community volunteers for ongoing mentorship or tutoring for neurodiverse students (possibly as a club service project).
- Promote the initiative at Rotary meetings, on social media, and at community events (such as the Fall Grayslake Farmers Market) to build awareness and gather support.
2. Green Community: Fall Clean-Up and Urban Tree Planting
Rotary Area of Focus: Environment / Community Development
Context:
Grayslake and surrounding Lake County communities are bustling with fall events such as the "Fall Grayslake Farmers Market," "Harvest Fest," and free Lake County Home Show, which suggest high resident engagement and a community-minded spirit. With Lake County’s continued suburban development, environmental sustainability is an increasingly relevant priority. Local governments and nonprofits often seek help with town beautification, tree planting, and park clean-ups—especially in accessible, high-traffic areas like downtown Grayslake, Waukegan, and area parks.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Park District
- Lake County Forest Preserve District
- Local farmers market organizers
- Youth groups (e.g., Scouting troops, 4H, school Green Clubs)
- Environmental organizations such as Citizens’ Greener Evanston or the Sierra Club Lake County
- Local garden centers/nurseries for in-kind plant and tool donations
Next Steps:
- Connect with the Grayslake Park District and Lake County Forest Preserve to identify areas most in need of clean-up or tree planting.
- Establish a fall or spring "Rotary Green Day" for tree planting, invasive species removal, and trash clean-up in partnership with local schools and youth groups.
- Apply for Rotary District/International grants to fund the purchase of trees and native plants.
- Set up an educational booth at the Fall Grayslake Farmers Market or Home Show to promote environmental stewardship and recruit volunteers.
- Host a fundraising campaign—such as a "Buy a Tree, Plant a Tree" drive—encouraging residents to fund trees that the Rotary will plant.
- Document and celebrate impact through photos and stories shared via social media and at Rotary meetings, creating momentum for identifying the next green project.
Both projects build on current community events and address clearly observable needs: support for neurodiverse youth and environmental sustainability. Each leverages local partnerships and aligns with Rotary’s mission and global focus areas.
1. Know Your Rights: Community Education Workshops on Immigration and Civil Liberties
Context:
Recent incidents in Waukegan involving local students and residents—specifically the arrest of a College of Lake County (CLC) student by ICE, and the wrongful detainment of U.S. citizen Dariana Fajardo by Border Patrol near Waukegan City Hall—have alarmed many community members. These events have created uncertainty and fear around immigration enforcement actions, highlighting a need for clear, accessible information about legal rights for students, families, and residents.
Potential Partners:
- College of Lake County (Student life, campus legal aid, Multicultural Student Center)
- Waukegan Public Library (community meeting space & outreach)
- Local legal clinics and organizations (e.g., Lake County Bar Association, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights)
- City of Waukegan (Mayor’s Office, Community Relations)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to CLC student leadership and Waukegan officials to coordinate an initial planning meeting.
- Identify and invite legal experts and advocacy groups who can present.
- Organize a recurring series of in-person or online “Know Your Rights” seminars, ensuring information is available in English and Spanish.
- Launch an awareness campaign through schools, libraries, and social service agencies.
- Secure funding or in-kind donations for materials, refreshments, and promotional outreach.
Rotary Areas of Focus: Peace & conflict prevention/resolution; Community health (safety/stability); Education
2. Community Youth Empowerment & Academic Achievement Program
Context:
Recent recognitions of Woodlands Academy’s academic excellence and achievements by local youth (e.g., National Merit commendation for senior Evelyn Seliga) are promising, yet Lake County and Waukegan schools face significant disparities in academic resources and outcomes. There is an opportunity to support under-served students with extra academic programming, mentorship, and college/career readiness—helping all youth reach their potential and bridging opportunity gaps.
Potential Partners:
- Woodlands Academy (student volunteers, tutors, programs)
- Waukegan and Gurnee public schools (school district outreach)
- Local National Honor Society chapters and academic clubs
- Lake County educational nonprofits (e.g., Reading Power, YouthBuild Lake County)
- Area businesses (for sponsorship of supplies or scholarships)
Next Steps:
- Arrange a stakeholder roundtable to assess greatest needs in Waukegan and Gurnee schools.
- Develop after-school or weekend academic enrichment sessions (tutoring, STEM ‘boot camps,’ SAT/college workshops), leveraging volunteer high-achieving students from Woodlands and other local schools.
- Establish a Rotary-run mentorship program connecting local professionals with middle and high schoolers.
- Seek grant funding or corporate sponsorships for books, materials, and any transportation needs.
- Plan a celebratory showcase for student accomplishments to cap the inaugural year.
Rotary Areas of Focus: Supporting education; Growing local economies; Youth empowerment
1. Community Health & Safety: Support for Violence Victims and First Responders
Context:
Recent news in Libertyville and neighboring communities has highlighted multiple traumatic public safety incidents, notably:
- A Libertyville mother (34, pregnant) was attacked and had her car stolen with her 2-year-old child inside, resulting in serious injury.
- A Gurnee man (Maurice Freeman) was arrested for allegedly attacking his mother (68) with a metal pipe.
Both events underscore increasing needs for community support resources for victims of violence and recognition/training for first responders who handle such crises. Rotary International’s focus on disease prevention and treatment, alongside community economic development, covers both the physical and emotional recovery that victims and communities need after such traumatic events.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department & Community Health Center
- A Safe Place (Lake County’s domestic violence resource provider)
- Local police departments (Libertyville, Gurnee, Waukegan)
- Advocate Condell Medical Center
Next Steps:
a) Meet with A Safe Place and Lake County Health Department to assess urgent needs for victim services (emergency shelter funding, trauma counseling programs, resource backpacks for families involved in public safety incidents).
b) Organize a “Community Resilience” fundraising event or service drive (e.g., donation drive for trauma kits, children’s comfort items, or direct funds for counseling services).
c) Collaborate with police departments to provide thank-you kits or professional training sponsorships on trauma-informed response for first responders.
d) Publicize the event and partnership using local media and social media channels; involve Rotary members as volunteers and ambassadors.
2. Education & Youth Advocacy: Immigrant Assistance and Rights Education
Context:
A recent ICE arrest at the College of Lake County (CLC) in Waukegan—in full view of students, staff, and community members—has amplified anxiety and confusion among local immigrant families and youth, who already face barriers to higher education and social support. This aligns with Rotary’s emphases on education, peace and conflict prevention/resolution, and support for vulnerable populations.
Potential Partners:
- College of Lake County (Student Life & Counseling Services)
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (Round Lake Park, serving Lake County immigrant families)
- Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)
- Local school administrators and parent groups
Next Steps:
a) Convene a roundtable with CLC representatives and Mano a Mano to assess priority needs for immigrant students and their families (know-your-rights workshops, emotional health support, legal aid resource guides).
b) Develop a Rotary-sponsored “Safe Spaces” initiative on campus and in the community (e.g., know-your-rights seminars, mental wellness days, “community navigator” volunteers).
c) Fundraise for scholarships, technology access, or legal aid support for immigrant students at CLC and area high schools.
d) Organize/host a community fair to connect immigrant youth and parents with local resources and Rotary mentorship opportunities.
e) Share event details in Rotary newsletters and invite members to volunteer or act as advocates/mentors.