Based on the news excerpt for October 17, 2025, from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, recent coverage and opinion pieces are focusing on education achievement gaps in Illinois and ongoing needs in community development. Drawing from Rotary’s areas of focus—particularly education and community health—here are two service or fundraising opportunities tailored to these current issues:
1. Education Enrichment Initiative: Bridging the Learning Gap in Lake County
Context:
A newly released update from a leading education advocacy group, highlighted in the Daily Herald, reveals that while there is progress in Illinois schools, significant gaps remain in achieving academic goals. Local communities such as Waukegan and Gurnee are likely affected, with students facing barriers to academic achievement due to limited resources, pandemic learning loss, and economic disparities.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, Gurnee School District 56)
- The United Way of Lake County’s Success By 6 program
- Local libraries (e.g., Warren-Newport Public Library)
- Education-focused nonprofits (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
- Student organizations at local colleges (e.g., College of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with district superintendents and United Way to identify precise needs (e.g., afterschool tutoring, STEM materials, family literacy nights).
- Organize a fundraising drive or grant application to provide books, technology (laptops/tablets), and learning supplies.
- Recruit Rotary volunteers for mentoring, reading sessions, and setting up enrichment workshops.
- Launch a community awareness campaign (possibly in partnership with local media) to encourage participation and support.
2. Youth Resilience and Mental Health Support Program
Context:
While not explicitly named in the October 17 news excerpt, ongoing educational struggle often goes hand in hand with increased stress, anxiety, and declining mental health among youth—a growing concern nationally and locally. Recognizing this, Rotary can be proactive in supporting students’ overall well-being, which is essential for their academic and personal success.
Potential Partners:
- NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Lake County Health Department – Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Services
- School counselors and social workers in Gurnee and Waukegan
- YWCA Lake County’s youth programming
Next Steps:
- Initiate a dialogue with NAMI and school counselors to assess the current prevalence of youth mental health concerns and identify service gaps.
- Fundraise for and organize mental health first aid workshops for parents, teachers, and student peer leaders.
- Develop youth empowerment seminars focusing on building resilience, stress management, and healthy social connections.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to provide informational sessions on available mental health services.
By launching these two initiatives, the local Rotary club can have immediate and sustainable impact, directly aligning with Rotary’s focus on education and community health, while addressing the most pressing needs currently identified in Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County.
Based on the news provided, here are two Rotary project recommendations that directly address pressing needs and current events in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, aligning with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Community Health & Safety: “Building Bridges – Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing in Times of Crisis”
Context:
Lake County and Waukegan have experienced heightened community stress due to recent federal immigration enforcement actions, leading to fear, anxiety, and trauma among immigrant families. Community leaders and organizations such as Callie Slater and Mayor Sam Cunningham in Waukegan have publicly acknowledged this climate, calling for unity and peace of mind among residents (“Hundreds march in Waukegan in support of immigrants”; “Mayor intercedes in Border Patrol arrest”). Additionally, tragic events such as the recent murder-suicide in North Chicago highlight the need for increased access to mental health and violence prevention resources.
Potential Partners:
- Find Help Lake County (resource directory)
- NAMI Lake County (local National Alliance for Mental Illness chapter)
- Catholic Charities – Lake County Services (immigrant support, counseling)
- Waukegan and Gurnee School Districts (District 60 and District 56)
- Local houses of worship (United Congregational Church, Islamic Foundation North)
- City of Waukegan, Mayor Sam Cunningham’s office
Next Steps:
1. Convene a meeting with NAMI Lake County and Catholic Charities to assess current program availability and needs for crisis counseling, trauma support, and outreach initiatives.
2. Develop and sponsor multilingual wellness workshops and group therapy sessions at schools and community centers, addressing topics like stress management, coping strategies, and access to mental health support.
3. Launch a “Community Comfort” Emergency Fund through Rotary fundraising events (for example, a dinner or walk-a-thon), supporting subsidized counseling and outreach activities.
4. Offer volunteer Rotary support at events and help publicize mental health resources via existing school and city communication channels.
2. Youth & Education: “Inspiring Youth Through Arts, Heritage, and Safe Spaces”
Context:
Waukegan’s youth are actively involved in community-building: High school students are beautifying downtown year-round (“Waukegan students decorating the downtown area year-round”), and a Waukegan High School graduate recently won the 10th District Congressional Art Contest. However, ongoing public safety concerns—such as the recent shootings in the area, as well as the anxiety caused by immigration enforcement—underscore the importance of safe and positive outlets for youth engagement. This is especially relevant as Gurnee and Waukegan see broad youth participation in local events (e.g., Gurnee’s Halloween Fun Fest) and afterschool activities.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie (recently restored, strong community pride)
- Waukegan High School and local art educators
- Lake County Forest Preserves Youth Programs
- Art Impact Project (local arts therapy nonprofit)
- Local businesses downtown (for display space and sponsorships)
Next Steps:
1. Partner with the Waukegan History Museum and high school art departments to create an “Arts & Heritage Youth Festival” hosted at the restored Carnegie building, showcasing student art, performances, and cultural heritage projects.
2. Work with Art Impact Project to offer art therapy workshops for youth affected by trauma or community violence, fostering healing and self-expression.
3. Organize a fundraising campaign (“Art in Action”) to provide art supply scholarships and support after-school programming that offers safe, creative outlets.
4. Engage local businesses as sponsors or hosts for student art displays, creating a rotating “youth art walk” in Waukegan and Gurnee, promoting pride and connection in the community.
These initiatives address immediate mental health and youth engagement needs, respond directly to recent local news, and fit Rotary’s mission criteria. Both can be launched quickly with broad community collaboration.
1. Youth Academic Achievement and Literacy Support Initiative
Context:
The recent success of Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish, who won the regional spelling bee and advanced to the National Spelling Bee, showcases strong youth academic achievement in the area. With participation from 73 Lake County schools, there is clear enthusiasm for academic competitions. However, such opportunities often require resources—study materials, entry fees, travel support—which may not be equally accessible to all students. Additionally, there is a natural Rotary tie-in with promoting education and literacy.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (Superintendent Michael Karner, Assistant Superintendent Courtney Curry)
- Local schools (John Lewis Middle School in Waukegan, Matthews Middle School in Island Lake, Lake Forest Country Day School)
- Public libraries in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County
- Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs)
- Local businesses/booksellers
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Superintendent Michael Karner to discuss collaborative support for next year’s spelling bee or similar academic events.
- Develop a fundraising campaign or literacy drive to provide scholarships for spelling bee participants and supply study materials for schools with fewer resources.
- Organize Rotary-led tutoring sessions or reading clubs at local libraries, offering direct enrichment opportunities for students interested in spelling, reading, and language arts.
- Publicize and celebrate local academic achievements (like Visharad Sathish’s) through Rotary events and digital platforms to inspire more students.
2. Environmental and Community Health Awareness Event
Context:
The spelling bee article highlights the lengthy, mentally taxing competition and the importance of academic activities to children’s development, placing such contests “no different than a sport.” As students engage more in such indoor and academically rigorous events, there’s an increased need to balance this with physical and mental wellness. At the same time, Lake County (including Gurnee and Waukegan) has active concerns and community groups around environmental stewardship and public health.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- School wellness coordinators or PE staff at participating schools
- Local environmental groups/nature centers (e.g., Lake County Forest Preserves)
- YMCA or youth sports associations
Next Steps:
- Partner with schools and the Lake County Health Department to create a “Mind & Body Wellness Day” that rotates through several schools or community centers—combining spelling/literacy games with outdoor environmental activities and health awareness stations.
- Recruit volunteers for activity stations: fun spelling or vocabulary games, nature walks, introductions to healthy eating, mindfulness exercises.
- Seek sponsorships from local businesses for healthy snacks, materials, and prizes.
- Document participation and outcomes to support future grant applications and share impact stories with Rotary International.
These initiatives not only address Rotary’s areas of education, youth, health, and environment, but also build on local strengths and emerging needs in Lake County.
Certainly! Based on the recent news and developments in Gurnee, Waukegan, and wider Lake County IL, the following two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Community Health & Food Security: Support for Local Food Pantries
Context:
Local news reports indicate a spike in visits to Chicago-area food pantries over the past year, highlighting increased food insecurity in Lake County and immediate surrounding areas. Inflation and economic uncertainty are putting pressure on families, intensifying the need for sustained community support for basic needs such as nutritious food.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (serving Lake County)
- Local organizations such as COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan), Avon Township Pantry (Round Lake), or food programs in Gurnee
- Grayslake’s non-profit and faith-based organizations already involved in food relief
Next Steps:
- Organize a Rotary-led community food drive in cooperation with one or more of the above food pantries, focusing on high-need months (typically winter and holidays).
- Develop a service calendar where Rotarians and community volunteers assist with weekly or monthly pantry distribution.
- Create a fundraising campaign for fresh produce (often lacking in pantries) through local supermarkets, the Gurnee Mills business community, or by tapping into corporate sponsors (e.g., companies involved in the upcoming data center campus).
- Publicize partnership and need via local media (Patch, The Vine, etc.) and Rotary’s communication channels.
- Long-term: Explore support for nutrition education or mobile pantry outreach in underserved neighborhoods.
2. Youth & Community Safety: Preventing Violence Through Youth Engagement
Context:
Recent incidents such as the fatal birthday party shooting involving a teen and reports of hate crimes at a Grayslake college underscore concerns about youth violence and safety. There is a need for positive, constructive outlets for local youth, focusing on violence prevention, anti-bias education, and youth leadership.
Potential Partners:
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Waukegan Park District and Safe Place (youth crisis intervention)
- Local high schools (such as Grayslake Central)
- Lake County State’s Attorney’s Community Outreach Division
- Anti-violence nonprofits (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
Next Steps:
- Convene a community forum with local law enforcement, youth organizations, and school counselors to discuss violence prevention and support needs.
- Launch a “Youth Peacebuilders” mentoring and leadership program, pairing Rotarians and local leaders with high school students for workshops on conflict resolution, diversity/inclusion, and college/career planning.
- Secure funding and volunteer support for after-school or weekend enrichment programs (sports, arts, STEM) as alternatives to risky environments.
- Promote service and leadership opportunities for youth; offer Rotary scholarships for participants showing outstanding citizenship or progress.
- Work with Grayslake and Waukegan schools to identify at-risk youth who could benefit most from these resources and mentorship.
Both opportunities respond directly to current challenges in Lake County, are feasible for Rotary chapter engagement, and align with Rotary's focus on supporting healthy, safe, and educated communities.
1. Community Health & Youth Wellness Initiative at Grayslake Farmers Market and Harvest Festivals
Context:
With popular community events like the Fall Grayslake Farmers Market (October 18), Hometown Harvest Fest in Round Lake (October 25), and Halloween at the Y (Lindenhurst, November 1), there is a clear opportunity to reach families and youth in Gurnee, Waukegan, and the broader Lake County area. These events highlight a strong community presence and interest in family-friendly engagement in fall.
Rotary’s Area of Focus: Community Health; Youth
There is ongoing need to address youth physical and mental health—both are national and local concerns. High attendance at these events can be leveraged to promote wellness, offer screenings, or provide educational activities focused on healthy living for children and families.
Potential Partners: - Local schools (e.g., Grayslake North High School) - Lake County Health Department - Local YMCAs (e.g., Lindenhurst, hosting "Halloween at the Y!") - Farmers Market organizers - Local youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs, Scouts)
Next Steps: - Contact event organizers to secure booth/presentation space at upcoming fall events (farmers markets, harvest fests, YMCA). - Engage Lake County Health Department or local hospitals to provide on-site flu shots, health screenings, or healthy habit resources for youth. - Organize interactive activities: nutrition games, mental health self-care stations, wellness scavenger hunt, or fitness challenges. - Launch a fundraising or supply drive (e.g., healthy snacks, sports equipment for after-school programs) at the event with Rotary branding. - Recruit volunteers from local high schools and Rotaract members to assist and maximize youth engagement.
2. Environmental Community Service: “Green Home & Community” Initiative at the Lake County Home Show
Context:
The “HUGE, FREE Lake County Home Show” (October 26, at Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake) will draw homeowners and families from across the county. Given Rotary’s focus on protecting the environment and sustainability, this highly attended event presents an ideal venue for raising awareness and action on local environmental issues, including recycling, home energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
Rotary’s Area of Focus: Environment
Lake County, including Waukegan and Gurnee, has ongoing needs around sustainable living education—especially related to residential waste management and energy consumption—matching Rotary’s environmental priorities.
Potential Partners: - Local utilities (e.g., ComEd, Lake County Public Works) - Solid waste agencies (SWALCO – Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, IL) - Environmental groups (Lake County Forest Preserves, Sierra Club, local gardening clubs) - Home Show organizers
Next Steps: - Coordinate with Home Show organizers to host a Rotary “Green Home & Community” booth. - Partner with SWALCO or Lake County environmental groups to offer educational materials, recycling tips, composting demos, and signups for home energy assessments. - Develop a concurrent “Electronics/Plastic Recycling Drive” at or near the Home Show. - Seek sponsorship from local “green” businesses for literature, giveaways (e.g., reusable bags, LED light bulbs), and fundraising to support Rotary’s local environmental projects. - Measure impact post-event (e.g., pounds of materials recycled, number of families receiving energy assessment resources) and publicize in local media to highlight Rotary’s impact and build momentum for ongoing environmental engagement.
1. Community Health & Mental Wellness: "Lake County Latino Advocacy and Wellness Fair"
Context:
Recent events in Waukegan have underscored the stress, fear, and confusion felt by immigrant and Latino communities. The widely-publicized detainment of a U.S. citizen by Border Patrol near Waukegan City Hall—and the need for Mayoral intervention—highlight heightened anxiety, potential misinformation about legal rights, and cultural/language barriers that affect access to healthcare and social support. This community is at increased risk for both physical and mental health challenges due to fear of law enforcement, uncertainty about public services, and broader social pressures.
Potential Partners: - City of Waukegan (Mayor Ann Taylor’s office) - Mano a Mano Family Resource Center: Known for supporting Latino families in Lake County. - Lake County Health Department - CAPS (Community Action Partnership of Lake County) - Woodlands Academy (student volunteers, interpreter support) - Local legal clinics (eg, Prairie State Legal Services)
Next Steps: - Reach out to partners to form a planning committee. - Select an accessible venue in Waukegan (library, community center, or school). - Organize resource tables and workshops: public health screenings, wellness education, legal rights sessions, and mental health resources. - Recruit bilingual volunteers from Rotary and local schools. - Seek sponsorships, grants, and in-kind support for refreshments, publicity, and handouts. - Schedule for early 2025 with marketing targeted to Spanish-speaking residents.
2. Youth & Education: "Rotary Runners Mentorship and Wellness Program"
Context:
The strong participation of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff youth in the 2025 Chicago Marathon underscores high local engagement with athletics. Organized youth sports and wellness activities promote physical health, discipline, academic success, and community involvement. With Woodlands Academy’s continued recognition for excellence and the Episcopal Preschool focused on educational success, there is an opportunity to expand access to fitness, mentorship, and educational enrichment for underserved youth in neighboring areas like Waukegan and North Chicago, where resources are typically more limited.
Potential Partners: - Local schools (Woodlands Academy, Waukegan High School, North Chicago Community High School) - Local running clubs (Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Runners Club) - Lake County Family YMCA - Community health organizations - School counselors and social workers
Next Steps: - Assemble a leadership team of Rotarians and school representatives. - Develop an afterschool and summer program combining running/fitness with academic mentoring and wellness education. - Invite marathon participants and local athletes to serve as coaches and mentors. - Secure funding or gently-used equipment donations (running shoes, water bottles, etc). - Coordinate periodic community "fun run" or walk events, inviting families to participate and learn about health resources. - Evaluate program success through participant surveys and health/academic outcome tracking.
Context:
Recent tragic events in Lake County—specifically the fatal shooting of John Taylor and Olivia Lacey at Great Lakes Naval Station housing (as reported recently in Libertyville Patch)—highlight concerns regarding community safety, trauma, and the need for violence prevention. Incidents like this have a lasting impact on local families, youth, and military communities, underscoring gaps in mental health and crisis response resources along with a need to foster dialogue around safety and support.
Alignment with Rotary Areas of Focus:
- Community health
- Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
- Support for families/youth
Potential Partners:
- Rosalind Franklin University Health System (for trauma counseling)
- Lake County Health Department
- Great Lakes Naval Station family services
- Local schools and PTAs
- Waukegan and Gurnee Police/Community Relations teams
- YWCA Lake County (anti-violence programs)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to mental health departments and trauma specialists to coordinate an open forum or listening session for affected residents.
- Plan a fundraiser for violence prevention nonprofits or victim support services, such as a walkathon or benefit dinner, engaging local businesses for sponsorship.
- Develop a youth-focused workshop on resilience, safe conflict resolution, and emergency preparedness in local schools or community centers.
- Coordinate with the Great Lakes Naval Station to offer support services to military families, including family therapy sessions and child counseling.
- Publicize events through local Patch, school bulletins, and Rotary newsletters.
Context:
A “strong fall storm system” is expected this weekend across the Chicago area, and such weather events are becoming more frequent in Lake County. Flooding and storm damage can especially impact vulnerable households in Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding communities. Many families lack resources, supplies, or up-to-date information to respond adequately to such emergencies, emphasizing a community need for preparedness education and relief supplies.
Alignment with Rotary Areas of Focus:
- Community health
- Disaster response
- Economic and community development
- Environment
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Emergency Management Agency
- American Red Cross of Greater Chicago
- Local school districts (for student/family outreach)
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Home Depot, Menards, or Lowe’s (for supply drives)
Next Steps:
- Organize and promote a “Family Emergency Kit Drive,” collecting flashlights, first aid kits, blankets, storm radios, etc., for distribution to low-income families and seniors.
- Collaborate with Lake County EMA and Red Cross to host preparedness workshops in English and Spanish, focusing on storm safety, evacuation planning, and home readiness.
- Recruit and train Rotary volunteers to assist with storm cleanup and relief response as needed.
- Seek sponsorship or matching funds from area businesses to purchase additional supplies.
- Use Patch, local social media, and flyers in community centers to advertise both the drive and the workshops.
These projects address current traumatic events and environmental challenges while amplifying community resilience, wellness, and Rotary’s visibility as a trusted local force for good.