1. Opioid Recovery & Youth Education Initiative
Context:
A featured story in the news (Keith Burton, October 20, 2025) highlights Jarrett, a local recovery specialist in Lake County who, after his own journey with opioid addiction, now helps others find healing and hope. Despite ongoing struggles with opioid misuse in the region, Jarrett’s success story underscores both the ongoing need and the possibility for recovery support and prevention—especially among youth who are at risk.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Opioid Initiative (LCOI): Area nonprofit focused on prevention and recovery.
- Lake County Health Department: For expertise/resources.
- Schools in Waukegan and Gurnee (e.g., District 60, District 56): To support youth outreach.
- Jarrett and recovery advocates: As inspirational speakers and peer leaders.
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Jarrett (via the reporter or LCOI) to involve him and other stories of hope in Rotary-led assemblies or after-school programs aimed at middle and high school students.
- Co-host a “Voices of Recovery” event—part resource fair, part storytelling, with local recovery agencies, health professionals, and youth groups.
- Fundraise for Narcan distribution, student wellness kits, or small scholarships for youth peer leaders in substance abuse prevention.
- Establish sustainable peer support programs in area schools with ongoing Rotary mentorship and funding.
2. Post-COVID Youth Skills & Career Readiness Program
Context:
A letter to the editor (Oct 20, 2025) raises local concern about the impact of COVID-19 "non-learning" on Gen Z: missed opportunities in skill-building and a growing mismatch between employer expectations and young adults' preparedness. This gap is acutely felt in Lake County’s job market, hitting Gurnee and Waukegan youth especially hard.
Potential Partners:
- Local High Schools (Waukegan, Warren Township): Student recruitment and facilities.
- College of Lake County: Career guidance/certification courses.
- Local Employers (Abbott, Great Wolf Lodge, Gurnee Mills retailers): Internship/job shadowing opportunities.
- Lake County Workforce Development: Support with resources and best practices.
Next Steps:
- Convene a Rotary-led Career Skills Summit, inviting school counselors, employers, and workforce agencies to identify top local skill gaps.
- Launch an after-school or weekend workshop series: resume writing, interviewing, financial literacy, and digital skills, prioritized for high school juniors/seniors and recent grads.
- Fundraise for mentoring stipends, transportation for participants, and starter “Career Kits” (business attire, supplies).
- Secure business partners willing to offer job site tours or short-term paid internships, making this a recurring annual initiative under Rotary’s youth and vocational service umbrellas.
Based on recent news and needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, the following two Rotary service/fundraising initiatives are well-aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus and address current community issues:
1. Restorative Pathways: Support and Mentoring for Re-entering Citizens Area of Focus: Community/Economic Development, Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
Context:
News highlights the recognition of Andre Warship (North Chicago) and Jenessa Gonzalez (Antioch), both active in the Lake County Gun Violence Prevention Initiative and honored as Waukegan Township’s Coalition to Reduce Recidivism “repatriates of the year.” Their stories underscore a vital need to support formerly incarcerated individuals as they re-enter society and work for violence reduction.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Township’s Coalition to Reduce Recidivism
- Lake County Gun Violence Prevention Initiative
- Local businesses (for job training/apprenticeships)
- Social service agencies such as Nicasa and Lake County Workforce Development
- Faith communities and local YMCA/YWCA chapters
Next Steps:
- Host a community roundtable with partners and recent repatriates to identify key needs (employment, housing, mental health, peer support).
- Launch a mentorship program leveraging Rotary volunteers and local leaders to provide career guidance and life skills workshops.
- Fundraising event (e.g., Benefit Dinner, 5K Run, Auction) to provide micro-grants for transportation, education, and job readiness resources for program participants.
- Pursue grant opportunities through Rotary International and local foundations.
2. Digital Access & Remote Learning Resources for Vulnerable Families Area of Focus: Education, Supporting Families/Youth
Context:
With federal activity leading some local families to push for more remote learning options—and immigrant families potentially fearing in-person attendance—there’s a growing technology gap and urgent need for digital access in Waukegan, Gurnee, and nearby communities. Ensuring marginalized children have devices, internet, and appropriate learning support is critical for educational equity.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan and Gurnee School Districts
- Immigrant/family advocacy nonprofits (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, Catholic Charities)
- Local libraries (e.g., Warren-Newport Public Library)
- Area internet providers (e.g., Comcast Internet Essentials)
- Local Best Buy or tech retailers (for device donations/support)
Next Steps:
- Assess immediate needs with school officials and community organizations regarding digital gaps and culturally appropriate family outreach.
- Arrange a device & hotspot drive through both monetary and in-kind donations (new/refurbished laptops/tablets and WiFi hotspots).
- Organize virtual learning workshops for parents and students, staffed by Rotary volunteers and educators, potentially in multiple languages.
- Apply for Rotary district and corporate grants; plan a fundraising gala or online auction to sustain device and tutoring programs.
Both projects are actionable, respond directly to recent news and demonstrated needs, and would build strong Rotary-community partnerships in Lake County.
Certainly! Here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities tailored to recent news and community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL:
1. Youth Mental Health Support Initiative
Context:
Local coverage has highlighted increasing concerns over youth mental health in Lake County, with a rise in anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation among teens, exacerbated by post-pandemic challenges. Lake County schools, including those in Waukegan and Gurnee, are requesting more community support for accessible mental health resources.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department—Youth and Family Counseling
- Waukegan and Gurnee school districts (e.g., Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, Gurnee District 56)
- Youth mental health nonprofits such as Youth & Family Counseling or NAMI Lake County
Next Steps:
- Organize a fundraising event (e.g., mental health awareness walk, dinner, or virtual panel) with proceeds supporting local mental health resources in schools.
- Collaborate with school counselors to host Rotary-sponsored workshops or speaker panels on wellness and resilience.
- Establish a grant program for local schools to fund on-site counseling hours or peer-support clubs.
- Reach out to potential partner agencies to coordinate logistics and promote the events.
2. Community Food Security and Nutrition Drive
Context:
Waukegan and broader Lake County have seen an uptick in food insecurity, with local pantries (like COOL Ministries and Northern Illinois Food Bank) reporting increased demand. Inflation and job disruptions continue to pressure vulnerable families, especially in underserved neighborhoods.
Potential Partners:
- COOL Ministries (Waukegan-based pantry and resource center)
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local grocery stores (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s) for donation matches or collection points
- Gurnee Park District for public event hosting
Next Steps:
- Coordinate a Rotary food and hygiene products drive with key partners and host at multiple accessible community sites in Waukegan and Gurnee.
- Pair the collection drive with a healthy nutrition workshop or cooking class, inviting local dietitians or chefs to promote long-term health.
- Organize a fundraiser (such as a community breakfast or chili cook-off) to purchase fresh food for pantries and raise Rotary’s visibility.
- Secure commitments from school and park district officials to promote and distribute donations to families in need.
These opportunities address Rotary’s focus on supporting education, youth, and basic needs, and are actionable in the current Lake County context.
Certainly! Based on the recent news and trends from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary project opportunities that directly address current community needs and align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Lake County Food Security Drive and Nutrition Education Initiative
Context:
Recent reporting ("Chicago-Area Food Pantries See Spike In Visits Over Past Year") highlights a significant increase in food pantry usage in Lake County. This suggests greater food insecurity, pointing to underlying economic or supply issues affecting local families.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (primary area food bank partner)
- Local food pantries (e.g., COOL Food Pantry in Waukegan, Avon Township Food Pantry)
- Lake County Health Department for nutrition education
- Local schools and youth groups for volunteer support
- Area grocery stores and businesses for food donations (Costco is opening soon and may wish to participate in a community launch initiative)
Next Steps:
1. Form a committee to coordinate with main food bank contacts (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Pantry directors).
2. Secure meeting space and set target dates for a community food drive and simultaneous family nutrition seminars (can be hosted at schools or community centers).
3. Develop a sponsorship packet for local businesses, specifically new entrants like Costco, encouraging donations or “matching” programs.
4. Partner with County Health Department dietitians or hospital outreach teams to offer workshops at food drive distribution sites—covering affordable, healthy cooking and food safety.
5. Recruit volunteers from area schools and youth organizations for logistics and outreach, fulfilling Rotary’s youth area of focus.
2. Environmental Service Day: Beautifying Community Spaces & Promoting Sustainable Growth
Context:
With the massive new data center campus scheduled to break ground in Grayslake (“Plans Move Forward For Massive Data Center Campus In Grayslake”), there will be increased pressure on local infrastructure and green space. As residents prepare for major development, there’s a unique opportunity to both beautify shared public spaces and educate about sustainability before construction starts.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Park District and Village of Grayslake
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Local “Friends of the Parks” organizations
- School environmental clubs
- Data center development representatives (for possible sponsorship/funding)
- Youth groups (Scout troops, high school Key Clubs)
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to Grayslake Park District and Forest Preserve leaders to identify sites for native planting or clean-up (public parks, walking trails near planned development).
2. Propose collaboration to developers of the data center campus—seek sponsorship and collaborative branding, highlighting the Rotary’s and business’s commitment to community and environment.
3. Schedule a “Rotary Environmental Service Day,” with activities ranging from litter clean-up to tree/plant installations and educational sessions on sustainability.
4. Involve school and youth groups—host a poster contest or hands-on science activity addressing climate or local conservation.
5. Publicize event widely via Patch and school newsletters for maximum community engagement.
Both initiatives directly support Rotary pillars: improving health and food security, protecting the environment, engaging youth, and fostering partnership between business, government, and civil society.
Based on recent events and community trends in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising project opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus and the context provided by the local events calendar and community needs:
1. “Rotary Healthy Home Expo” at the Lake County Home Show (Community Health & Environment)
Context:
The “HUGE, FREE Lake County Home Show” at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake draws large attendance and is focused on home improvement, sustainability, and community connections. Rotary can address increasing local concerns around healthy living environments (lead, mold, air quality, safe water, climate-ready homes) and provide information on environmental sustainability and community health resources.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Health Department - Local environmental organizations (e.g., Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, SWALCO) - NorthShore University HealthSystem or Advocate Aurora Health for health screenings - Home show organizers and local businesses specializing in eco-friendly products
Next Steps: - Contact the Lake County Home Show organizers to arrange a Rotary booth or educational session for the upcoming show (October 26). - Design and print materials on healthy home practices, energy efficiency, and available resources for families (lead testing, radon kits, recycling). - Arrange for volunteer Rotarians, nurses, or students to offer simple health screenings (BP checks), safe water education, and sustainable living tips at the booth. - Publicize the Rotary presence through Patch, event calendars, and social media to maximize foot traffic. - Collect feedback and interest for follow-up workshops or home assessments in underserved neighborhoods in Waukegan and Gurnee.
2. “Rotary Youth Arts & Inclusion Night” at Halloween at the Y! or Grayslake North High School (Youth, Education, & Inclusion)
Context:
Events like “Halloween at the Y!” (Lindenhurst) and the “Day of the Dead Collage Workshop” at Grayslake North High School indicate ongoing youth and family engagement opportunities. These cultural and arts-focused programs also offer a way to promote diversity, education, and inclusion—all key Rotary values—especially for underserved or Hispanic families in Lake County.
Potential Partners: - YMCA of Lake County (Lindenhurst location) - Grayslake North High School arts programs - Local Hispanic cultural groups and youth organizations (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center) - Local artists, librarians, and school counselors
Next Steps: - Reach out to YMCA staff and/or Grayslake North High School’s administration to propose a co-hosted youth arts event around the Halloween or Día de los Muertos themes. - Plan an interactive arts night with Rotarians and artists volunteering to lead crafts, storytelling, and inclusion-themed discussions (including materials in English and Spanish). - Incorporate a scholarship or mini-grant drawing for youth artists, funded by Rotary fundraising leading up to the event. - Share event details in community calendars and through Patch to reach families in Waukegan, Round Lake, and Gurnee, focusing on inclusive outreach. - Create a feedback mechanism with students and families to inform Rotary about ongoing needs for youth arts, mentoring, or educational enrichment.
Both projects leverage existing high-traffic events, meet identified needs in health, the environment, youth, and inclusion, and strengthen Rotary’s community partnerships and visibility in Lake County.
Certainly! Based on the current news and community landscape in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary project opportunities designed to meet present needs and align with Rotary’s focus areas:
1. Community Health & Food Safety: "Egg-cellent Recall Response" Public Awareness and Food Bank Project
Context:
A recent Salmonella outbreak linked to a massive egg recall is affecting over 6 million eggs nationwide. Local residents could be at risk, especially lower-income families and food bank clients in the Lake County area who may not be aware of food recall updates or safe food handling practices.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (Lake County branch)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local grocery stores & pantries
- Area schools for outreach to families
Next Steps:
- Organize a community awareness campaign with printed and digital materials distributed at food pantries, schools, and public libraries explaining the recall, signs of food illness, and safe practices.
- Collaborate with the Northern Illinois Food Bank to host at least two public food safety demonstrations/seminars.
- Launch a safe food drive, collecting and checking eggs and other potentially affected items for vulnerable community members, and replacing them with safe alternatives where needed.
- Contact the Lake County Health Department for updated recall info and request their support and expertise for the campaign.
2. Education & Youth Empowerment: "Blue Ribbon Boost" Mentorship and Resources for Local Schools
Context:
Woodlands Academy in Lake Forest was recently honored with state and national Blue Ribbon recognition. This is a positive model for educational excellence. At the same time, many schools in Waukegan and Gurnee face ongoing resource and mentoring gaps.
Potential Partners:
- Woodlands Academy faculty/students (to model best practices and provide peer mentorship)
- Waukegan and Gurnee public schools (especially Title I or under-resourced schools)
- Local libraries and the Lake County Regional Office of Education
Next Steps:
- Develop a "Blue Ribbon Boost" mentorship program, pairing National Blue Ribbon award recipients (educators and select students from Woodlands Academy) with staff and students at under-resourced schools for skill-sharing and support.
- Facilitate school supply drives and after-school enrichment workshops hosted at libraries, using Rotary volunteers and Woodlands Academy student leaders.
- Meet with administrators at both Woodlands Academy and public schools to identify needs and match resources.
- Apply for a Rotary District or Global Grant (if appropriate) to support supply purchases, transportation, and workshop costs.
These initiatives directly address urgent health and safety concerns as well as promote educational equity—both core to Rotary priorities and responsive to current events in Lake County and its communities.
Rotary Service & Fundraising Opportunity 1: Community Mental Health and Grief Support Initiative
Context:
Recent tragic events in Lake County—including the double fatal shooting at the Great Lakes Naval Station Housing Complex (victims identified as John Taylor, 39, and Olivia Lacey, 36)—have likely had a profound impact on the local community, including grief, trauma, and increased mental health needs among both families and first responders. Rotary International’s focus on disease prevention and treatment, and growing attention to mental health, makes this a timely area for action in Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department Behavioral Health Services
- Navy Family Service Center at Great Lakes Naval Station
- Local mental health nonprofits (e.g., NAMI Lake County)
- Faith-based organizations providing pastoral and grief counseling
- Local high schools/school districts for youth outreach
Next Steps: 1. Contact the Lake County Health Department and Navy Family Service Center to identify immediate gaps in grief and trauma support services for families and the general community. 2. Organize a community “Healing & Hope” forum at a central facility (e.g., Waukegan Public Library or community center), inviting mental health providers to offer workshops on trauma, grief, crisis support, and self-care. 3. Fundraise in partnership with local businesses (like recently featured pizzerias or coffee shops) to underwrite counseling sessions for affected families or first responders. 4. Seek Rotary District or Foundation grants to further expand the mental health response, including educational materials for youth. 5. Publicize available resources and upcoming programs through Patch, city newsletters, and partner organizations.
Rotary Service & Fundraising Opportunity 2: Food Safety & Nutrition Education Campaign
Context:
The recall of 6 million eggs potentially tainted with salmonella, and reports of contaminated rice products, highlight the ongoing challenges of food safety in Lake County. Many vulnerable community members—especially children, seniors, and low-income families—may not have access to timely information or safe, healthy food. Rotary's focus on disease prevention, basic needs, and supporting education align well here.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department, Environmental Health Services
- Local food pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank partners)
- Area schools and PTA organizations (information sessions for families)
- Grocery stores and farmers’ markets (for outreach and fundraising events)
- University of Illinois Extension (nutrition education)
Next Steps: 1. Collaborate with the Lake County Health Department to host food safety and nutrition workshops, focusing on identifying recalls and best practices for safe food handling at home. 2. Partner with local food pantries to include food safety information in meal distribution bags and offer on-site demonstrations. 3. Launch a fundraising campaign, perhaps in the form of a “Healthy Harvest” community event, to provide food thermometers, safe containers, or vouchers for fresh produce for vulnerable families. 4. Develop a communication plan leveraging school newsletters, Patch, and community social media to alert residents promptly about food recalls and share reliable resources. 5. Explore grant opportunities and support from local grocery chains to expand reach and impact.
These projects are designed to address urgent needs in the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County area and build on Rotary’s core mission to create lasting, positive change in local communities.