1. Rotary Food Security Initiative in Lake County
Context:
Local coverage and editorials (Daily Herald, Oct 21, 2025) highlight ongoing food insecurity in Lake County, urging the community to step up and assist neighbors in need. Despite increased funding from lawmakers and foundations, the problem remains acute, affecting families across Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (which serves Lake County)
- COOL Ministries (Waukegan-based food pantry)
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee School District 56)
- Faith-based organizations (e.g., Catholic Charities, local churches)
- Existing community gardens and farmers’ markets
Next Steps:
- Host a Rotary-sponsored food drive or ‘Pop-Up Pantry’ event at a central site in Gurnee or Waukegan; coordinate with the Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantries for logistics and volunteer support.
- Launch a “Pack the Pantry” fundraising campaign, with clear goals (e.g., meals served, funds raised).
- Organize educational workshops on healthy cooking and nutrition for families utilizing pantry services, potentially tying in local chefs or dietitians.
- Reach out to school liaisons to identify children and families needing backpacks of weekend food.
- Schedule planning meetings with partner organizations before the next quarter.
2. Youth Environmental Stewardship Project
Context:
Lake County, which encompasses significant natural resources and park districts, benefits from youth engagement in environmental stewardship. With increased focus on environmental sustainability and education, a Rotary project could address both education and environmental awareness. Community feedback consistently notes a need for more youth-centered learning and leadership opportunities.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Waukegan Park District & Gurnee Park District
- Local schools’ environmental clubs
- Cool Learning Experience (Waukegan-based youth environmental education nonprofit)
- North Shore Sanitary District (for water-focused projects)
Next Steps:
- Plan and promote a "Youth Eco-Challenge Day," inviting area youth to participate in habitat restoration, park clean-ups, and tree planting events—with mentorship from Rotarians and environmental educators.
- Apply for Rotary District grants to fund environmental education kits, native plants, and event materials.
- Invite local schools and nonprofits to help recruit youth participants and create an ongoing environmental stewardship award or scholarship.
- Partner with local media to raise awareness and highlight the stories and impact of participating youth.
- Set a timeline for planning meetings with Forest Preserve and school leaders to align schedules and project focus areas.
1. Backpack Food Program Support & Expansion (Community Health, Education, Youth)
Context:
Recent reporting highlights the Abbott program in Lake County, which distributes food and other essentials to families in need—specifically providing weekly filled backpacks to selected children. Food insecurity remains a significant challenge for many area families, affecting children’s ability to learn and thrive. Rotary’s focus on child health, education, and basic needs aligns directly with this effort.
Potential Partners:
- Abbott (existing program operator)
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local school districts (Gurnee District 56, Waukegan District 60)
- Township offices and social service nonprofits
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Abbott’s community outreach or volunteer coordinator to discuss volunteer opportunities (helping to fill and distribute backpacks, raising awareness).
- Meet with local school officials to identify schools that could benefit from expansion or supplemental support.
- Organize a Rotary-led food/fundraising drive to supplement the backpack program, particularly targeting weekends or school breaks when need is highest.
- Promote volunteer days for Rotarians and community members to pack and deliver food.
- Track distribution impact and report outcomes to ensure continued engagement and improvement.
2. Reentry Support for Formerly Incarcerated Lake County Residents (Community Development, Education, Economic Opportunity)
Context:
Waukegan Township’s Coalition to Reduce Recidivism recently honored residents as “Repatriates of the Year” for their achievements after incarceration, highlighting ongoing needs around reentry support. Transportation barriers, employment, and education access remain hurdles for those seeking to reintegrate and avoid recidivism.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Township’s Coalition to Reduce Recidivism
- Lake County Workforce Development
- Local employers open to fair-chance hiring
- Community college adult education programs (College of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with Waukegan Township to identify gaps in reentry services—such as job-readiness workshops, educational support, or transportation vouchers.
- Develop and deliver a Rotary-sponsored series of “Second Chance” workshops focusing on resume writing, interview skills, basic financial literacy, and access to expungement/legal aid resources.
- Organize a job fair or networking event specifically for repatriates, enlisting area employers.
- Fundraise for specific needs (public transportation cards, uniforms/tools for work, continuing education scholarships).
- Celebrate success stories at Rotary meetings or community events to reduce stigma and encourage broader support.
1. Academic Enrichment and Literacy Initiative: "Lake County Reads – Spelling Bee & Beyond"
Context:
The recent success of Visharad Sathish, a Lake County seventh-grader headed to the National Spelling Bee, highlights both student achievement and the value of academic competitions in the community. With over 70 local schools participating in the spelling bee and strong community pride, there is momentum to promote literacy and enrichment across Lake County, including Waukegan and Gurnee. Many students, especially those from under-resourced districts, could benefit from additional support in reading, vocabulary, and academic confidence.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (Superintendent Michael Karner)
- Individual schools involved in the bee (e.g., John Lewis Middle School in Waukegan, Matthews Middle School in Island Lake, Lake Forest Country Day School)
- Local libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee)
- Parent-Teacher Associations
- Local businesses (for material/cash sponsorships)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Michael Karner and school contacts to propose a Rotary-sponsored after-school literacy program or summer camp focused on spelling, reading comprehension, and vocabulary games.
- Host a community spelling bee festival/fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for books, dictionaries, and program supplies, possibly featuring past spelling bee participants like Visharad Sathish as local role models.
- Collaborate with local libraries and PTAs to offer free parent/child literacy workshops.
- Seek funding/sponsorships from local businesses to support participation for low-income students.
- Recruit Rotarians as mentors, coaches, and judges for school-level and district-level events.
2. Youth Empowerment and Leadership Development: "Scholars & Leaders Mentoring Program"
Context:
Lake County’s strong participation in academic competitions and growing focus on youth achievement presents an opportunity to invest in leadership, communication, and confidence-building programs for middle- and high-school students. Many spelling bee participants, such as Visharad Sathish and Ian Leong, demonstrate dedication and academic motivation, but broader leadership and life skills training may be limited, particularly in communities like Waukegan and Gurnee that serve diverse student populations.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Schools (invite spelling bee participants as ambassadors)
- Local youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, Waukegan to College)
- School guidance counselors and enrichment coordinators
- Local businesses for internships/job-shadowing opportunities
- Professional mentors from the Rotary network
Next Steps:
- Develop a Rotary mentoring initiative where spelling bee and academic competition alums serve as both mentees and peer leaders.
- Organize workshops on public speaking, leadership, goal-setting, and resilience, timed around key academic milestones (e.g., preparation for regional bees, science fairs).
- Invite local leaders and professionals to share their experiences at small group sessions.
- Secure venues (school auditoriums, community centers) and develop a rotating schedule.
- Launch with an inaugural "Youth Leaders’ Breakfast" featuring Visharad Sathish and other stand-out students, covered by local media, to recruit community support and additional volunteers.
1. Community Health Initiative: Food Security Support for Lake County Food Pantries
Context:
Recent local reporting highlights a significant spike in visits to Chicago-area food pantries, including those serving Lake County and Grayslake. The news points to ongoing food insecurity, likely exacerbated by inflation and lingering effects of the pandemic. With the community seeing increased need for food assistance, supporting food pantries directly aligns with Rotary’s focus on community health.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (serving Lake County communities)
- Local organizations such as the Community Action Partnership of Lake County (CAPLC)
- Major pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries in Waukegan or Avon Township Food Pantry in Grayslake)
- Local businesses featured in Patch (potential sponsors)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to partner food pantries to identify critical needs (specific foods, hygiene kits, volunteer hours).
- Organize a community food drive and/or a fundraising event in collaboration with local businesses (e.g., host at the Lake County Home Show or coordinate with participating Home & Garden Show partners).
- Mobilize Rotary members for regular volunteer shifts at local pantries and distribute information on food insecurity resources at community events.
- Seek media partnerships with Patch and local news outlets to publicize the initiative and encourage broader community engagement.
2. Youth & Education: Creative Arts and Writing Mentorship Program
Context:
Ongoing promotion of Grayslake Arts Alliance Writers’ Group and related arts events highlights active engagement with youth and adults interested in writing and the arts. However, many underserved youth may lack access to arts mentorship or creative writing opportunities—a documented gap in educational enrichment in Lake County, particularly in Waukegan and areas with higher need.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Arts Alliance (existing writers’ group facilitators)
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, District 127 Grayslake)
- After-school programs (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, Waukegan Park District)
- Public libraries (Warren-Newport Public Library, Waukegan Public Library)
Next Steps:
- Connect with the Grayslake Arts Alliance and local schools to identify interest in piloting mentorship workshops in creative writing, poetry, and arts.
- Recruit Rotary members and community artists/writers as mentors, leveraging the established Writers' Group model.
- Develop a schedule of workshops and readings (possibly culminating in a youth arts showcase or literary publication).
- Seek in-kind or financial support from local businesses and apply for Rotary District grants for project supplies/materials.
- Coordinate with libraries and after-school programs for space and outreach to youth participants.
Based on recent events, community calendars, and ongoing needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two tailored Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus. Each addresses timely community priorities and leverages potential partnerships within the region.
1. Community Health and Mental Wellness Resource Fair
Context:
With upcoming events like the “Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair” (Nov 15, Vernon Hills), there’s clear momentum around health and especially neurodiversity, disability resources, and mental wellness. The ongoing stressors in the region—including those related to affordable healthcare, youth mental health, and resource navigation—make this a pressing local need.
Potential Partners:
- Neuro Universe (event organizer/advocate for neurodiversity resources)
- Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center
- Local schools and PTOs (e.g., Grayslake North High School)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lake County
- Youth and recreation centers (e.g., YMCA, which regularly hosts family-focused events)
Next Steps:
a. Convene a planning team including Rotary Club members, Neuro Universe, and key local health stakeholders.
b. Identify venue (possible options: Vernon Hills Hawthorn Center, local rec centers, libraries).
c. Recruit presenters/resource organizations covering youth mental health, neurodiversity, addiction resources, wellness screenings, etc.
d. Incorporate interactive educational elements (e.g., stress management workshops for teens, parent resource panels).
e. Develop outreach using local event calendars (Patch, library, school newsletters).
f. Explore sponsorships or mini-grant fundraising to support low-cost resource screening, transportation, or workshop materials.
2. Environmental Stewardship & Community Garden Education Initiative
Context:
With the Grayslake Greenery Garden Club presenting “Putting Your Garden to Bed” and recurring farmers markets, there’s sustained community interest in gardening, green initiatives, and environmental education. Lake County is also focusing on sustainability and healthy food access, aligning with Rotary’s Environment and Community Development areas.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Greenery Garden Club
- Lake County Forest Preserves & Environmental Education Center
- Local schools’ eco-clubs (e.g., Grayslake North High School)
- Farmers Market organizers
- Lake County Food Pantries (for produce donation)
Next Steps:
a. Collaborate with the Greenery Garden Club and local schools to organize seasonal community garden workshops (soil health, composting, fall/winter prep).
b. Host garden volunteer days at school or community garden sites—invite youth, families, and seniors to participate together.
c. Collect and donate excess produce to Lake County food pantries to support food-insecure residents.
d. Seek local business sponsorships or run a fundraising campaign to provide tools, seeds, or greenhouse materials for year-round gardening.
e. Publicize opportunities via the Grayslake Patch, school bulletins, and at the Farmers Market.
f. Track outcomes and participant engagement to plan expanded environmental education programs, including youth leadership opportunities.
Both opportunities directly address local needs, offer high visibility in Lake County, and foster sustainable partnerships that can grow Rotary’s impact while supporting health, youth, and environmental priorities.
1. “Welcoming Communities” Initiative: Support for Immigrant & Diverse Populations in Waukegan (Focus: Community Health, Peace & Conflict Prevention/Resolution)
Context:
Recent news highlighted an incident where a U.S. citizen, Dariana Fajardo, was detained by Border Patrol agents near Waukegan City Hall, prompting the direct intervention of Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor. This incident underscores heightened concerns among immigrant and minority communities regarding their safety, rights, and inclusion. Rotary’s values of peace, conflict prevention, and community health align with efforts to support vulnerable populations, address trauma, and foster better relationships between residents, law enforcement, and local authorities.
Potential Partners:
- City of Waukegan (Mayor’s Office)
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
- Community Action Partnership of Lake County
- Local law enforcement agencies
- Lake County Health Department
Next Steps:
- Convene a roundtable with city officials, partner agencies, and community leaders to assess immediate community needs, especially immigrant and minority populations.
- Organize a “Welcoming Communities Resource Fair” featuring legal aid, healthcare signup, mental health support, and “Know Your Rights” seminars.
- Develop “Community Conversations” town halls with local police, focusing on trust-building, cultural awareness, and community safety.
- Seek grant funding, donations, and volunteers from Rotary and partners.
- Promote the work as part of Rotary’s Peace and Community Health initiatives, increasing visibility and inclusivity.
2. Youth Mental Health & Wellness Support: In-school & Community Programming (Focus: Youth, Community Health, Education)
Context:
The events—including the recognition of Woodlands Academy as a Blue Ribbon School and the upcoming open house—highlight the region’s commitment to education. However, in recent years, Lake County youth (like elsewhere) have faced elevated mental health challenges, stress related to immigration anxiety (as observed in the Waukegan incident), academic pressure, and social isolation. This is a growing community need, especially as schools like Woodlands Academy are celebrated for their achievements—every student should have equitable access to mental and emotional support alongside academic opportunity.
Potential Partners:
- Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Youth & Family Counseling
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lake County
- Local school districts (Gurnee District 56, Waukegan Public Schools)
Next Steps:
- Approach partner schools to co-host youth mental health workshops, assemblies, or wellness fairs, with input from student leadership groups.
- Launch fundraising efforts to subsidize professional counseling services and peer support programs, especially prioritizing underserved students.
- Collaborate with NAMI and school counselors to develop educational materials/guest speaker series for parents and youth on resilience, coping skills, and combating stigma.
- Solicit Rotary volunteers with youth development experience to mentor or facilitate wellness sessions.
- Explore sustainable models, such as “Wellness Grants” for schools, to offer annual mini-grants for student-led mental health initiatives.
These projects address immediate and ongoing needs in Lake County, foster community trust and wellbeing, and further Rotary’s mission in actionable, locally relevant ways.
Context:
The tragic incident at the Great Lakes Naval Station housing complex, where two adults were fatally shot, highlights a need for community support services addressing trauma, mental health, and violence prevention in Lake County (specifically, Waukegan/Gurnee and surrounding areas). Incidents of gun violence can leave lasting emotional scars on families and neighbors, and may indicate gaps in mental health awareness and support services for both adults and youth.
Rotary Area of Focus:
- Community Health
- Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
- Supporting Education (via mental health education/training)
Potential Partners: - Lake County Health Department (behavioral health services) - Great Lakes Naval Station Family Support Center - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), Lake County chapter - Lake County Sheriff's Office, Community Outreach - Zion Township Youth Services
Next Steps:
1. Convene a roundtable with above partners and local faith/community leaders to assess current needs, identify service gaps, and brainstorm supportive programming.
2. Organize a community Mental Health First Aid training or "Violence Prevention & Healing" workshop series for residents, military families, and school faculty.
3. Support a local trauma counseling fund or establish a Rotary peace scholarship for youth leaders dedicated to reducing violence.
4. Plan a fundraising event (e.g., walk-a-thon, benefit concert) with proceeds supporting ongoing mental health outreach and violence prevention efforts.
Context:
A recent incident in Libertyville involved the theft of a vehicle with a 2-year-old child inside and a violent attack on the child’s pregnant mother, who sustained serious injuries. This underscores a need for stronger emergency support systems, family safety education, and resources for families in crisis situations in Gurnee, Waukegan, and the greater Lake County area. Helping to coordinate safety education and emergency assistance aligns with Rotary’s focus on maternal and child health, as well as supporting vulnerable families.
Rotary Area of Focus:
- Maternal and Child Health
- Supporting Education
- Community Economic Development (by connecting families to resources)
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center
- Safe Families for Children (Chicago chapter, supports Lake County)
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office Family Services
- Advocate Condell Medical Center (Libertyville), Social Services
- Local faith communities (e.g., Gurnee Community Church)
Next Steps:
1. Collaborate with advocacy centers to host quarterly “Family Safety Days” offering free car seat checks, personal safety training, and information on crisis resources for families.
2. Develop a Rotary-funded emergency care package program (diapers, gift cards, basic needs) distributed by social workers to families experiencing crisis.
3. Fundraise via community dinners or service-a-thons and recruit Rotarians and local teachers as volunteers for ongoing education workshops in schools and congregations.
4. Explore a partnership grant with Safe Families to expand their network of volunteer host families and family coaches in the Lake County area.
These targeted initiatives respond directly to recent local events, advance Rotary’s strategic priorities, and foster meaningful collaborations within Gurnee, Waukegan, and the wider Lake County community.