Certainly. Based on current news themes and ongoing community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that directly align with Rotary’s areas of focus and regional priorities:
1. Mental Health and Youth Resilience Initiative
Context:
The persistent headlines around juvenile crime and policy responses (as seen in Byron York’s column on youth crime) reflect wider concerns about youth well-being, mental health, and public safety in Lake County communities. Local schools, parents, and law enforcement are increasingly recognizing the role of mental health resources and positive youth engagement in preventing negative outcomes. Rotary’s focus on community health and supporting youth positions it to make a tangible difference.
Potential Partners:
- Warren Township High School (Gurnee), Waukegan High School
- Lake County Health Department
- Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter)
- Youth & Family Counseling or Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Law enforcement-based community outreach officers
Recommended Action & Next Steps:
- Host a Mental Wellness Resource Fair: Organize an event providing access to counseling resources, workshops (resilience, stress management), and after-school opportunities.
- Fund School-Based Mental Health Counseling: Initiate fundraising to establish or expand in-school mental health services, collaborating with school districts to identify priority needs.
- Next Steps:
- Convene a planning call with school counselors and partner agencies.
- Survey local youth and parents about mental health support gaps.
- Form a Rotary committee and seek district matching grants for program funding.
- Publicly invite community leaders and secure local venue sponsorship (e.g., school gym, Lake County Health Department facilities).
2. Environmental Restoration & Urban Greening Project
Context:
Lake County, especially in Waukegan and Gurnee, continues to address longstanding environmental concerns such as brownfields, air quality, and flood mitigation. With the national focus growing on climate and community environmental health, and the proximity of the Waukegan waterfront and Des Plaines River, there’s a timely opportunity for Rotary to champion local action that enhances both ecology and quality of life.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves District
- Waukegan Park District
- Gurnee Park District
- Local conservation groups (Clean Power Lake County, Sierra Club Woods & Wetlands)
- Local schools (for youth engagement)
- Corporate partners during annual service events
Recommended Action & Next Steps:
- Adopt-a-Park or River Clean-Up Campaign: Lead an annual clean-up and habitat restoration along the Des Plaines River or at a local park in partnership with public agencies and youth volunteers.
- Host a Tree Planting & Environmental Education Day: Mobilize students, families, and local companies for tree planting and hands-on workshops about water conservation and pollinator gardens.
- Next Steps:
- Contact Lake County Forest Preserves and Park Districts to identify high-need sites.
- Create a sign-up for Rotary members and community volunteers; involve local schools for youth participation/service hours.
- Secure funding for supplies (trees, native plants, clean-up equipment) through a Rotary fundraiser.
- Publicize the event jointly with partners in local media, inviting broader community participation.
Based on recent headlines and issues arising in Gurnee, Waukegan, and the broader Lake County, IL area—including significant local layoffs, growing interest in solar energy, contentious immigration and safety debates, and youth sports engagement—here are two Rotary service or fundraising project recommendations aligned with Rotary’s focus areas:
1. Workforce Resilience and Community Health Initiative
Context:
Capital One’s recent disclosure of over 500 layoffs at the former Discover headquarters in Riverwoods is sending shockwaves through Lake County. The affected families face financial instability, with ripple effects on mental health, food security, and community well-being. Service and fundraising to address immediate needs and promote longer-term economic resilience aligns with Rotary’s commitment to community health and economic development.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Workforce Development Department
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (noted local nonprofit)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local credit unions and banks (for financial education workshops)
Next Steps:
- Organize a “Day of Service & Resource Fair” at a central location near Gurnee/Waukegan, offering resume clinics, job search help, mental health check-ins, and financial counseling.
- Launch a Rotary relief fund to provide grocery gift cards and emergency utility assistance for affected workers.
- Coordinate volunteer drive for food sorting/distribution with Northern Illinois Food Bank.
- Reach out to area employers for job fair partnerships.
- Promote the event through city social media, workplaces, and local places of worship.
2. Youth Environment and STEM Leadership Project: Solar Futures
Context:
A recent column in the Lake County News-Sun highlighted the opportunities of solar power in Waukegan, a city with a legacy of industrial change and a need for environmental improvement. Youth engagement in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), especially around clean energy, can help address both educational equity and spark civic pride.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District and local schools (e.g., Waukegan High School)
- Illinois Solar Energy Association
- Faith in Place (environmental nonprofit with local programs)
- College of Lake County (STEM faculty and student volunteers)
- Local solar installation businesses (for guest speakers or demonstrations)
Next Steps:
- Develop an interactive Solar STEM Saturday for middle and high school students, featuring hands-on solar kit builds, energy literacy games, and Q&A with solar professionals.
- Fundraise for take-home solar STEM kits, prioritizing underserved youth (especially those impacted by local economic changes).
- Recruit Rotarians and partner volunteers to lead and mentor student teams in creating solar solutions for school or community use, such as solar phone charging stations.
- Launch an awareness campaign celebrating completed youth projects, with a showcase event at the Waukegan Public Library or local community center.
These opportunities respond both to urgent economic/community health needs and longer-term youth empowerment and environmental sustainability, while leveraging Rotary strengths in convening, fundraising, and service.
Here are two recommended Rotary service or fundraising opportunities, carefully aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus, based on recent news and ongoing community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL:
1. Youth Education Enrichment Initiative: Spelling Bee Support & Literacy Advocacy
Context:
A Lake County seventh grader, Visharad Sathish, recently won the local marathon spelling bee and is headed to the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. The event saw participation from 73 regional schools and highlights the value of literacy, language education, and youth achievement in the community. Support for literacy and educational enrichment can benefit all local students, not just competition participants.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (ROE)
- Individual schools across Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County
- Local libraries (e.g., Warren-Newport Public Library, Waukegan Public Library)
- PTA/PTO groups and youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Contact the Lake County ROE and Visharad Sathish's school for partnership opportunities or to discuss Rotary support for spelling bee participants (travel assistance, scholarships, or recognition awards).
- Develop and promote a districtwide Rotary Literacy Month initiative, offering spelling clubs, free literacy workshops, and book drives in conjunction with local libraries and schools.
- Organize an annual event or scholarship recognizing outstanding youth academic achievement in language arts, possibly expanding to math, STEM, or the arts.
- Fundraise to cover costs for travel to national competitions for students in need, and to sponsor new educational materials in underserved schools.
2. Environmental & Community Health Collaboration: Solar Power Workshops and Green School Program
Context:
Recent commentary from community leaders in Waukegan highlighted the promise of solar energy and renewable power as a bright future for the city. Waukegan, a post-industrial lakefront community, is actively seeking clean energy solutions and faces ongoing environmental justice concerns. Rotary can champion clean energy education and green initiatives with youth, schools, and the broader public.
Potential Partners:
- Local organizations such as Citizens’ Greener Evanston, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, and local high school eco-clubs
- City of Waukegan Sustainability Office
- Environmental groups (e.g., Faith in Place, Sierra Club Lake County)
- School districts (Community Unit School District 60 in Waukegan, Gurnee SD 56)
Next Steps:
- Connect with Waukegan’s sustainability office and local environmental NGOs to assess needs and existing programs.
- Sponsor hands-on solar power or sustainability workshops for students at public schools—invite industry professionals to demonstrate solar installations and careers in renewable energy.
- Apply for Rotary environmental project grants to equip a local school or community center with solar panels or fund native pollinator gardens.
- Host a “Green Schools Challenge” with education, recycling drives, and energy-saving competitions among area students to raise awareness and promote stewardship.
- Engage the public through Rotary-hosted “Solar Power for Homeowners” seminars, possibly at the Waukegan Public Library or local park district facilities.
Both opportunities directly serve immediate and emerging needs, amplify Rotary’s impact in Lake County, and align with Rotary’s focus on education, youth, community health, and environmental sustainability.
Based on local news and community updates from Grayslake and broader Lake County, two impactful Rotary project opportunities emerge that align with Rotary International’s focus areas of disease prevention, community health, basic needs, and youth empowerment:
1. Food Security Initiative: Supporting Local Food Pantries
Context:
Recent reports highlight that Chicago-area food pantries, including those in Lake County, have seen a spike in visits over the past year. Economic pressures continue to strain families, signaling a strong and growing need for food support. This aligns directly with Rotary’s focus area on supporting basic needs and disease prevention.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Avon Township or Warren Township pantries (Gurnee and surrounding towns)
- Lake County Departments of Health & Human Services
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to leaders at local pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries; Avon Township Supervisor) to confirm current gaps (e.g., high-protein foods, hygiene items).
2. Organize a community-wide food drive—possibly partnering with local schools, businesses, and faith communities—to collect, sort, and deliver prioritized supplies.
3. Leverage Rotary networks and seek matching grants for bulk food purchases if needed.
4. Recruit volunteers for distribution days and/or to help pantry staff manage the increased load.
5. Publicize the initiative via local news outlets and social media.
2. Youth Empowerment and Mental Health: Creating Safe Spaces and Support Programs
Context:
The Lake County area, including Gurnee and Waukegan, has seen heightened concerns around youth wellbeing, especially related to stress, substance abuse, and community violence. While area schools engage youth, extracurricular safe spaces and mental health resources remain limited. Chicago-area news has recently amplified calls for more youth-focused engagement to prevent risky behavior and support positive development—aligning with Rotary’s focus on youth and community health.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee School District 56)
- Youth-oriented nonprofits such as YouthBuild Lake County or Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Lake County Health Department – Behavioral Health Services
- Police Athletic Leagues or after-school sports programs
Next Steps:
1. Schedule a stakeholder meeting with school counselors/social workers and local youth org leaders to identify the most pressing youth needs (e.g., safe drop-in spaces, mentoring, workshops).
2. Design an after-school or weekend “Safe Space” series at public libraries, community centers, or faith organizations—offering art, music, athletics, mental health first aid, and peer support.
3. Invite professionals/Rotarians (social workers, counselors, business mentors) to facilitate monthly sessions.
4. Apply for small-scale Rotary district grants to cover materials, refreshments, and transportation.
5. Promote via school newsletters, civic events, and social media.
Both initiatives respond to urgent local needs, activate Rotary’s network for community benefit, and would build meaningful partnerships in Lake County and its communities.
Based on current events and community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Community Health & Education: Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair Partnership
Context:
On November 15, the "Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair" is scheduled at the Hawthorn Center in Vernon Hills. This event likely supports neurodiverse individuals and their families by providing educational resources, celebrating diversity, and connecting families with service providers. Lake County, Waukegan, and Gurnee have significant populations of children and young adults with special needs, and existing gaps in access to therapies, education support, and inclusive activities.
Potential Partners:
- Event organizers for Neuro Universe (contact via Hawthorn Center or Vernon Hills local government)
- Local schools (such as Grayslake North High School and Waukegan Public Schools)
- Special Education Parent Committees
- Local therapy providers and nonprofits (e.g., Northern Suburban Special Education District, NSSED)
Next Steps:
a. Contact event organizers to offer Rotary volunteer support at the Fair (e.g., activities, set-up, information tables).
b. Organize a Rotary-sponsored scholarship or grant for families seeking therapeutic, educational, or camp opportunities.
c. Coordinate an ongoing support group or informational workshop series for families, hosted monthly in partnership with relevant local agencies.
d. Publicize these efforts during the Fair, collect feedback, and establish a committee for ongoing action.
2. Environmental Focus: Garden Sustainability Workshops & Community Green Space Support
Context:
An upcoming Grayslake Greenery Garden Club event (“Putting Your Garden to Bed” on Oct. 28) highlights strong community interest in urban gardening and environmental stewardship. There are growing concerns about pollinator decline, food insecurity, and the need for public beautification in Lake County communities, including Waukegan and Gurnee.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Greenery Garden Club (meeting at State Bank of The Lakes)
- Local farmers and the Grayslake Farmers Market (organizers/vendors)
- Village of Gurnee, Waukegan Parks Dept., and Lake County Environmental Groups
- Master Gardener programs (University of Illinois Extension)
Next Steps:
a. Co-sponsor upcoming Garden Club workshops, providing funding, volunteers, or educational materials.
b. Organize a "Tools & Seeds Drive" at Rotary meetings or community events (such as the Fall Farmers Market), collecting materials for local school, park, or neighborhood gardens in underserved areas of Waukegan and Gurnee.
c. Develop a grant program or mini-fundraiser to support pollinator gardens or tree-plantings at community centers or schools.
d. Collaborate with youth clubs (e.g., Scouts or school environmental clubs) for ongoing garden maintenance and educational outreach.
e. Publicly recognize partners and participants through a spring/summer Rotary event to celebrate progress and build momentum.
Both projects leverage current events, address known community needs, and align with Rotary’s core areas: community health, education, youth, and the environment. Progress can begin by reaching out to event organizers immediately and convening an internal Rotary task force for planning.
Context:
Woodlands Academy in Lake Forest was recently honored as an inaugural recipient of the Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools award, and also recognized nationally. This celebrates excellence in education and highlights the school’s achievements, but also points to the broader need for educational support and recognition throughout Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan, where many schools face resource challenges.
Potential Partners:
- Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
- Local public schools in Waukegan and Gurnee
- Lake County Community Foundation
- Parent-Teacher Associations
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with Woodlands Academy administrators to learn about the specific programs or practices leading to their success.
- Organize a county-wide “Education Excellence Fair” or forum where local Blue Ribbon and public schools can share best practices, while the Rotary raises funds to support under-resourced schools (e.g., equipment, tutors, STEM clubs).
- Pursue a grant or matching-fund opportunity with the Lake County Community Foundation and seek sponsorships from local businesses such as Waukegan Tire.
- Develop ongoing mentorship or tutoring partnerships connecting successful schools with those in need.
Context:
Recent reports from the Lake County Sheriff’s office highlight ongoing issues with substance abuse, including meth-related incidents. The problem is not isolated and reflects a broader community health and safety need in Lake County, intersecting with youth wellness and public safety.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office
- Local health departments and hospitals
- High schools and youth organizations (e.g., YMCA, after-school programs)
- UnitedHealthcare of Illinois
- Faith-based organizations (e.g., Faith Lutheran, which hosts active youth events)
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with the Sheriff’s Office and local health departments to develop and promote community education sessions on substance abuse risks and prevention, targeting schools in Waukegan and Gurnee.
- Apply for funding from health-focused corporate partners (such as UnitedHealthcare of Illinois) to launch a “Youth Resilience Challenge”—a program featuring workshops, peer mentoring, and recreational activities as alternatives to substance use.
- Host joint events with local churches and schools, combining educational content with community-building activities (e.g., Trunk or Treat safety fairs, youth vigils, or sports tournaments).
- Evaluate impact and adjust programming in collaboration with all partners, using feedback from participating youth and families.
1. Community Substance Abuse Prevention and Mental Wellness Initiative
Context:
Recent news reports from Lake County highlight a rise in substance abuse and associated criminal activity, such as the arrest involving meth possession and related violent incidents (e.g., the "Man With Meth Strikes Police K9" story). Incidents of violence and drug-related crimes illustrate ongoing community challenges in mental health and addiction recovery. These issues align with Rotary’s focus on community health and wellness.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Nicasa Behavioral Health Services (Waukegan)
- Gurnee and Waukegan Police Departments
- Local schools and PTAs
- Faith-based organizations (e.g., Faith Lutheran Church, which hosts community events)
Next Steps:
- Convene an initial meeting with local health and behavioral organizations to assess gaps.
- Organize an awareness forum and resource fair in Gurnee or Waukegan, featuring speakers such as local police, healthcare providers, and recovery program leaders.
- Launch a fundraising campaign (e.g., community walk, dinner, or online auction) to support ongoing youth prevention programs and mental health resources in schools.
- Develop ongoing workshops for parents, students, and community members, focusing on addiction prevention and mental wellness strategies.
- Secure volunteers and mentors through Rotary and partner organizations to sustain these initiatives.
2. Youth Violence Prevention & Family Support Program
Context:
The fatal shootings reported at the Great Lakes Naval Station housing complex and the broader rise in violent incidents point to significant needs in youth and family support services in the area. Addressing root causes—such as trauma, lack of positive youth engagement, and limited family resources—falls squarely within Rotary’s areas of focus on youth and peacebuilding.
Potential Partners:
- Great Lakes Naval Station Family Services
- Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center
- Waukegan and Gurnee Park Districts
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Local counseling and trauma support services
Next Steps:
- Coordinate a needs assessment with local family service officers and advocacy groups to identify high-need populations, especially military and low-income families.
- Develop and promote after-school programs (leadership clubs, tutoring, sports, arts) in partnership with park districts and local schools.
- Pursue grant and fundraising efforts to offer family counseling resources or sponsor trauma-informed care workshops for families and youth service providers.
- Facilitate community town halls for families to openly discuss challenges, build trust, and increase access to local Rotary-sponsored resources.
- Engage Rotarian mentors to serve as adult allies for at-risk youth, promoting life skills and positive, peaceful conflict resolution.