Absolutely! Based on recent regional headlines and typical ongoing needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL—as well as considering Rotary’s areas of focus and local context—here are two actionable project recommendations for your club:
1. Expanding Mental Health Support for Local Youth
Context:
Community reports continue to highlight growing concerns about youth mental health in Lake County, exacerbated by residual pandemic challenges and increased social pressures. Waukegan and Gurnee have seen local schools and crisis hotlines stretched thin, with organizations like Lake County Health Department and Warren Township Youth & Family Services reporting increased requests for counseling and peer support programs.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Warren Township Youth & Family Services
- Local public schools (e.g., Waukegan High School, Warren Township High School)
- NAMI-Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Youth-focused nonprofits such as Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center
Next Steps:
- Set up a meeting with school social workers and youth service directors to assess greatest needs (e.g., peer counseling training, crisis hotline support, afterschool safe-spaces).
- Arrange a Rotary-hosted Mental Health Awareness Night inviting experts from NAMI and Warren Township Youth & Family Services.
- Launch a fundraiser (such as a benefit dinner or “walk for wellness”) to support specific school-based mental health initiatives or subsidize counseling services for families with limited means.
- Engage local youth as volunteers and peer mentors, in partnership with established programs.
2. Community Environmental Stewardship: Forest Preserve Restoration and Urban Clean-Up
Context:
Environmental stewardship remains a high priority in Lake County, with ongoing restoration projects in the Lake County Forest Preserves and calls for improved litter management in urban areas like Waukegan and Gurnee. Recent Lake County Board discussions have also focused on promoting pollinator habitats and addressing waste along popular recreation trails and parks.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserve District
- Clean Power Lake County
- Local high schools and Scout troops
- Go Gurnee walking initiative
- Village of Gurnee/Village of Waukegan Public Works Departments
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning session with the Lake County Forest Preserve District and municipal leaders to identify priority sites for restoration or clean-up.
- Organize a Rotary Day of Service event focused on invasive species removal, native planting (especially pollinator gardens), and trail/lakefront litter pick-up.
- Involve youth groups (Scouts, Key Clubs, etc.) and promote environmental education through hands-on activities.
- Seek matching grant funding (from Rotary District or local businesses) for supplies, signage, and refreshments for volunteers.
- Publicize the project widely to encourage broad community participation and ongoing stewardship.
Both projects address urgent local needs and align closely with Rotary’s focus areas of community health (including mental health), support for youth, and environmental sustainability. By engaging key stakeholders and leveraging Rotary’s convening power, these initiatives can create tangible, high-impact improvements for Lake County residents.
1. Community Health Initiative: Emergency Food Assistance in Response to SNAP Lapse
Context:
A recent news story highlights a significant lapse in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits which could impact 71,000 Lake County residents. Local officials have underscored the urgent risk: “people will go hungry.” Food insecurity is rising, threatening vulnerable families throughout Gurnee, Waukegan, and the broader Lake County area.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local food pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries Food Pantry, Waukegan Township Food Pantry)
- Lake County government departments (Health or Human Services)
- Schools and houses of worship
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Northern Illinois Food Bank and major local pantries to assess immediate gaps in food supply and logistical needs.
- Organize an emergency food drive and coordinate Rotary volunteer shifts for distribution, particularly targeting communities in Gurnee and Waukegan.
- Launch a fundraising campaign (e.g., “Stop Hunger Lake County”) to secure donations for bulk food purchases, leveraging Rotary’s network and visibility.
- Collaborate with Lake County officials to help publicize available resources and ensure the initiative reaches those most at risk of food insecurity.
- Evaluate the possibility of adding nutrition education or healthy cooking demonstrations as a value-add, in partnership with public health agencies.
Rotary Area of Focus: Fighting Disease, Growing Local Economies, Supporting Community Health
2. Education and Youth Engagement: Collaborative Programs with Head Start and Children’s Museums
Context:
A recent article notes that Illinois Head Start has begun collaborating with children’s museums to “bring light back” to their programs, opening new possibilities for early childhood education in the region. Families in Waukegan and Gurnee would greatly benefit from enhanced access to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) activities, especially via partnerships that bring hands-on experiences to underserved youth.
Potential Partners:
- Local Head Start programs (e.g., Waukegan, Round Lake, North Chicago)
- Kohl Children’s Museum, Chicago Children’s Museum satellite programs
- Local school districts (Waukegan District 60, Gurnee District 56)
- Community centers and parks
- Youth-serving nonprofits (e.g., Boys & Girls Club, YWCA Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Meet with regional Head Start administrators and museum outreach coordinators to identify needs and potential program models.
- Develop a Rotary-sponsored Mobile STEAM Day or Family Learning Night in partnership with museums, targeting neighborhoods in Waukegan, Gurnee, and nearby areas.
- Raise funds or seek grant support for transportation, event materials, and admission scholarships, ensuring equity for low-income families.
- Recruit Rotary volunteers to assist with activities, mentor youth, and engage families in ongoing educational opportunities.
- Publicize the collaboration through schools, community organizations, and local media, building sustainability and visibility.
Rotary Areas of Focus: Supporting Education, Growing Local Economies, Supporting Children and Youth Development
1. Youth Education & Literacy: Spelling Bee Support & Literacy Outreach
Context:
Lake County seventh grader Visharad Sathish recently won a marathon regional spelling bee and will represent Lake County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in May. The competition drew hundreds of students from 73 local schools, illustrating strong student engagement in academic enrichment but also highlighting the need for continued support and expanded educational opportunities for area youth.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (including Lake County Regional Office of Education)
- Scripps National Spelling Bee and its regional organizers
- Local libraries and literacy coalitions (e.g., Waukegan Public Library, Gurnee Public Library)
- Education-focused nonprofits in Lake County
- Local businesses for sponsorships (bookstores, tutoring centers)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Lake County Regional Office of Education and spelling bee coordinators to congratulate Visharad Sathish and discuss partnership possibilities.
- Organize a community fundraiser or celebration event to help fund Visharad’s trip to D.C. and provide scholarships for future regional competitors from underserved schools.
- Launch a “Words for All” Rotary reading challenge or spelling program in partnership with area libraries, offering spelling workshops, vocabulary games, and access to literacy resources for K–8 students.
- Develop a Rotary-sponsored microgrant program to help teachers and schools purchase educational materials for literacy and language enrichment.
2. Community Health: Addressing Food Security in Response to SNAP Lapses
Context:
Recent local news reported that a lapse in the federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) could impact up to 71,000 residents in Lake County, with the risk that “people will go hungry.” This urgent issue aligns with Rotary’s focus on community health and fighting hunger, especially as children and families may soon face increased food insecurity.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Lake County food pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries, Waukegan Township Food Pantry)
- Local houses of worship and civic groups
- Area schools and parent-teacher associations (for food drive logistics and outreach)
- Health departments for nutritional education components
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with Northern Illinois Food Bank and representatives from major food pantries to assess immediate resource gaps caused by the SNAP lapse.
- Plan a Rotary “Food for Families” campaign, including fundraising drives and a large-scale community food or essentials distribution event in Gurnee, Waukegan, or other high-need areas.
- Recruit volunteers and partner with youth groups—including school clubs and Interact/Rotaract chapters—for logistics, packing, and outreach.
- Explore adding a nutritional education component, such as healthy cooking classes, during food distribution events in partnership with the Lake County Health Department.
- Publicize the campaign through local media, school communication networks, and at Rotary club meetings to draw in wider community support.
1. Community Safety & Youth Engagement Initiative
Context:
Recent local news highlights troubling incidents involving youth violence and reckless behavior, specifically the arrest of two teens (Jabreon Bell and Sir Mark Hill) accused of shooting into homes and vehicles near Grayslake. Such acts not only endanger public safety but also reflect broader issues with youth engagement, mental health, and constructive activity opportunities in the area.
Rotary Area of Focus: Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, Community Health, Youth.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Police Department
- Local high schools (Grayslake Central, Grayslake North)
- Youth service organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Village of Grayslake
- United Way of Lake County (for youth empowerment programs)
Next Steps:
- Convene a roundtable with police, school officials, and youth leaders to discuss root causes and possible interventions.
- Launch a Rotary-led mentorship program pairing civic leaders and professionals with at-risk youth.
- Organize community forums on conflict resolution, safe choices, and mental health awareness.
- Fundraise via a community walk/run, benefit concert, or youth talent show to support ongoing programming.
- Apply for Rotary District or Global Grants for Peace & Conflict Prevention initiatives targeting youth.
2. Food Security Drive Supporting Local Food Pantries
Context:
Recent reporting indicates a worrying spike in visits to Chicago-area food pantries, which strongly suggests increased need in Lake County communities, including Grayslake, Gurnee, and Waukegan. Food insecurity erodes health, impacts children’s ability to learn, and increases stress for vulnerable families, making it a priority for local action, especially as winter and holiday needs increase.
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health, Disease Prevention, and Education.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local food pantries (Cool Ministries in Waukegan, Avon Township Food Pantry in Grayslake, and others)
- Supermarkets (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s)
- Local houses of worship
- Grayslake Woman's Non-Profit (mentioned for their work helping the sick—potential for broader partnership)
Next Steps:
- Organize a multi-community “Rotary Day of Service” food drive with collection points at schools, churches, and businesses.
- Encourage donation of both non-perishables and monetary contributions (as food banks can often stretch dollars significantly).
- Host an educational event or speaker series in partnership with health organizations about the intersection of nutrition, health, and childhood education.
- Publicize the initiative widely through Patch, social media, and local news.
- Explore grant funding or matching donation opportunities with local supermarkets or businesses to maximize impact.
1. Rotary Youth Mental Health & Neurodiversity Support Initiative
Context:
The "Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair" scheduled for November 15 at Hawthorn Center in Vernon Hills highlights a local priority: support for neurodiverse individuals and their families. With national and regional attention on youth mental health—and recognizing Rotary’s area of focus on disease prevention and treatment, especially mental health—this presents an ideal opportunity for Rotary clubs in Lake County, including those in Gurnee and Waukegan, to make a positive impact.
Potential Partners:
- Neuro Universe and other event organizers
- Local advocacy groups (e.g., NAMI Lake County, Autism Society Illinois)
- Vernon Hills Park District and School Districts
- Local healthcare providers and behavioral health clinics
- Hawthorn Center management
Next Steps:
- Connect with Neuro Universe Celebration organizers to explore Rotary participation (e.g., as sponsors, volunteers, or presenters).
- Organize a Rotary-led panel or workshop on youth mental health resources at the event, emphasizing accessible services in Gurnee/Waukegan for neurodivergent youth.
- Coordinate a fundraising drive or awareness campaign leading up to the fair, supporting local school mental health initiatives or providing sensory equipment for community centers.
- Follow up after the event to assess ongoing partnership opportunities and consider forming a standing outreach team for ongoing support efforts.
2. Rotary "Community Market for All"—Supporting Food Security & Local Farmers
Context:
The Grayslake Fall Farmers Market (Nov 8) and nearby holiday pop-up markets in Round Lake and Spring Grove reflect a strong tradition of local agriculture, small business, and seasonal food access. Simultaneously, Lake County, including Waukegan and Gurnee, faces persistent challenges with food insecurity, especially as cold weather approaches. Rotary, with its focus on growing local economies and supporting community health, can serve as a connector between local producers, underserved populations, and nonprofits.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Farmers Market and KC’s Cabin event organizers
- Lake County Food Pantry and Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local farms and food producers
- School districts (for backpack programs)
- Community centers/churches (as pick-up locations)
- Local media (for joint promotion)
Next Steps:
- Contact farmers market organizers to discuss hosting a Rotary-sponsored collection at the November 8 event for non-perishable food donations or unsold produce to benefit local food pantries.
- Develop a partnership with local farms and vendors to create a "buy one, donate one" option for market shoppers, supporting fresh food distribution to Waukegan and Gurnee families.
- Organize Rotary volunteers to collect, sort, and deliver donated goods from markets to local pantries.
- Consider launching a winter fundraising dinner highlighting local foods, with proceeds supporting area food banks and food access programs.
- After the holiday season, evaluate results and demand, with an eye toward sustaining or expanding the initiative in partnership with local markets and nonprofits.
These two projects directly address current community needs in Lake County—youth mental health and food security—while leveraging Rotary’s local presence and international areas of focus.
1. Community Education Initiative on Battery and Electronic Waste Safety
Context:
A recent fire at a Lake Forest waste facility was caused by improper disposal of a lithium-ion battery. With rising local concern over hazardous waste handling, there is a clear need for community education on safely disposing batteries and electronic devices to protect public safety and the environment.
Potential Partners:
- Lake Forest Fire Department (which responded to the incident)
- SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County)
- Local schools (e.g., Lake Forest High School, Lake Bluff Middle School)
- Local environmental groups (e.g., Lake County Audubon Society)
Next Steps:
- Connect with the Lake Forest Fire Department about co-hosting a "Battery Safety and E-Waste Collection Day" with the Rotary club, featuring demonstrations on safe disposal and the dangers of improper handling.
- Partner with SWALCO to organize a mobile e-waste drop-off event at a central community location (e.g., local school or city park).
- Launch an educational campaign through school presentations and flyers, with student volunteers helping to spread awareness.
- Seek small grants or Rotary District funding for signage and promotional materials.
- Track participation and gather community feedback to plan future initiatives.
2. Expanding Girls’ STEM Enrichment and Mentoring Programs
Context:
Lake Bluff Middle School’s and the School of St. Mary’s girls teams recently placed in the Woodlands Academy Mathalon, highlighting local success and interest in girls’ STEM activities. However, ongoing support and expansion of these opportunities—particularly for students in less-resourced parts of Waukegan or Lake County—aligns with Rotary’s focus on supporting education and empowering youth.
Potential Partners:
- Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart (organizers of the Mathalon)
- Local schools and PTAs (Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Waukegan, Gurnee Middle and High Schools)
- College of Lake County STEM faculty and student volunteers
- Local women-in-tech or engineering groups (e.g., SWE Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Woodlands Academy to co-sponsor the next Mathalon and expand it to include more schools from underrepresented communities.
- Organize a girls’ STEM mentorship day at the College of Lake County, inviting participants from Waukegan, Gurnee and elsewhere, with hands-on workshops and career talks led by women in STEM.
- Apply for a Rotary District Grant to fund transportation, supplies, and scholarships for students needing assistance.
- Publicize the initiative through school networks and local press.
- Evaluate the impact with participant surveys and plan for annual or biannual events.
These projects will engage local Rotarians directly with pressing community needs and foster partnerships that address both safety and educational opportunity across Lake County.
Based on recent news and current community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary's areas of focus, including detailed context, potential partners, and clear next steps:
1. Community Safety and Mental Health Awareness Initiative (Aligned with Community Health and Peacebuilding)
Context:
Recent incidents, including a road rage stabbing in Mundelein and a tragic accident involving a train and a pedestrian, suggest rising concerns about community safety, mental health, and crisis intervention in Lake County communities. These issues highlight the need for mental health awareness, de-escalation training, and support resources for residents under stress.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department Behavioral Health Services
- Local police departments (Mundelein, Gurnee, Waukegan)
- NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Advocate Aurora Health or Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with police, health agencies, and NAMI to discuss prevalent mental health and safety issues in the community.
- Plan and host a series of free public workshops in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Libertyville on mental health first aid and conflict de-escalation, using Rotary venues or partnering with local libraries.
- Seek funding or grant support (possibly District or Rotary Foundation grants) for materials, expert speakers, and outreach.
- Launch an awareness campaign via social media and local news outlets to promote these resources and events.
- Evaluate impact through participant surveys and follow-up meetings with stakeholders.
2. Workforce Development & Youth Career Exploration (Aligned with Education, Youth, and Economic Development)
Context:
The recent announcement of enhanced collaboration between the GLMV Chamber of Commerce, Lake County Workforce Development, and the Job Center of Lake County highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen local business and employment opportunities. With recent closures of businesses (like bowling alleys and local coffee shops) and shifting labor needs, there is an opportunity to support workforce readiness—especially for youth and displaced workers.
Potential Partners:
- GLMV Chamber of Commerce (serving Gurnee, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills)
- Lake County Workforce Development
- Job Center of Lake County
- Local school districts and community colleges (College of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with leadership at the Chamber and Job Center to identify high-need career pathways and gaps in workforce readiness for youth and adults.
- Organize a Rotary-sponsored "Career Exploration Day" for high school students and unemployed adults, to provide exposure to in-demand careers, resume workshops, and speed networking with local employers.
- Recruit Rotarian business owners and professionals as mentors and mock interviewers.
- Seek sponsorships or donations from local businesses to provide scholarships, transportation, or technology support for job seekers.
- Assess event outcomes with partner feedback and participant success stories, and plan for recurring sessions or expanded programming based on results.
These initiatives address both immediate community safety/mental health needs and longer-term economic resilience and youth empowerment, advancing Rotary’s mission in the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County area.