1. Service Project: Youth Mental Health & Wellness Workshops in Partnership with Local Schools
Context:
Marc Silverman's November 20 story highlights a sense of lost hope among young people, referencing his own children's worries about the future and the sadness many young sports fans feel about their favorite team's ongoing struggles. This reflects a broader concern with youth mental health and resilience—issues that are especially prominent in suburban communities like Gurnee, Waukegan, and the wider Lake County. Rising rates of youth anxiety, depression, and loneliness have been reported by area schools and health professionals. Rotary International identifies “Supporting Education” and “Growing Local Economies” as key areas of focus, with mental wellness and life skills as critical subcomponents.
Potential Partners:
- Local School Districts (Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee School District 56)
- Youth mental health nonprofits (Lake County Health Department, Youth & Family Counseling)
- School counselors and psychologists
- Sports leagues and afterschool programs
Next Steps:
- Reach out to school district administrators and counselors to assess interest and needs.
- Connect with the Lake County Health Department's youth mental health division for speaker recommendations and resource material.
- Organize a planning meeting with school staff and local mental health professionals to co-design engaging, stigma-reducing workshops for students and families, possibly framing around sports and teamwork themes to reach a broader audience.
- Explore sports involvement as positive outlets and build partnerships with local leagues.
- Seek small Rotary District Grants to fund materials and guest presenters.
- Launch pilot workshops in early spring and gather feedback for future sessions.
2. Fundraising Opportunity: Holiday Library Literacy Drive for Families in Need
Context:
The Wheaton Public Library’s December “Gingerbread Extravaganza” hints at the importance of holiday-themed community gatherings and the library’s role in supporting family and literacy activities. In Lake County, access to children’s books and family literacy resources remains uneven, especially in under-resourced communities in Waukegan and Gurnee. The Rotary areas of focus "Supporting Education" and "Growing Local Economies" align closely with providing literacy resources and supporting family engagement in learning, particularly during the holidays when financial pressures are highest.
Potential Partners:
- Warren-Newport Public Library (Gurnee), Waukegan Public Library
- Local independent bookstores
- Waukegan to College (youth and family education nonprofit)
- Local businesses willing to host book drop-off sites or donate matching funds
Next Steps:
- Partner with area libraries to identify target families and high-need book categories (early reader, bilingual, STEM, etc.).
- Organize a community book and toy drive modeled after Wheaton’s event, but centering on new book donations and take-home literacy kits for families.
- Recruit Rotarians and Interact/Rotaract youth volunteers to assemble and distribute kits, possibly at a holiday-themed community event.
- Approach local bookstores and businesses for partnership and sponsorship opportunities.
- Publicize the drive jointly with partner libraries and schools; spotlight the impact through Rotary social media and local press.
- Evaluate distribution success and plan for ongoing literacy support into the new year.
Certainly! Based on the recent news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus, with relevant context, partners, and actionable next steps:
1. Pedestrian Safety Initiative (Community Health & Safety/Environment)
Context:
Lake County has recently experienced its third pedestrian fatality this month, most recently the tragic death of Waukegan resident Cheeramkulathu Jobgeevarghese. These incidents highlight an urgent need for community awareness, education, and infrastructural advocacy about pedestrian safety.
Potential Partners: - Local government officials (e.g., Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham and transportation departments) - Lake County Health Department - Local schools and PTA associations - Law enforcement agencies - Advocacy groups such as Walk Friendly Communities and AARP Livable Communities
Next Steps: - Convene a meeting with city and county officials to identify accident hotspots and discuss possible improvements (crosswalks, lighting, speed control). - Organize a community “Walk Safe” awareness campaign, featuring educational workshops in schools, distributing reflective gear for children and seniors, and participating in neighborhood safety walks. - Launch a fundraising drive (possibly a “Family Fun Walk/Run” event) to raise funds for additional signage, reflective vests, and sidewalk improvements. - Pursue grants or matching funds through Rotary International’s community safety initiatives.
2. Youth Empowerment & Mental Health Support (Education & Youth Development)
Context:
Stories highlighted the leadership and hard work of local youth, such as Round Lake’s Kaleigh Skowronski, who credits family support and mentorship for her growth. In contrast, the need for additional youth engagement and support outside of sports—especially regarding mental health and social isolation—remains pronounced as seen in broader discussions and the introduction of technology aimed at reducing social isolation (including for pet owners).
Potential Partners: - School Districts 187 (North Chicago) and adjacent districts (with Superintendent Dora King and John Price) - Local colleges and youth programs (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs, local YMCA) - Waukegan and Gurnee park districts’ youth services - Nonprofits focused on youth mentoring and mental health (e.g., Youth and Family Counseling, NAMI Lake County)
Next Steps: - Coordinate with school leaders and local nonprofits to identify students most in need of mentorship and mental health support. - Organize peer mentorship events or afterschool programs pairing high school athletes and leaders (like Kaleigh Skowronski) with younger students, centering on life skills, wellness, and resilience. - Fundraise for mental health professionals or resources (such as workshops, speaker series, or teletherapy support) for schools or partner organizations. - Develop material/flyers and social media campaigns to promote available youth and family mental health resources in collaboration with local partners.
Both opportunities address current, well-documented community needs and leverage Rotary’s strengths in partnership, visibility, and fundraising, providing hands-on service and demonstrating impact in Lake County.
1. "Champions of Literacy" – Youth Literacy and Academic Excellence Initiative
Context:
Lake County’s participation in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, with seventh grader Visharad Sathish recently winning the regional bee and heading to D.C., highlights strong local engagement with academic competitions and literacy. The event drew involvement from 73 schools, regional education leaders like Michael Karner (Regional Superintendent of Schools), and instructional specialists such as Ashley Whitaker (John Lewis Middle School, Waukegan). This excitement shows a community committed to education, but it also underscores the resource requirements for broad academic participation and enrichment, such as books, coaching, and access to literacy events, which may not be equally accessible to all area children.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (Superintendent Michael Karner, Assistant Superintendent Courtney Curry)
- Local schools (Lake Forest Country Day School, Matthews Middle School, John Lewis Middle School, etc.)
- Libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee)
- Local youth organizations (Boys & Girls Club, YMCA)
Next Steps:
a. Reach out to the Regional Office of Education to propose a Rotarian-led literacy mentorship program, recruiting Rotarians and community volunteers for spelling coaching and reading buddy partnerships.
b. Launch a "Books for Champions" campaign, collecting new and gently used books for libraries and afterschool programs, prioritizing diverse and challenging reading materials.
c. Organize a community literacy festival—featuring spelling bees, word games, and author visits—with proceeds supporting literacy resources in Title I schools.
d. Publicly recognize local students (like Visharad Sathish) and their teachers at Rotary meetings, promoting academic achievement across Lake County.
2. "Eco-Scholars: Growing Together" – Youth-Led Environmental Stewardship
Context:
While this recent news article is focused on youth academic achievement, the region’s schools and students demonstrate competitive spirit, dedication, and the ability to mobilize around educational causes. This energy can also be channeled into environmental stewardship, one of Rotary’s focus areas. Lake County communities, including Waukegan and Gurnee, have active environmental concerns (e.g., proximity to Lake Michigan, local parks, and biodiversity needs). With local students showing leadership and drive, a youth-powered program combining education with hands-on sustainability would be timely.
Potential Partners:
- Local schools (engaging student councils and science clubs)
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Waukegan Park District and Gurnee Park District
- Environmental nonprofits (Lake County Audubon Society, Solid Waste Agency of Lake County – SWALCO)
Next Steps:
a. Collaborate with schools to create “Eco-Scholar” teams—student groups that identify and address sustainability challenges on their campuses or in local parks (organizing clean-ups, native plantings, or recycling drives).
b. Obtain guidance and sponsorship from the Lake County Forest Preserves and SWALCO for educational workshops on topics such as composting, pollinator gardens, or water quality.
c. Host an annual “Lake County Rotary Eco Challenge”—a friendly competition in which teams of students receive awards for impact, funded via a Rotary-run community fundraiser (e.g., “Walk for Clean Water” or plant sale).
d. Publicize youth-led environmental projects through local media and at Rotary events, growing participation and community pride.
These two recommendations directly support Rotary’s areas of focus on education, literacy, youth empowerment, and the environment, while leveraging the talent and dynamism evident in Lake County’s youth community.
1. Service Project: Support for Local Food Pantries Facing Increased Demand
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health, Economic Development
Context:
Recent news reports indicate that food pantries in the Chicago area, including those near Grayslake, Gurnee, Waukegan, and the broader Lake County region, are experiencing a significant spike in visits. This suggests heightened food insecurity among local residents. Many families, especially during winter and in light of ongoing economic challenges, need greater support.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries in Waukegan
- Avon Township and Warren Township food pantries
- Local faith organizations (e.g., Gurnee Community Church, First Presbyterian Church of Waukegan)
- Area schools for student-driven collection drives
- Local businesses for sponsorships or in-kind donations
Next Steps:
- Contact local pantries (such as COOL Ministries and township organizations) to identify their most urgent needs.
- Organize a community-wide food drive, engaging schools, businesses, and civic clubs.
- Develop a fundraising event, such as a "Winter Warmth Walk" or "Festival of Lights Donation Drive," coinciding with popular community gatherings like the Grayslake Festival of Lights.
- Leverage Rotary’s network to recruit volunteers for food sorting/distribution, and to coordinate recurring monthly support.
- Share results with the wider community and invite a pantry representative to speak at a Rotary meeting to foster ongoing collaboration.
2. Fundraising Project: Ornaments of Hope – Supporting Pediatric & Chronic Illness Patients
Rotary Areas of Focus: Disease Prevention & Treatment, Maternal and Child Health, Community Youth
Context:
A Grayslake woman's non-profit is bringing hope and holiday ornaments to sick patients, highlighting the need for emotional and community support for individuals (especially youth) facing serious illness in local hospitals and treatment centers.
Potential Partners:
- The Grayslake non-profit organizing this “Ornaments to Sick Patients” initiative (contact via local coverage or municipal channels)
- Advocate Condell Medical Center (Libertyville), Vista Health System (Waukegan), and Lake County Health Department
- Grayslake Central and North High School art clubs, College of Lake County student organizations
- Local craft stores for donated supplies
- Media partners like Patch and Shaw Media for story coverage and promotion
Next Steps:
- Connect with the ornament-focused non-profit to explore collaboration opportunities (i.e., expanding ornament donations, providing care packages, or organizing in-hospital events).
- Launch a seasonal fundraising campaign (“Ornaments of Hope”) for supplies and for supporting pediatric and chronic illness patients.
- Organize ornament-creation workshops in partnership with schools, scout troops, and libraries—engaging youth in service and awareness.
- Develop a volunteer schedule for gift assembly and safe delivery to local hospitals.
- Use Rotary channels (social media, meetings) to spotlight the stories of recipients and participants, growing both Rotary’s reach and the impact of this support effort.
Certainly! Here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities based on current events and evident community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, Illinois, aligned with Rotary’s focus areas:
1. Mobile DMV and Senior Support Initiative
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community Health, Supporting the Elderly, and Disease Prevention
Context:
A Mobile DMV event is scheduled at Libertyville Senior Center on December 12. Access to identification, vehicle registration, and licensing is critically important to aging residents, many of whom face mobility or transportation challenges. Seniors often also need assistance with digital access, healthcare resources, and social support.
Potential Partners:
- Libertyville Senior Center (event host)
- AARP Illinois chapter
- Local municipal agencies
- Lake County transportation services
- Gurnee and Waukegan Park District Senior Programs
Next Steps:
- Rotary could co-host or sponsor boxed lunches and transportation for seniors with mobility issues, working with Door2Door or PACE paratransit.
- Organize Rotary volunteers to provide on-site assistance filling out forms and navigating DMV services.
- Create and distribute informational packets with local health, wellness, and support resources.
- Plan a short workshop or Q&A session before/after DMV appointments on topics like fraud prevention, digital literacy, and local wellness programs.
- Reach out to event organizers at the Libertyville Senior Center to formalize Rotary’s support and identify the greatest needs.
2. Open Doors to Education: Scholastic Scholarship Expansion
Rotary Areas of Focus: Education and Supporting Youth
Context:
The Open Doors to Education initiative hosts the “Kim Muno Scholarship Goal” on November 30 at Libertyville High School. With rising college costs and ongoing educational disruption from past years, expanding access to scholarships and tutoring support is crucial for local high school students, particularly in under-served communities (such as portions of Waukegan and greater Lake County).
Potential Partners:
- Open Doors to Education (existing scholarship organizer)
- Libertyville High School and District 128
- College of Lake County (for dual enrollment and bridge programs)
- Local businesses (for scholarship sponsorships)
- YMCA and Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Rotary can boost the impact by creating an annual fundraising event (such as a winter benefit concert or charity dinner) earmarked for scholarship expansion.
- Recruit Rotarians to serve as scholarship reviewers, mentors, and guest speakers for college readiness seminars.
- Seek partnership with the College of Lake County to offer dual-credit scholarships and summer bridge programming.
- Launch a “Sponsor a Scholar” drive for Rotary members and local businesses to pledge direct support to one or more students annually.
- Collaborate with Open Doors to Education organizers and Libertyville High School counseling staff to determine specific student needs and priorities.
These two opportunities allow local Rotary to address immediate needs while building sustainable community impact in health, senior support, education, and youth empowerment.
1. Community Health: Youth Substance Abuse Prevention and Support
Context:
A recent Lake County Sheriff’s blotter incident involved a reckless driver found under the influence of drugs. Substance abuse, particularly among youth and young adults, is a persistent concern in Lake County and communities like Gurnee and Waukegan. With the holiday season approaching—a time statistically linked to increased risk-taking and substance misuse—a Rotary initiative focused on prevention, education, and support could have significant community impact.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff's Department: For up-to-date local data, guest speakers, and educational resources.
- Local Schools (e.g., Woodland District 50 in Gurnee, Waukegan Public Schools): For program implementation and student outreach.
- Lake County Health Department: For mental health and addiction service insights.
- Youth serving organizations: Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, community centers.
Next Steps:
- Hold planning meetings with local schools and law enforcement to discuss needs and opportunities for workshops or events.
- Organize a “Rotary Youth Wellness Night” with guest speakers, resource tables, and breakout sessions for both students and parents, focusing on drug prevention, coping strategies, and available resources.
- Launch a fundraising drive (could include a community fun run or benefit dinner) to support ongoing prevention programming and possibly fund scholarships for counseling or addiction recovery services.
- Promote the program through local media, school newsletters, and Rotary’s network.
2. Education/Youth: Holiday Gift and Book Drive in Partnership with Toys For Tots
Context:
With the local Toys for Tots campaign underway in Lake Forest and wider Lake County, there is a clear need to support underserved children during the holidays. Book donations, in tandem with toys, can further advance Rotary’s focus on literacy and education while also addressing immediate community needs for holiday support.
Potential Partners:
- Toys for Tots Lake County: To coordinate collection and distribution logistics.
- Local Libraries (e.g., Gurnee and Waukegan Public Libraries): As donation drop-off sites and potential sources for surplus or gently used children’s books.
- Woodlands Academy: Leverage student volunteers (noting the active youth ensembles reported in local news).
- Local businesses (e.g., Waukegan Tire): For sponsorships and as additional collection points.
Next Steps:
- Contact Toys for Tots coordinators and area libraries to establish a joint campaign that collects both toys and new/gently used children’s books.
- Engage student volunteers and Rotary members for sorting, wrapping, and distributing donations.
- Publicize the drive through school networks, Rotary communication channels, and local businesses, emphasizing the focus on both gifts and literacy.
- Host an end-of-drive wrapping and celebration event, possibly including a holiday reading session at a community center or library.
These two opportunities—community health/youth substance abuse prevention, and a holiday educational gift drive—directly align with Rotary’s areas of focus, address local needs, and have the potential for strong community partnerships and impact.
Based on recent news and community updates from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, the following two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities align well with Rotary’s areas of focus and current community needs:
1. Community Health and Safety: Preventing Reckless and Drug-Impaired Driving
Context:
Recent reports such as the arrest of a drug-impaired, reckless driver in Lake County, alongside fatal crashes linked to dangerous behaviors (e.g., the Zion fatality involving a TikTok livestream), point to ongoing issues of impaired and distracted driving endangering community safety. These incidents highlight the need for grassroots education, prevention, and community engagement on road safety and substance misuse.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Department and local police departments (Waukegan, Gurnee, Libertyville)
- Local schools and PTAs (for youth prevention programs)
- Substance use counseling centers (e.g., Lake County Health Department Behavioral Services)
- SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) or local youth clubs
Next Steps: - Organize a series of community forums or school assemblies on the dangers of drug-impaired and distracted driving, collaborating with law enforcement and addiction counselors to lead the sessions. - Launch a "Safe Roads, Safe Lives" campaign, potentially including a fundraising 5K run, reflective wristband sale, or local business partnerships (e.g., sponsoring rideshare vouchers). - Develop and distribute educational materials tailored for both adults and youth, leveraging local media and social media. - Seek Rotary Foundation support or district grants for materials, event funding, and outreach.
2. Supporting Families in Need During Holiday and Winter Seasons
Context:
Rising grocery prices in Illinois, economic pressures, and the closure of local businesses (like a popular Libertyville coffee shop) suggest ongoing food insecurity and economic challenges for many Lake County families. With Thanksgiving and winter holidays approaching, local families may struggle with food access and affording basic needs. There is community interest in supporting one another through local business collaborations and charitable giving.
Potential Partners:
- Local food pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank partners, COOL Ministries in Waukegan, Avon Township Food Pantry)
- Local businesses willing to donate a portion of holiday sales or sponsor food drives
- School districts, churches, and community centers for distribution points
Next Steps: - Organize a "Holiday Meals for All" fundraising campaign: solicit donations and sponsor a Rotary-organized food drive, encouraging businesses to participate in ‘Round Up for Rotary’ programs at checkout. - Partner with food pantries and local shops for food collection points and targeted meal box distribution to at-risk families (especially focusing on Waukegan and under-resourced communities). - Coordinate Rotary volunteer shifts at pantries, and consider offering delivery for seniors and people with disabilities. - Publicize the effort in local media and social platforms, sharing impact stories and encouraging year-round engagement.
Both projects directly address Rotary's areas of focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment, Community Economic Development, and Supporting Education/YOUth. Each responds to acute, timely needs demonstrated in recent news, and provides clear, actionable steps for collaboration and service.