1. Youth Career Preparation & Mentorship Program (Rotary Area: Education and Youth Development)
Context:
Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan, continues to see a competitive job market and the need for specialized skills among area youth and young adults. A recent posting for an Engineering Technician in Skokie highlights both high demand and specific skill requirements—such as proficiency in technology and engineering concepts—that many students lack exposure to during high school. Further, many local job postings, such as those from RBC Technology Solutions or Morfin Cleaning Services, highlight expanding business opportunities but require targeted experience or degrees.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (such as Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 and Gurnee District 56)
- College of Lake County
- Lake County Workforce Development
- Local businesses featured in job postings (e.g., RBC Technology Solutions, Morfin Cleaning Services, Optum Services)
- Public libraries for hosting workshops
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with school counselors and workforce development officers to identify priority career needs.
- Develop a recurring workshop or mentorship event series where Rotary volunteers and business professionals provide hands-on career exploration, resume development, and guidance on internships or technical skills.
- Partner with employers to offer job-shadowing opportunities and mock interviews geared toward high school juniors and seniors.
- Promote the program via school and library newsletters and social media.
- Seek grant funding or sponsorships to provide transportation stipends or technology/toolkits to participating youth.
2. Community Health & Wellness Fair (Rotary Area: Community Health)
Context:
Lake County communities like Waukegan and Gurnee continue to face disparities in access to health services, particularly preventive care and mental health resources. With ongoing concerns about the cost of health insurance and the stressors facing working families—as reflected in the benefits listed in job postings—bringing health resources directly to residents aligns well with current needs. Recent trends also highlight underserved populations, such as uninsured residents, immigrants, and seniors.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local hospitals (e.g., Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, Advocate Condell Medical Center)
- Community organizations (e.g., PADS Lake County, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
- Area businesses willing to sponsor or donate wellness-related items
- Local pharmacies and insurance brokers
Next Steps:
- Form a planning committee including Rotary members and representatives from partner agencies.
- Determine a centrally located, transit-accessible venue—such as a school gymnasium or park district facility.
- Organize booths and free health screenings (including blood pressure, glucose, vision, and dental checks), plus information on insurance enrollment, mental health support, nutrition, and fitness.
- Publicize the event through local churches, community groups, and bilingual media.
- Explore options for concurrent children’s/teens’ health education activities and secure volunteers for logistics and translation services.
- Measure attendance and gather feedback to plan for future fairs or mobile clinics.
Based on recent news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Expanding Swim Safety & Drowning Prevention for Youth in Waukegan
Context:
A recent story highlighted a local program providing Waukegan second graders free swim lessons and water safety education—often their first time in the water. In a region with many lakes, pools, and proximity to Lake Michigan, drowning prevention remains a vital community health and youth safety issue. Many families face barriers to access, especially in underserved communities, and scaling these efforts can save lives.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District & local schools (e.g., Waukegan District 60)
- YMCA and local swimming facilities
- Lifeguard associations or regional Red Cross chapters
- Local businesses for sponsorships
- Pediatricians/children’s wellness clinics for awareness outreach
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the current program organizers to understand gaps and future expansion needs.
- Propose a Rotary grant or fundraising campaign ("Swim Safe Lake County") to subsidize swim lessons for additional grades or schools.
- Recruit Rotarians and community volunteers to assist with transportation, lesson logistics, or as chaperones.
- Leverage Rotary connections to secure equipment donations (e.g., suits, towels, life jackets) or create a “learn-to-swim” scholarship fund.
- Organize a Water Safety Awareness Day featuring demonstrations, free swimming assessments, and family education.
2. Supporting the Waukegan D60 Solar Initiative: Youth Education and Environmental Stewardship
Context:
Waukegan D60 is set to become an anchor tenant for a new solar farm, with savings of $195K annually. This provides a timely platform to engage students—and the wider community—in clean energy education, environmental stewardship, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) learning in line with Rotary's environmental and education areas of focus.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan District 60 administration and teachers
- Solar farm developers and local environmental organizations (e.g., Citizens’ Greener Evanston)
- College of Lake County STEM faculty
- Science-based nonprofits (e.g., Sierra Club, Citizens Utility Board)
- Local businesses interested in sustainability
Next Steps:
- Meet with the D60 sustainability officer to identify ways Rotary can support educational tie-ins to the solar project.
- Organize and fund solar farm field trips or classroom presentations for students to learn about renewable energy and green careers.
- Develop a “Young Solar Innovators” contest inviting students to create art, essays, or science projects about solar energy and climate change.
- Plan a “Solar Celebration” community event with speakers, interactive displays, hands-on STEM activities, and opportunities to promote energy efficiency for families.
- Seek additional grant funding—possibly in partnership with environmental groups—to provide educational materials or solar-powered devices for students.
These recommendations respond directly to current news and address health, safety, youth empowerment, education, environmental sustainability, and community engagement—core Rotary values.
1. Literacy & Academic Excellence: Spelling Bee Community Support Initiative - Context: Lake County seventh grader Visharad Sathish recently won the marathon Lake County Regional Spelling Bee, earning a spot to represent the community at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. This achievement highlights both the talent and the ongoing need to foster academic excellence, literacy, and enrichment, especially for underserved students in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas. - Potential Partners: Lake County Regional Office of Education, local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee D56), public libraries, parent-teacher organizations, and local educational nonprofits. - Next Steps: - Connect with Visharad Sathish and the Regional Office of Education to celebrate his achievement and discuss needs and opportunities. - Launch a "Support Our Spellers" Fundraiser to help cover travel and participation costs for current and future Bee qualifiers, ensuring opportunities are equitable for less-privileged students. - Establish Ongoing Literacy Programs: Organize monthly spelling clubs or after-school literacy workshops across Waukegan and Gurnee, inviting past Bee participants as mentors. - Promote Community-wide Literacy: Host a Rotary-sponsored Community Spelling Bee fundraiser open to all ages, with proceeds going toward literacy materials, library programs, and scholarship funds.
2. Youth and Water Safety: Expansion of Free Swim Lessons for Second Graders - Context: Waukegan's current program offers free swim lessons to all second grade students, with many children experiencing swimming for the first time—a crucial step in drowning prevention and healthy youth development, especially in the diverse and lake-adjacent communities of Lake County. - Potential Partners: Waukegan Park District, local YMCA/YWCA, public school districts (especially Waukegan D60 and Gurnee D56), parents’ associations, and health alliances such as Advocate Aurora Health. - Next Steps: - Support Program Expansion: Meet with the Waukegan Park District and school leaders to fundraise or provide volunteer chaperones, enabling more sessions and coverage for additional grades or neighboring districts like Gurnee. - Rotary Water Safety Days: Organize hands-on water safety fairs in partnership with the YMCA, featuring swimming instruction, life jacket fittings, and safety presentations from local first responders. - Scholarship Fund: Establish a Rotary scholarship to ensure ongoing swim lesson access for low-income families, and run a community campaign for swim gear donations. - Awareness Campaign: Launch a bilingual water safety awareness drive through local schools and media, addressing disparities in swim knowledge among minority youth.
Both project ideas are timely, directly address ongoing community needs, and align with Rotary’s core focus areas of basic education & literacy, youth development, and community health & safety.
1. Community Food Security Initiative
Context:
A recent report highlights that Chicago-area food pantries, including in Grayslake, are experiencing a spike in visits over the past year. This reflects ongoing food insecurity in Lake County, likely exacerbated by inflation and the rising cost of groceries. Families and individuals continue to struggle to afford basic groceries, creating a pressing need for both immediate food assistance and long-term solutions.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (regional food distribution and resource for local pantries)
- Local food pantries such as COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan) and Avon Township Food Pantry (Round Lake/Prairie Crossing area)
- Lake County Health Department (for health and nutrition education)
- Other local service clubs and faith-based organizations
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with Northern Illinois Food Bank and representatives from local pantries to identify most urgent needs (food items and funding gaps).
- Recruit Rotary volunteers for a “Fill the Pantry” drive at local grocery stores and/or organize a winter mobile food market at a central site in Gurnee or Waukegan.
- Couple food distribution events with nutrition education workshops in partnership with Lake County Health Department staff.
- Launch an online fundraiser (such as matching donations) and solicit local business sponsorships to boost program impact.
- Promote service opportunities for families and students fulfilling volunteer hours, expanding community engagement and reaching youth.
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community Health, Economic Development
2. Youth CPR/First Aid Training Expansion
Context:
The Grayslake event calendar highlights a Teen Safe Sitter CPR & First Aid Course. Preparing youth with life-saving skills directly benefits community safety and empowers young people. However, many teens in Lake County communities such as Waukegan and Gurnee may not have access due to program cost, limited class size, or lack of outreach.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Park District and local schools (for course sites and recruitment)
- American Red Cross of Greater Chicago or local fire departments (certified trainers and materials)
- Local hospitals (for sponsorships and potential in-kind support)
- Youth organizations (such as Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Contact the organizers of the Grayslake Safe Sitter program to discuss best practices, demand, and curriculum sharing.
- Partner with the American Red Cross and local fire departments to schedule additional trainings in underserved areas like Waukegan and Gurnee.
- Establish a Rotary-funded scholarship or “sponsor-a-student” program to cover course fees for low-income youth.
- Promote a community-wide “Save-a-Life” campaign to raise awareness, recruit participants, and attract sponsorship support from healthcare partners.
- Include opportunities for Rotary members to assist with logistics, mentorship, and event planning.
Rotary Areas of Focus: Basic Education & Literacy, Disease Prevention & Health, Youth Empowerment
Certainly! Based on recent news and ongoing community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service/fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Mental Health and Resilience Workshops for Youth
Context:
Waukegan and Gurnee, like many communities, have seen increased demand for youth mental health support, particularly as local schools and community leaders report continued stressors affecting children and teens post-pandemic. The College of Lake County regularly hosts youth performances and draws families; this underscores a strong local culture around supporting children, but also highlights the need for robust social-emotional support systems outside school. Agencies like the Lake County Health Department and youth-focused non-profits (e.g., Youth & Family Counseling in Libertyville) have called for more preventative and resiliency-based programs.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- College of Lake County (student support services, counseling center)
- Youth & Family Counseling (Libertyville)
- Local school districts (Waukegan CUSD 60, Warren Township HS in Gurnee)
- Mundelein Stand Up Task Force
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the College of Lake County and local school districts to gauge interest and target grade levels.
- Convene a planning committee with Rotary, mental health leaders from the Lake County Health Department, and youth-serving agencies.
- Seek funding/grants for program facilitators and resource materials; identify Rotary volunteers to support events and logistics.
- Schedule workshops—preferably in accessible, familiar venues like the College of Lake County campus—and promote to families through schools and local media.
2. Environmental Education and Tree Planting Initiative
Context:
Lake County, including Grayslake and Gurnee, is home to extensive forest preserves and wetlands. However, suburban expansion and stormwater impacts remain ongoing environmental concerns. Local news periodically reports on flooding and habitat loss, reinforcing the need for both environmental education and hands-on conservation. The Lake County Forest Preserves and local schools (with robust science/environmental clubs) are natural partners for community tree planting and restoration events. Bringing youth and families together for these efforts will strengthen community health and environmental stewardship.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves District
- College of Lake County (biology and environmental clubs)
- Local high school science/NHS/environmental clubs
- Go Green Lake County
- Gurnee Park District
Next Steps:
- Contact the Lake County Forest Preserves environmental education team to select planting sites and coordinate educational sessions.
- Recruit volunteers from Rotary and local schools/youth groups.
- Secure donations or funding for native saplings and planting tools (possible outreach to local garden centers).
- Organize quarterly “Rotary Reforestation Days” that combine hands-on planting, short educational talks (e.g., on pollinators, native habitats, stormwater benefits), and community celebration activities.
Both of these projects directly address key Rotary areas of focus—community health, support for youth, and environmental sustainability—while engaging diverse local partners and providing highly visible service opportunities.
1. Youth Engagement & Education: Support and Expand the North Suburban YMCA KidPalooza Event
Context:
The North Suburban YMCA is hosting its 2nd annual KidPalooza event on February 1—a day of family-friendly activities, games, exploration, and community engagement designed for youth in Lake County. Rotary’s focus on child development, education, and positive recreation aligns directly with this initiative. In particular, these events are crucial for building community after the disruptions of recent years and supporting youth who may lack access to safe, enriching extracurricular programming.
Potential Partners:
- North Suburban YMCA
- Local schools, such as Woodland and Warren Township school districts
- Other youth-focused community organizations (Scouts, Boys & Girls Club)
- Local businesses willing to offer sponsorship or in-kind donations (Waukegan Tire, The Episcopal Preschool)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Jennifer Sultz, CEO or Program Director at North Suburban YMCA, to explore specific partnership opportunities for this year’s event (e.g., Rotary-run activity booths, volunteer staffing, or providing event scholarships for underserved youth).
- Form a volunteer committee within the Rotary to coordinate involvement and identify local sponsors.
- Explore ongoing partnerships to support after-school or summer enrichment youth activities if this event partnership is successful.
2. Senior Engagement & Wellness: Launch “Senior Touchpoint” Programming in Lake County
Context:
The Congregation Sukkat Shalom’s “Touchpoint” program in Wilmette enables seniors to experience connection and meaningful engagement in their community. Social isolation remains a significant health concern for older adults, and the success of similar programs elsewhere highlights the opportunity for Rotary to help fill this need in Gurnee-Waukegan-Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Local senior centers and assisted living facilities
- Faith-based groups (e.g., Congregation Sukkat Shalom for consulting/training)
- Lake County Health Department, Lake County Council on Aging
- Public libraries (for hosting programming and transportation support)
Next Steps:
- Contact Alan Blitz (Volunteer Media Writer; Sukkat Shalom) to learn more about launching a Lake County version of “Touchpoint.”
- Organize an exploratory meeting with representatives from senior centers, Rotary members, and health outreach staff to identify needs and existing gaps.
- Develop a volunteer recruitment and training plan for monthly or bi-weekly touchpoint events focused on social interaction, wellness checks, and intergenerational connection (possibly involving Rotary youth partners).
- Seek small grants or sponsorships—local businesses like Waukegan Tire may help with transportation or event costs.
These targeted Rotary initiatives directly address local, current needs in youth development and senior wellness while aligning with Rotary’s mission and areas of focus.
1. Rotary/Community Partners Youth Voter Engagement and Civic Education Project
Context:
With the announcement that "Vote-By-Mail Applications Now Available For Primary Elections In Lake County," and ongoing promotion of civic participation in local news, there's an opportunity to empower youth (high school and college-aged) to engage in the democratic process. Many young adults in Lake County, including those in Gurnee and Waukegan, remain under-represented among voters and may lack confidence or understanding of the voting process, especially with increasing access to vote-by-mail.
Rotary Area of Focus: Education and Youth Empowerment
Potential Partners:
- Local high schools and College of Lake County
- The Lake County Clerk’s Office
- League of Women Voters of Lake County
- Local youth groups (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs, scouting organizations)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to social studies teachers and school administrators to schedule informational sessions on voting rights, registration, and the mechanics of vote-by-mail.
- Collaborate with the Clerk’s Office and League of Women Voters to host a voter registration drive and hands-on workshops at schools, targeting 17- and 18-year-olds.
- Develop bilingual materials to reach broader demographics, including Spanish-speaking residents.
- Organize a “Youth Civic Engagement” panel event at a local library, featuring young civic leaders from the area and providing practical resources.
- Document and share program outcomes with community partners and on Rotary media platforms to build momentum for future civic education work.
2. Rotary Safe Winter Travel & Community Health Campaign
Context:
With recent headlines referencing record crowds during the travel period ("Record Crowds Expected During End-Of-Year Travel Period") and a fatal accident in the area ("Mundelein Man, 44, Killed In Crash: Police"), there is heightened community concern about traffic safety, impaired driving, and pedestrian safety—especially during winter months. These incidents underscore a vital need for public education and preventative action in Gurnee, Waukegan, and wider Lake County.
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health and Safety
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office
- Local police departments (Gurnee, Waukegan)
- AAA Chicago
- Local hospitals (Vista Health System, NorthShore)
- PTA groups and school transportation offices
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with local law enforcement and AAA to distribute winter driving safety kits (ice scrapers, reflective vests, first-aid materials) and educational handouts at high-traffic community locations, such as schools, shopping centers, and train stations.
- Launch an awareness campaign—“Safe Roads Winter”—focusing on dangers of impaired and distracted driving, especially around holiday periods, utilizing social media, public service announcements, and visibility at community events.
- Invite trauma nurses, police officers, and survivors to speak at community forums.
- Provide resources in multiple languages to reach diverse populations within Gurnee and Waukegan.
- Explore opportunities for scholarships or incentives for high schoolers participating in “safe driver” pledges or projects.
- Measure impact through feedback and accident statistics during subsequent winter travel seasons.