Certainly! Based on the recent news out of Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, here are two Rotary project opportunities with relevant context, suggested partners, and actionable next steps.
1. Community Mold Education and Remediation Support Initiative
Context:
A recent article (Drs. Eve Glazier and Elizabeth Ko, Dec 26, 2025) highlighted serious public health concerns related to mold exposure, especially in cases of long-standing or extensive contamination. Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan, contains areas of older housing stock and flooding histories, increasing risk for residents—particularly lower-income households and families with respiratory issues.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local environmental services companies
- School districts (to educate youth and take home resources)
- Waukegan Township and Gurnee’s Community Development offices
- Other service organizations (e.g., Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity)
Next Steps:
a. Convene a working group with the Lake County Health Department and municipal housing/health departments to identify neighborhoods most at risk or recently affected by flooding.
b. Organize a Mold Awareness Day featuring free workshops at local libraries or community centers, providing education, free mold test kits, and connections to remediation resources.
c. Seek grants or donations to subsidize professional remediation for vulnerable individuals or families (e.g., seniors, low-income residents).
d. Prepare and distribute simple home prevention and cleaning kits (with instructions in English and Spanish).
e. Recruit volunteers (including high school students for service hours) for educational outreach over the winter and spring.
2. Youth Mental Health and Resilience Program
Context:
Multiple articles and opinion pieces reflect on 2025 as a challenging year, with nearly 70% of Americans describing the year as “OK, bad, or even awful” (see Teri Frykenberg, Dec 26, 2025). Issues such as increasing social media pranks and stresses, youth identity challenges (notably for transgender teens: see Susan Estrich, Dec 26, 2025), and the general mental health climate signal a strong need for youth-focused wellness and resilience initiatives in Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County schools and the Regional Office of Education
- Youth mental health organizations (e.g., NAMI Lake County, Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center)
- College of Lake County Counseling Department
- Gurnee and Waukegan park districts and youth centers
- Health professionals as guest speakers
Next Steps:
a. Survey local school social workers and counselors to identify priority needs and potential interest in resilience skills training, mental health first aid, peer support programs, or afterschool safe spaces.
b. Fund and host a series of Youth Resilience Fairs or workshops offering interactive sessions on managing stress, navigating social media pressures, and fostering peer support—with targeted inclusion for LGBTQ+ and other at-risk youth.
c. Offer micro-grants to school clubs or student groups proposing projects to promote belonging and mental well-being, with focus on inclusivity and healthy coping strategies.
d. Enlist Rotarians and community volunteers to assist with event set-up, youth mentorship, or skills training (e.g., career planning workshops, self-advocacy training).
e. Work with partners to provide and widely distribute resource packets (physical and digital) with lists of hotlines, local counseling services, and online self-help materials.
1. Water Safety Education & Resources at Illinois Beach State Park (Environment & Community Health)
Context:
Recent news highlights an increase in water emergencies at Illinois Beach State Park, leading to frustration among local emergency responders. The rise in incidents suggests a critical gap in water safety awareness and resources for park visitors, particularly as restoration and breakwater installations have altered shoreline conditions.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves / Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- Local emergency services (e.g., Zion Fire & Rescue Department)
- Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
- Local businesses (for fundraising and sponsorships)
Next Steps:
a) Contact Illinois Beach State Park management and Zion emergency agencies to discuss observed trends and define the most urgent needs (e.g., signage, life rings, educational materials).
b) Collaborate with water safety nonprofits such as the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project to develop and implement water safety workshops at the park in spring/summer.
c) Organize a fundraiser (e.g., 5K “Beach Safety Run/Walk” or local restaurant partnership night) to purchase and install additional safety equipment (life rings, throw bags), create multilingual safety signage, and support the delivery of ongoing water safety education programs.
d) Engage local media (including the Lake County News-Sun) for awareness, and invite park visitors and community groups to safety events.
2. Supporting Access and Success in Virtual Education (Education & Youth Development)
Context:
The Illinois Virtual Schools & Academy (IVSA), based in Lake County, has served 6,374 students in the 2024-2025 year, providing vital options for learners who may not thrive in traditional settings. Gaps remain in digital connectivity, learning support, and social-emotional resources, especially for students from lower-income households in Waukegan and North Chicago.
Potential Partners:
- Illinois Virtual Schools & Academy
- Waukegan and Gurnee public schools
- Local internet service providers (Comcast, AT&T)
- Community organizations (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps:
a) Connect with IVSA administrators (e.g., Director Steve Sadin) to identify urgent student needs: devices, internet subsidies, tutoring, mental health support.
b) Coordinate with public school districts and local nonprofits to organize a “Back-to-School Tech & Resource Fair” where students can receive refurbished devices, learn about affordable internet programs, and get information on virtual tutoring or mentoring.
c) Work with local businesses to sponsor or donate hardware, support fundraising events (raffles, trivia nights), and provide volunteers for tutoring or mentorship.
d) Monitor student and family feedback post-intervention to track improved academic outcomes and identify further needs for Rotary support.
1. Youth Academic Achievement Fundraiser and Recognition Event
Context: Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish recently won the Lake County Regional Spelling Bee and will compete in the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. This achievement highlights both the talent and the academic ambitions of area youth, while likely underscoring needs for financial support and recognition for outstanding students—many of whom may not have the resources to take full advantage of educational opportunities. There is potential to both celebrate academic achievement and raise funds for students’ travel, educational materials, or competitions.
Potential Partners:
- Local schools and the Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Parent-teacher organizations
- Local companies and businesses as event sponsors
- Libraries (e.g., Warren-Newport Public Library, Waukegan Public Library)
- Education-focused nonprofits
Next Steps:
a. Reach out to Visharad Sathish, his family, and the Lake County Regional Office of Education to express congratulations and propose a partnership.
b. Organize a community recognition event celebrating Visharad and other local student achievers (e.g., spelling bee competitors, science fair winners).
c. Use the event as a dual-purpose fundraiser (silent auction, sponsorships, donations) to create an “Academic Achievement Fund” supporting travel, educational fees, or enrichment activities for local youth.
d. Promote the event widely through schools, local government, and business networks to maximize engagement and fundraising.
e. Recruit Rotarians to serve as mentors, coaches, or judges for future academic competitions, building ongoing relationships with area youth.
2. Safe Driving and Youth Education Initiative
Context: Recent news reported on a fatal accident in the area due to a driver livestreaming while driving, leading to calls in the community to address distracted driving, especially among young people. This issue ties directly into both Rotary’s focus on health (preventing injury and loss of life) and education (promoting safe, informed behaviors).
Potential Partners:
- Local high schools (Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County)
- Law enforcement agencies (Lake County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments)
- Driver’s education schools
- Hospitals or health advocacy organizations
- Victims’ advocacy groups
Next Steps:
a. Convene a planning meeting with school administrators and law enforcement to understand current programming and gaps regarding distracted driving education.
b. Develop and launch a “Safe Driving Pledge” campaign at local schools, with Rotarians presenting brief assemblies and sharing personal stories or statistics.
c. Work with partners to create or sponsor a scholarship contest for students who create the best public service announcement (video, poster, essay) on the dangers of distracted driving.
d. Seek grants or donations for signage, digital ads, and materials to raise awareness throughout community hot spots (schools, sporting events, libraries).
e. Track the impact through student surveys and feedback, building an annual program that can expand to include broader health and safety education.
1. Rotary Fire Safety and Home Safety Initiative (Community Health & Safety/Elderly Support)
Context:
A tragic recent fire in Grayslake resulted in the death of an 86-year-old woman. This underscores an urgent need for fire safety awareness and home safety checks—especially for elderly residents in Lake County, including Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake. Senior citizens are among the most vulnerable populations regarding home fires and may lack working smoke detectors or knowledge of safe practices.
Potential Partners:
- Local Fire Departments (Gurnee Fire, Waukegan Fire, Grayslake Fire)
- Village Senior Centers and Councils on Aging
- American Red Cross (Home Fire Campaign)
- Local youth organizations (e.g., Scouts) for volunteer support
Next Steps:
- Contact local fire departments and the Red Cross to coordinate home safety check events targeting neighborhoods with high elderly populations.
- Organize a fundraising campaign (potentially a community dinner or trivia night—since trivia events are popular locally) to purchase smoke detectors, batteries, and fire extinguishers for distribution to seniors in need.
- Recruit and train Rotarians and youth volunteers to assist with in-home safety checks, distribution, and education.
- Collaborate with senior centers to identify and reach at-risk residents, distribute educational materials, and schedule visits.
2. Food Pantry Support and Youth Volunteer Program (Fighting Hunger & Engaging Youth)
Context:
Local news reports that Chicago-area food pantries—serving Lake County communities—have seen a significant spike in visits over the past year, highlighting increased food insecurity. There is both a growing need for food assistance and an opportunity to involve youth in service.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local food pantries in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake (e.g., COOL Ministries, Warren Township Food Pantry)
- Grayslake Central High School and area youth groups
- Area businesses for food/fund drives
Next Steps:
- Set up a Rotary-led food drive involving local schools and youth groups (linking with existing events, e.g., community trivia nights or festivals, to collect donations).
- Arrange regular Saturday volunteer days where Rotary members and student volunteers help sort, pack, and distribute food at local pantries.
- Apply for matching Rotary District grants for additional food or hygiene kits to be distributed at pantries during high-need periods.
- Publicize the need and success stories in local news and schools to raise awareness and recruit more youth participation.
Both these initiatives directly align with Rotary’s focus on community health, support for elders, hunger relief, and youth engagement, making a meaningful impact in Lake County.
Certainly! Based on recent and ongoing issues in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two specific Rotary service or fundraising project recommendations—each tied directly to Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Addressing Youth Mental Health and Resilience Area of Focus: Community Health, Youth
Context:
Lake County, including Waukegan and Gurnee, has seen growing concerns around youth mental health, exacerbated by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, pressure from school and social situations, and increased awareness of mental health struggles among young people. Schools such as Waukegan High School and organizations like Youth & Family Counseling (Libertyville) have reported an uptick in demand for counseling services, peer support, and youth wellness programming.
Potential Partners:
- Youth & Family Counseling (Libertyville)
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Community Unit School District 116 (Round Lake), District 60 (Waukegan), District 121 (Warren Township/Gurnee)
- Lake County Behavioral Health Department
- NAMI Lake County
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to identified school districts, NAMI Lake County, and Youth & Family Counseling to discuss direct service and awareness needs.
2. Host a Mental Health Awareness Day, providing on-the-spot screenings, workshops for coping skills, information booths, and guest speakers targeting students, parents, and educators.
3. Explore launching an ongoing Youth Peer Support program, supported by Rotary fundraising for professional facilitation, or a micro-grant program to allow student-driven initiatives to foster connection and resilience.
4. Pursue Rotary District and local sponsorships, and engage local businesses for matching support.
2. Community Environmental Cleanup and Education Initiative Area of Focus: Environment, Education
Context:
Lake County’s numerous forest preserves and waterways have experienced increased littering and invasive species encroachment, particularly along the Des Plaines River and at Gurnee Woods Forest Preserve and Waukegan’s lakefront. Residents and conservation organizations have called for more volunteer engagement and public education, especially following heavy traffic after special events and holidays.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves District
- Waukegan Park District
- Gurnee Park District
- Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO)
- Local Scout Troops and school Green Clubs
Next Steps:
1. Connect with the Lake County Forest Preserves District and local park districts to identify high-priority cleanup or restoration sites.
2. Organize a series of quarterly community cleanup days, with educational components for families—such as invasive species ID, best practices for waste disposal, and the impact of pollution on local wildlife.
3. Seek in-kind support (gloves, bags, snacks) from local hardware stores and businesses.
4. Involve youth service organizations (Scouts, school groups) for stewardship education and volunteer hours, and publicize events through local media.
5. Use these cleanups as catalysts for follow-up environmental education workshops and fundraising (e.g., adopt-a-park, native planting fund).
Both projects encourage strong partnerships and address real, current needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County, directly aligning with Rotary’s mission to make lasting, impactful change.
1. Support for Substance Use Recovery and Prevention (Community Health, Youth, Education)
Context:
Recent news highlights the work of Nicasa Behavioral Health Services and Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board (VTCMHB) in empowering individuals with substance use recovery, and the promotion of available services in Lake County. Substance use issues remain a critical challenge affecting youth, families, and adults throughout Gurnee, Waukegan, and the wider Lake County area. Awareness, access to resources, and community-based prevention efforts are vital.
Potential Partners: - Nicasa Behavioral Health Services - Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board - Local school districts (for youth-focused outreach) - Lake County Health Department - Area faith organizations and youth centers
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Nicasa and VTCMHB to discuss gaps in outreach, education, or direct support where Rotary can assist (e.g., funding educational materials, supporting afterschool prevention programs, sponsoring recovery-family events).
- Plan an awareness and resource fair (perhaps in conjunction with local schools or at public libraries) focusing on prevention education and available treatment resources for both youth and adults.
- Develop a fundraising campaign or grant application to purchase supplies, support peer support group activities, or subsidize behavioral health services for under-resourced families.
- Recruit volunteers among Rotarians to mentor or support youth in prevention activities or serve as community ambassadors for substance abuse prevention.
2. Environmental Initiative: Post-Holiday Recycling & Education (Environment, Community)
Context:
A current item in local news promotes Christmas tree recycling in Lake Forest—a highly visible seasonal need that also signals a broader community interest in waste reduction and environmental literacy. Many residents might not be aware of proper ways to recycle seasonal items (trees, lights, packaging) or recognize the environmental impact of holiday waste.
Potential Partners: - Local municipal public works departments (Lake Forest, Waukegan, Gurnee) - SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County) - Area park districts and neighborhood associations - Local environmental groups or high school eco-clubs
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with SWALCO and local municipalities to promote existing recycling programs and identify opportunities to expand access—such as organizing additional drop-off sites or volunteer-manned information stations in under-served areas of Waukegan and Gurnee.
- Launch a Rotary-branded public education campaign that covers not just tree recycling, but broader post-holiday waste issues (e.g., string lights, electronics, package materials). Junior Rotarians or high school eco-clubs could be involved in program delivery.
- Explore hosting an annual “Green New Year” event with demonstrations, information booths, and opportunities for the public to recycle other materials (e-waste, batteries, etc.) while learning about ongoing environmental initiatives and how to reduce waste year-round.
- Seek sponsor support or grants to fund signage, print materials, or modest incentives (e.g., native tree sapling giveaways) to encourage participation.
Both projects address urgent local challenges and reflect key Rotary areas of focus, supporting healthier, more resilient communities and fostering engagement with local youth and families.
1. Mental Health Support Project: Partnering with Gurnee Police Department CARE Team
Context:
The Gurnee Police Department recently launched the CARE (Crisis Assistance & Response Engagement) Team to address mental health needs in the community. Mental health remains a critical area, especially as first responders increasingly encounter residents in crisis and the stigma around seeking help persists. Rotary’s focus on Disease Prevention and Treatment and Community Health aligns well with supporting such initiatives.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee Police Department CARE Team leadership
- Lake County Health Department
- NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Local healthcare providers (e.g., Advocate Condell)
- Local schools and family services organizations
Next Steps:
a) Request a meeting with the CARE Team coordinators to understand their immediate needs—such as funding, volunteer training, or resource kits for crisis response.
b) Arrange a Rotary service day focused on assembling "Crisis Comfort Kits" (snacks, stress toys, resource guides) for police to distribute to individuals/families in distress.
c) Organize a community mental health awareness seminar or resource fair in partnership with local mental health organizations and first responders.
d) Explore ongoing fundraising to support specialized training for officers or to expand the CARE Team’s outreach and educational materials.
2. Child Nutrition and Abuse Prevention: Supporting At-Risk Youth in Lake County
Context:
A recent heartbreaking incident in Lake County involved a 7-year-old child who suffered from starvation. This tragedy underscores the ongoing vulnerabilities and unmet needs of at-risk youth in the area. Rotary’s areas of focus on Maternal and Child Health and Supporting Education make this a critical opportunity for impactful action.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Division of Children and Family Services
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee SD 56)
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
- Child advocacy groups and abuse prevention nonprofits
Next Steps:
a) Connect with local DFCS and advocacy groups to identify gaps: weekend food security, family education, or emergency interventions.
b) Launch a Rotary-led fundraising drive for food pantries and nutritional support programs targeting school-aged children, especially for weekends and school breaks.
c) Coordinate a community education campaign or parent workshops about child health, nutrition, and abuse warning signs, possibly during PTA meetings or library events.
d) Offer volunteer support for after-school programs, meal distributions, or mentoring initiatives focused on youth well-being, leveraging Rotary member expertise and networks.