Based on the news summarized for December 28, 2025, in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, two key service/fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus are:
1. Access to Health Care: Community Health Education and Resource Fair
Context:
Multiple articles and opinion pieces highlight local concerns about inefficiencies, costs, and barriers in the American healthcare system, with debates about healthcare access as a right and challenges in coverage. Given continued community confusion, frustration, and need — especially for underserved populations in Waukegan and Gurnee — there is a timely opportunity to positively impact public health at the local level.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department & Community Health Center
- Local Federally Qualified Health Centers (e.g., Erie HealthReach)
- Advocate Condell Medical Center
- Township and city governments (Waukegan, Gurnee)
- Health insurance navigators and social service agencies
- Youth groups as volunteers (e.g., INTERACT clubs at local high schools)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to local health officials and non-profits about joint sponsorship.
- Secure a venue accessible by public transportation in central Waukegan or Gurnee.
- Invite partner organizations to join both as presenters and resource providers (wellness screenings, insurance sign-up assistance, mental health resources).
- Organize Rotary volunteers for setup, translation, and general information.
- Promote widely in advance including in Spanish and other prevalent community languages.
- Use event as a springboard for registering attendees for ongoing Rotary-supported health literacy workshops.
2. Local Nature Restoration: Black Walnut & Urban Wildlife Stewardship Project
Context:
Local columnist Mark Speyer’s article features ecosystem dynamics between gray squirrels and black walnuts, evoking the importance of urban nature. Lake County’s rapid development poses continuing threats to native trees and habitats, while the public’s awareness of local biodiversity is often low. Rotary could engage the community in hands-on stewardship, linking environment, youth education, and neighborhood beautification.
Potential Partners:
- Stillman Nature Center and local forest preserves
- Gurnee Park District and Waukegan Park District
- Lake County Forest Preserves District
- School environmental clubs (including high school service clubs)
- Local businesses for sponsorship (nurseries, garden centers)
Next Steps:
- Meet with Stillman Nature Center and park district leaders to identify priority planting sites (parks, schoolyards, public pathways).
- Seek donations or discounts for native Black Walnut and companion species saplings.
- Develop environmental education materials about squirrels, native trees, and habitat.
- Recruit and schedule Rotary members, Interact youth, and community volunteers for a spring planting/restoration day.
- Designate long-term volunteers for stewardship and follow-up maintenance.
- Publicize the project as part of Rotary’s support for the global environment, seeking local press coverage and offering public workshops in tandem with the event.
1. Water Safety and Emergency Preparedness Campaign at Illinois Beach State Park
Context:
A recent top story highlighted increasing water emergencies at Illinois Beach State Park, which have frustrated local first responders despite recent shoreline restoration. With warmer summers and increased park visitors, Lake County is seeing a rise in drownings and rescue situations, bringing urgency to promote water safety and emergency response readiness—both vital community health concerns.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office/Marine Unit
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- Local fire and rescue agencies (e.g., Zion Fire-Rescue Department)
- Illinois Beach State Park management
- Swim instruction organizations (e.g., YMCA of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning session with park officials and first responders to assess needs (life jackets, signage, swim lessons, emergency equipment).
- Secure funding or donations for water safety signage, emergency flotation devices, and bilingual educational materials.
- Organize volunteer-led water safety seminars for families and youth, ideally before summer.
- Explore a long-term Rotary commitment to sponsor swim instruction scholarships for at-risk youth in Waukegan and Gurnee through partner organizations.
Rotary Area of Focus: Disease prevention and treatment, Community health, Youth
2. Youth Leadership and Mental Health Support Initiative in Gurnee and Waukegan
Context:
Recent community unrest, such as the large-scale “No Kings” rallies and the high-profile parade shooting trial, points to ongoing stress and polarization affecting local youth. Simultaneously, post-pandemic recovery has revealed increasing needs for mental health support and constructive engagement for adolescents in Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Warren Township Youth & Family Services
- Waukegan Public Schools and Gurnee School Districts
- Youth non-profits (A Safe Place, Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Behavioral health providers
- Faith communities active in youth outreach
Next Steps:
- Meet school social workers, counselors, and youth service agencies to map current mental health resources and identify gaps.
- Launch a fundraiser (e.g., spring Rotary Gala, sports tournament) to fund after-school programming and peer leadership workshops focused on building resilience, coping skills, and community belonging.
- Develop or support Youth Peace Ambassadors or Rotary Interact Clubs at area high schools to foster engagement, volunteerism, and leadership around mental health.
- Leverage Rotary’s global connections to bring speakers or virtual workshops on youth well-being to local schools and community centers.
Rotary Area of Focus: Supporting education, Community peacebuilding, Disease prevention and treatment (mental health)
1. Lake County Youth Academic Achievement Fundraiser & Mentorship Initiative
Context: Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish recently won the regional spelling bee and is heading to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., drawing attention to the area’s talented youth and the importance of educational enrichment programs. Hundreds of students from 73 Lake County schools participated, demonstrating community-wide engagement in academic pursuits.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (District 50 Waukegan, District 56 Gurnee, etc.)
- Public libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library)
- Local businesses for sponsorships
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Lake County Regional Office of Education to learn about existing needs for academic enrichment, scholarships for local/state/national academic competitions, and areas where Rotary can support.
- Organize a fundraising event (e.g., spelling bee exhibition, trivia night, or dinner) with proceeds going to create a fund for scholarships, travel expenses, and educational resources for high-achieving, under-resourced students.
- Launch a mentorship program pairing Rotary members and community leaders with students participating in academic competitions to foster leadership, confidence, and public speaking skills.
- Announce the initiative to local schools and at spelling bee events, and highlight stories like Visharad Sathish’s as inspiration and proof of impact.
2. Rotary Youth Literacy & Family Reading Night Program
Context: The participation of hundreds of students in the spelling bee shows the region’s enthusiasm for literacy and learning, but it also highlights the ongoing need for accessible literacy resources in diverse, multilingual communities like Waukegan and Gurnee. Many local families could benefit from extra support in fostering at-home reading habits and language development.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan and Gurnee school districts’ literacy coordinators
- United Way of Lake County (which runs Success By 6 and other early childhood initiatives)
- Local bookstores and publishers
- Community centers and churches serving multilingual families
Next Steps:
- Work with education partners to identify elementary schools or neighborhoods with the greatest need for literacy support.
- Plan and launch a series of Family Reading Nights at schools and libraries, featuring read-alouds, free book giveaways, parent workshops on supporting literacy at home, and workshops for multilingual families.
- Recruit Rotary members and local high school Honor Society/Key Club volunteers to staff the events and act as reading buddies for children.
- Explore opportunities for a book drive, focused on culturally relevant and bilingual books to serve English Learner families across Lake County.
- Publicize the events via schools, community centers, and local media to reach as many families as possible, building on the positive publicity from local academic achievements.
Both of these opportunities reinforce Rotary’s focus on supporting education and youth development while leveraging current community achievements and needs.
1. Food Pantry Support and Nutrition Education Initiative
Context:
Local reporting indicates that Chicago-area food pantries, including those serving Gurnee, Waukegan, and wider Lake County, have experienced a significant spike in visits over the past year, reflecting increased community food insecurity. Rising demand has strained resources for organizations providing meals and groceries to families and individuals in need.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (which serves Lake County)
- Libertyville Township and Warren Township Food Pantries
- Local faith-based organizations (such as Holy Family Church in Waukegan)
- Community health clinics
Next Steps:
- Reach out to food pantries to assess urgent needs and gaps (especially for healthy food, baby formula, and culturally-relevant staples).
- Plan a multi-week food drive at local schools, workplaces, and community centers.
- Organize Rotary club volunteers to staff pantry distribution hours.
- Develop short nutrition education workshops (in English and Spanish) in collaboration with food pantry staff, focusing on budget-friendly, healthy recipes using typical pantry items.
2. Community Fire Safety and Senior Support Project
Context:
A recent fatal house fire involving an 86-year-old woman near Spring Grove highlights the vulnerability of seniors in our area to fire hazards. Many seniors live alone and may lack working smoke detectors or knowledge about fire safety and emergency planning.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee and Waukegan Fire Departments
- Lake County Senior Services/Area Agency on Aging
- Local senior centers and housing associations
- Red Cross of Northern Illinois (for smoke alarm installations)
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with local fire departments to identify neighborhoods with high populations of senior citizens.
- Fundraise for the purchase of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and basic fire extinguishers.
- Organize volunteer days for installation teams (including Rotarians and fire department staff) to visit senior homes and provide not only installation but brief fire safety checks.
- Offer informational sessions at senior centers about prevention, escape planning, and emergency contacts. Distribute easy-to-understand printed guides.
- Explore ongoing check-in programs to reduce senior social isolation and monitor at-risk homes.
These projects both address clear, current community concerns and are deeply rooted in Rotary’s focus areas of supporting community health, supporting the vulnerable, and strengthening education.
Based on recent news and ongoing themes in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, as well as Rotary's key areas of focus, here are two actionable Rotary service or fundraising opportunities:
1. Youth Literacy and After-School Enrichment in Waukegan
Context:
Waukegan schools have consistently worked to address opportunity gaps and support youth development. Community leaders, such as Dr. Theresa Plascencia, Superintendent of Waukegan CUSD 60, frequently highlight challenges in student literacy and access to enriching after-school programs. Many nonprofits, including YouthBuild Lake County and the Waukegan Public Library, want to expand services but need additional support.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Public Library
- Waukegan CUSD 60
- YouthBuild Lake County
- United Way of Lake County
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to Waukegan Public Library and CUSD 60 to identify specific youth literacy or enrichment needs, such as take-home reading kits, homework help, or STEM activities.
2. Organize a book and supply drive, with Rotary volunteers supporting distribution and reading mentorship at local schools or library programs.
3. Plan an annual fundraiser (for example, a “Read-a-thon” or “Literacy Gala”) to support ongoing programming and secure long-term Rotary sponsorship.
4. Publicize success stories in local media to inspire broader community involvement.
2. Environmental Restoration and Community Health in Gurnee and Lake County Forest Preserves
Context:
Lake County, including Gurnee, frequently experiences environmental challenges such as flooding, invasive species in local preserves, and a need for safe and accessible green spaces. The Lake County Forest Preserves (notably, Rollins Savanna and Des Plaines River Trail areas) are prioritized for stewardship by groups like the Lake County Forest Preserve District and Friends of the Forest Preserves. Enhanced park health also supports better air and water quality for residents—a key community health priority.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserve District
- Friends of the Forest Preserves
- Gurnee Park District
- Local schools’ environmental clubs
Next Steps:
1. Coordinate with the Forest Preserve District to identify a spring or summer restoration project, such as a native tree planting, invasive species removal, or educational pollinator garden.
2. Publicize a community workday led by Rotary, inviting local families and school groups to participate.
3. Seek local sponsors (nurseries, gardening stores) to provide materials and refreshments.
4. Collect data and testimonials on the project’s impact, reporting back to Rotary District leadership and inviting follow-up sponsorships for additional green initiatives.
These targeted projects support Rotary’s missions in education, youth development, environment, and community health, while fostering meaningful partnerships with Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County organizations.
1. Community Mental Health & Substance Use Support Initiative
Context: Recent coverage highlighted the work of Nicasa Behavioral Health Services and the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board in providing support for substance use and recovery. Given the ongoing opioid crisis and broader increases in substance use disorders in Lake County, there is a strong community need for education, prevention, stigma reduction, and direct support for those in recovery and their families.
Potential Partners:
- Nicasa Behavioral Health Services (named as an existing service provider)
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local schools and PTAs
- Lake County Health Department
- Other local Rotary clubs
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Nicasa and Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board to discuss partnership and determine greatest areas of service/funding gap.
- Organize a Mental Health Awareness and Resource Fair, inviting mental health professionals, support organizations, and those with lived experience to present and answer questions.
- Create a Rotary-led scholarship or emergency assistance fund for individuals in recovery as an incentive and support for accessing services.
- Offer a series of educational workshops in local schools and community centers addressing substance use, mental health, and reducing stigma.
- Identify grant or fundraising opportunities (Rotary Foundation District grant, local business supporters) to support these efforts.
2. Youth Engagement and Educational Enrichment Initiative (KidPalooza & Music Honor Society Support)
Context: The North Suburban YMCA is hosting its 2nd Annual KidPalooza event, focusing on family-friendly activities, community engagement, and youth enrichment. Additionally, Woodlands Academy has launched a new chapter of the Tri-M® Music Honor Society, emphasizing academic achievement and the importance of music education for youth. There is a clear opportunity to support creative, educational, and inclusive youth programs, especially for underserved families in Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding communities.
Potential Partners:
- North Suburban YMCA (KidPalooza organizers)
- Woodlands Academy (Tri-M® Music Honor Society chapter)
- Local schools and youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club, school districts)
- Local arts groups and businesses
Next Steps:
- Volunteer at and co-sponsor KidPalooza, adding a Rotary booth/activity focused on literacy or STEM activities (e.g., science demonstrations, book giveaway) to broaden the event’s educational impact.
- Organize a fundraising concert or talent showcase in partnership with the Tri-M® Music Honor Society, supporting both music programming and youth mental health.
- Offer scholarships or instrument donations for music education to low-income youth in Lake County.
- Collaborate with YMCA and local schools to identify ongoing needs for afterschool enrichment, mentorship, and educational support, and design a service project or regular program to address gaps (e.g., tutoring, career days, mental wellness workshops).
- Approach local businesses to sponsor or match fundraising efforts, increasing community buy-in and sustainability.
1. Mental Health Support: Partnership with Gurnee Police CARE Team
Context:
The newly created Crisis Assistance & Response Engagement (CARE) Team within the Gurnee Police Department directly addresses growing concerns around community mental health—a pressing issue as highlighted in the recent local news. The CARE Team was designed to engage community members experiencing mental health crises, connecting individuals and families to resources, and providing crisis intervention support.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee Police Department (CARE Team lead)
- Local mental health organizations such as Lake County Health Department Behavioral Health Services
- Local schools and parent-teacher organizations
- Lake County United (coalition of faith and community organizations)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Gurnee Police Department’s CARE Team leadership to schedule a meeting and identify specific community mental health needs and resource gaps.
- Develop a joint service project, such as a community mental health resource fair or support group facilitation, hosted at a local community center or church.
- Create fundraising initiatives to finance mental health first aid training for community volunteers, or to support transportation and materials for CARE Team outreach.
- Publicize the effort through Rotary and local media to attract volunteers and foster destigmatization of mental health concerns in Gurnee and greater Lake County.
2. Community Health & Education: Child Hunger and Nutrition Initiative in Waukegan & Gurnee
Context:
The recent tragic case of a 7-year-old child being starved underscores ongoing issues related to food insecurity and child neglect in Lake County communities. This aligns with Rotary’s areas of focus on community health, child welfare, and education, and highlights the urgent need for prevention, intervention, and education initiatives for at-risk families.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local schools (Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee School District 56)
- Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
- Local churches and community centers
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with local food banks and schools to identify high-need areas and opportunities for regular food distributions or backpack food programs for students at risk of hunger.
- Organize a fundraising campaign to purchase healthy, shelf-stable food and hygiene supplies for distribution.
- Launch a community education series with partners on child nutrition, available social services, and how community members can identify and report cases of child neglect or abuse.
- Recruit volunteers for food drives, packing events, and educational outreach, engaging both Rotary members and partnering organizations.
- Publicize the initiative, focusing on building awareness, encouraging community vigilance, and providing clear pathways for families to seek help.
These projects align strongly with Rotary priorities of mental wellness, disease prevention, community health, and child welfare, and directly respond to current events and urgent needs in Lake County communities.