1. Youth Education & Workforce Readiness: Promoting Local Apprenticeship and Technical Training Access
Context:
The notice from IBEW Local 117 JATC announces upcoming application periods for Electrician and Telecommunications Installer apprenticeships, highlighting a local need for greater awareness, access, and preparation for these skilled trades opportunities. Many youth and adults in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding Lake County may be unaware of or underserved by such pathways, especially as technical and skilled trade careers offer strong, stable employment options.
Potential Partners: - IBEW Local 117 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) - Local high schools and community colleges (College of Lake County) - Waukegan Public Library and Gurnee Public Library - Lake County Workforce Development - Community centers serving underrepresented youth
Next Steps: 1. Coordinate with IBEW Local 117 JATC to host an information session or hands-on workshop for high school students and unemployed adults, highlighting apprenticeship paths, the application process, and career prospects. 2. Organize resume and application assistance events at local schools and libraries, particularly in Waukegan and Gurnee, prior to the January 5–16, 2026 application window. 3. Set up a scholarship fund or transportation assistance for applicants facing barriers to visiting the application site in Crystal Lake. 4. Publicize events and opportunities via local school counselors, public libraries, Rotary social media, and partner organizations.
2. Community Health & Veteran Support: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness and Resource Fair
Context:
Recent reporting notes Chicago’s emergence as a center for traumatic brain injury research, with U.S. service members facing high rates of TBI. Given Lake County’s substantial veteran community, and the proximity to north suburban Chicago’s medical research advances, there’s a timely need for local support, education, and connections—both for affected veterans and their families.
Potential Partners: - Lovell Federal Health Care Center (North Chicago VA hospital) - Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (North Chicago) - Local VFW and American Legion chapters - Lake County veterans’ services and non-profits (e.g., Veterans Assistance Commission) - Northwestern Medicine/Lake Forest Hospital (for medical experts)
Next Steps: 1. Organize a Rotary-hosted "Brain Health Awareness Day" featuring informational sessions on TBI, panel discussions with local healthcare professionals, and workshops on access to care and research opportunities. 2. Provide space for experts from Lovell FHCC and Rosalind Franklin to educate attendees on the latest treatments and services. 3. Incorporate mental health resources, veteran peer-support networks, and assistance with VA benefits paperwork. 4. Publicize the event through local media, veteran organizations, health providers, and social media; offer transportation support for those with mobility challenges. 5. Fundraise during the event to support ongoing local veteran health initiatives or research partnerships.
These initiatives align strongly with Rotary’s mission, addressing education and workforce development as well as supporting health and dignity for local veterans.
Based on the recent news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, the following service or fundraising opportunities align well with Rotary’s focus areas of community health, education, and youth:
1. Opioid Awareness and Naloxone Distribution Initiative
Context:
A new Illinois law now requires all public libraries to carry medication capable of reversing opioid overdoses. While some libraries already have these supplies, the law addresses a broad, ongoing opioid crisis impacting Lake County and surrounding areas. Communities like Waukegan and Gurnee are not immune to substance use disorders, and the increased incidence of overdoses—particularly among youth and working adults—underscores the need for awareness, access to reversal agents, and destigmatization.
Potential Partners:
- Local public libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee)
- Lake County Health Department
- Live4Lali (a regional harm-reduction nonprofit)
- School districts (Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee District 56)
- First responder agencies
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with library directors and Lake County Health Department to assess gaps in Naloxone (Narcan) supply and staff/volunteer training.
- Develop and fund an awareness campaign targeting teens, young adults, and families to destigmatize overdose prevention and educate about opioid risks.
- Coordinate Rotary-led Narcan administration training sessions for the public, in partnership with Live4Lali.
- Organize a fundraising drive to purchase additional emergency overdose kits for libraries, recreation centers, and schools.
- Evaluate the potential for a “Rotary Opioid Response Award” to recognize local first responders or community educators.
Rotary Areas of Focus: Disease prevention and treatment; community health; youth support.
2. Cold-Weather Gear & Shelter Support for Vulnerable Youth and Families
Context:
The arrival of severe cold fronts and dangerous wind chills in Lake County, as reported in a recent weather update, puts homeless and under-resourced community members—particularly youth and low-income families—at high risk during the winter. Emergency shelters and non-profits often run short on vital supplies. Additionally, some North Chicago/Gurnee/Waukegan students lack adequate winter gear for daily school travel.
Potential Partners:
- PADS Lake County (homeless shelter/services nonprofit)
- COOL Ministries in Waukegan
- Gurnee Exchange Club and local churches
- Salvation Army of Lake County
- Public schools’ social worker staff
Next Steps:
- Contact PADS Lake County and local schools to assess the immediate needs for cold-weather gear (coats, gloves, hats) among children and families.
- Organize a Rotary “Winter Warmth Drive” to collect new or gently-used gear, and solicit donations from local businesses.
- Set up a Rotary service day to distribute gear—possibly coinciding with a free hot meal event—at PADS, COOL Ministries, or at rotating school sites.
- Raise funds through a winter-themed community event (e.g., chili cook-off, charity walk) to benefit the operational costs of shelters and support services.
- Collaborate with school counselors and youth caseworkers to identify high-need families for direct outreach and follow-up.
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community economic development; disease prevention and treatment; supporting education and youth.
These two initiatives respond directly to reported community needs and complement Rotary’s mission to improve health, safety, and opportunity for all.
1. Youth Education and Literacy Advancement: Spelling Bee Support & Literacy Mentorship Program
Context:
With Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish advancing to the Scripps National Spelling Bee after a marathon regional event (involving 73 area schools and hundreds of students), there is significant local interest in academic competitions and youth literacy. Many students could benefit from additional literacy support, mentorship, or preparation for spelling and academic competitions. This aligns directly with Rotary's focus on education and literacy.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts and libraries
- Clubs like Toastmasters (for public speaking enrichment)
- Nonprofits such as 826CHI or Reading Power Inc.
- Local businesses interested in promoting youth achievement
Next Steps:
- Organize a fundraising event (such as a "Bee Bright Gala" or trivia night) to sponsor Lake County students attending academic competitions, including travel stipends and registration fees.
- Launch a Rotary Literacy Mentorship Program: recruit volunteers to mentor students at local schools or libraries, focusing on spelling, reading comprehension, and academic confidence.
- Collaborate with local schools/libraries to host annual spelling bees or reading challenges, offering Rotary-sponsored prizes and scholarship opportunities.
- Reach out to Visharad Sathish, his family, and his school to explore a Rotary recognition event or panel on academic achievement.
- Seek media coverage to highlight Rotary’s commitment to youth education.
2. Healthy Communities Initiative: School-Based Mental Health & Wellness Workshops
Context:
While the headline news highlights academic success, it also reflects the pressures and stressors facing local youth, particularly high-achieving students. National and local trends show increasing mental health concerns among students, sometimes exacerbated by academic competition, social pressures, and post-pandemic adjustment challenges. Schools and families are seeking additional support for youth wellness.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Gurnee and Waukegan school districts
- Youth mental health organizations (e.g., NAMI Lake County, Erika’s Lighthouse)
- Local hospitals (Advocate Condell, Vista Health)
- PTAs and student clubs
Next Steps:
- Propose a series of Rotary-sponsored mental health and wellness workshops in local middle and high schools, tailored to the unique stresses of academic competition and adolescent development.
- Fundraise through a community walk/run (“Strides for Students” or similar) with net proceeds supporting free in-school mental wellness resources (counseling, mindfulness apps, peer support groups).
- Recruit local mental health experts and educators to deliver skill-building sessions: stress management, emotional resilience, and healthy balance in academics.
- Publicize and facilitate parent education nights and peer forums to destigmatize seeking help.
- Monitor partnership impact via participant feedback and school well-being data, reporting back to Rotary members and supporters.
By focusing on education/literacy and youth health, these initiatives directly address current events and enduring community needs, leveraging Rotary’s strengths in service, partnership, and local engagement.
Certainly! Based on recent news and ongoing events across Gurnee, Waukegan, Grayslake, and Lake County, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that directly align with Rotary’s areas of focus and current community needs:
1. Food Security: Partnering to Address Rising Food Pantry Demand
Context:
Local coverage indicates that "Chicago-Area Food Pantries See Spike In Visits Over Past Year." Like much of Lake County, Gurnee and Waukegan continue to see increased food insecurity due to inflation and economic stress. Local pantries are straining to meet demand—especially during the holiday and winter season.
Potential Partners: - Northern Illinois Food Bank (serving Lake County) - Roberti Community House (Waukegan-based) - COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan) - Local grocery stores (Jewel, Aldi, Mariano’s) for donation drives - Area schools and faith groups
Next Steps: - Organize a winter food and toiletry drive, focusing on items in highest demand (protein, baby supplies, hygiene items). - Mobilize Rotary club volunteers to staff collection events, distribute food, and promote the drive to businesses, schools, and faith groups. - Coordinate with local pantries (like Roberti Community House and COOL) to identify peak need times and ways Rotary can provide volunteers or resources. - Consider hosting a fundraising event (ex: "Dine Out Against Hunger" night at local restaurants) to benefit the food bank or pantries. - Publicize the impact, and invite the community for continued involvement to create sustained support.
2. Youth Mental Health Support: Expanding Access and Awareness
Context:
The overall stress on youth remains high post-pandemic, and Lake County schools continue to report growing mental health needs among students. Partner spotlights, such as Mindsee.It (a local tutoring program), highlight interest in youth empowerment and education, but increasingly, students need mental health support alongside academic help. This area is under-resourced and aligns with Rotary’s focus on education and disease prevention.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Regional Office of Education (ROE) - Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (Gurnee) - Nicasa Behavioral Health Services (Waukegan) - Mindsee.It (education partner, may help with outreach) - Local PTAs, school counselors, and youth agencies
Next Steps: - Collaborate with the ROE and area nonprofits to organize a Youth Wellness Fair, offering on-site mental health screenings, parent workshops, and information booths on local counseling/support resources. - Pursue funding for evidence-based “Mental Health First Aid” training for school staff, parents, and high schoolers, to better spot and respond to mental health needs. - Develop a speaker series with mental health professionals (possible guests: Nicasa, Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center) focused on stress management, anxiety, and resilience in youth. - Seek sponsors to subsidize access to counseling or peer-support groups, especially for at-risk students in Waukegan and Gurnee. - Use Rotary’s network to invite local influencers and businesses for broader promotion and to raise funds for ongoing mental health programming in schools.
These two opportunities reflect urgent, community-identified needs and can be actioned in partnership with established local organizations for effective service and impact.
1. Youth Mentorship & Career Readiness Program with Waukegan Public Schools
Context:
Waukegan and Lake County communities continue to face challenges around youth engagement and educational opportunity gaps, particularly among underserved populations. The Waukegan Public School District (#60) has publicized needs for mentorship, career exploration, and skill-building to support student success and future employability.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Public Schools (specifically career services or counseling departments)
- Local businesses through the Waukegan Chamber of Commerce
- Lake County Workforce Development
- Youth organizations such as Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Contact Waukegan District 60: Reach out to Dr. Theresa Plascencia (Superintendent) or the district’s Career & Technical Education Director to express Rotary’s interest and set a meeting.
- Engage Local Businesses: Collaborate with the Chamber to identify potential speakers, internship sites, and job shadowing opportunities.
- Develop Program Structure: Organize monthly mentorship sessions, career panels, resume-writing workshops, and arrange site tours for interested students.
- Recruit Rotarian Volunteers: Tap into local club members’ expertise to participate as mentors or guest speakers.
- Seek Grants or Matching Funds: Pursue Rotary district or foundation funding to support supplies, transportation, or scholarship incentives.
2. Community Mental Health Awareness & Resources Drive in Gurnee/Waukegan
Context:
Lake County health officials have recently reported increased mental health concerns—especially among teens and young adults—in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding communities. There is a documented need for awareness campaigns, resource distribution, and stigma reduction efforts, as mental health providers like Lake County Health Department and NAMI Lake County have noted rising demand for services.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lake County
- Local hospitals (e.g., Vista Health System, Advocate Condell)
- Gurnee and Waukegan libraries, faith groups, and park districts
Next Steps:
- Form a Planning Committee: Bring together Rotarian members and liaisons from local mental health organizations.
- Schedule a Community Event: Organize a Mental Health Awareness Fair at a central location such as Warren Township High School or a community center.
- Secure Educational Materials & Speakers: Partner with NAMI and county providers for brochures, workshops, and mental health first aid training for the public.
- Promote Widely: Work with local media, social media, and school partners to reach families and youth.
- Consider a Fundraiser: Incorporate a walk-a-thon or raffle to support local crisis lines or youth counseling programs.
Both projects meet crucial community needs and exemplify Rotary’s commitment to supporting youth, education, and community health.
Based on local news and Rotary’s areas of focus, here are two recommended service or fundraising initiatives for the Rotary Club in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL:
1. Youth Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Support
Context:
The recent spotlight on Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, a Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board grant recipient, and the broader discussion about substance use support services highlight the ongoing community need for prevention, intervention, and support for youth and families dealing with substance use challenges. Substance misuse among youth continues to impact Lake County communities, and local organizations are actively working on solutions.
Potential Partners:
- Nicasa Behavioral Health Services
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local school districts (Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee School District 56, etc.)
- YMCA of Lake County
- Youth-focused non-profits and afterschool programs
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Nicasa to discuss partnership opportunities and understand current needs and resource gaps.
- Organize an awareness event, such as a community forum or educational workshop, featuring experts from Nicasa, law enforcement, and youth recovery advocates.
- Fundraise to support Nicasa's prevention and recovery programming (e.g., scholarships for youth counseling, peer leadership training, or safe spaces for afterschool engagement).
- Establish a Rotary-led mentorship program connecting Rotarians with local at-risk youth or those in recovery programs.
2. Environmental Sustainability: Christmas Tree Recycling and Community Education
Context:
With local initiatives promoting Christmas tree recycling in Lake Forest and an ongoing emphasis on environmental stewardship, there’s growing community interest in sustainable waste management. Many residents may not be fully informed about recycling options or about broader eco-friendly practices. This presents an opportunity to support responsible disposal while building environmental awareness.
Potential Partners:
- Lake Forest Public Works Department
- SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, IL)
- Local environmental non-profits (e.g., Conserve Lake County, Go Green groups)
- Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops for volunteer engagement
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with Lake Forest Public Works and SWALCO to coordinate a post-holiday tree collection drive, offering curbside pick-up or drop-off events staffed by Rotary volunteers.
- Use the event as an educational opportunity: distribute “green living” guides, offer hands-on recycling demonstrations, and promote year-round eco-friendly habits.
- Launch a fundraising campaign tied to the tree recycling drive, such as “Sponsor a Tree, Plant a Tree,” to raise funds for local tree planting, park restorations, or environmental scholarships for students.
- Engage local schools and youth groups to participate, combining education and service—and offering community service hours as an incentive.
Both projects directly align with Rotary’s areas of focus: supporting youth and health, and protecting the environment, while also fostering stronger ties with local agencies and community members.
Based on the provided recent news and Rotary’s areas of focus, here are two service or fundraising opportunities for Rotary clubs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL:
1. Mental Health Support Initiative in Partnership with Gurnee Police CARE Team
Context:
A significant local development is the launch of the Gurnee Police Department’s new CARE Team (Crisis Assistance & Response Engagement), created to address mental health concerns in the community. This aligns directly with Rotary’s emphasis on community health and well-being.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee Police Department and their CARE Team
- Local mental health organizations such as Lake County Health Department Behavioral Health Services
- Community groups like NAMI Lake County
- Area schools and school districts
- Municipal government
Recommended Next Steps:
- Schedule a meeting with the Gurnee Police Department CARE Team leadership to understand greatest needs—such as resource gaps, outreach needs, or support for affected families.
- Identify opportunities for Rotary volunteer engagement, such as organizing mental health awareness forums, assisting with resource fairs, or providing funding for training sessions (e.g., Youth Mental Health First Aid).
- Launch a fundraising drive (e.g., a mental health walk or dinner) in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month.
- Collaborate with partner organizations to develop informational campaigns targeted at reducing stigma and informing residents of CARE Team services.
- Create care packages or support kits for individuals and families encountering mental health crises.
2. Nutrition and Child Wellness Drive in Response to Recent Child Neglect Incident
Context:
Recent news reports detailed a tragic case where a young child in Lake County was starved, highlighting ongoing concerns about child nutrition, neglect, and family support services locally. Rotary’s focus on child health and education makes this an urgent area for service.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Department of Children and Family Services
- Local food pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank – Lake County branch)
- Youth organizations and afterschool programs (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Local pediatricians and clinics
- School districts and PTAs
Recommended Next Steps:
- Connect with the Lake County DCFS and major food pantries to determine the most pressing nutritional gaps for at-risk children in the region.
- Organize a “Weekend Backpack Food” drive, delivering nutritious meals and snacks to children in need, especially during school breaks when they’re without access to school meals.
- Raise funds or collect donations for hygiene kits and home safety items to be distributed to families through partner agencies.
- Host nutrition education workshops for parents and caregivers, possibly inviting pediatricians as guest speakers.
- Develop collaborations with schools to identify students at risk of food insecurity or neglect and ensure they are connected to needed resources.
Both projects respond directly to current community challenges, are sustainable, and align with Rotary’s mission. Starting with conversation and needs assessment with the suggested partners will ensure that Rotary’s efforts are impactful and respectful of ongoing initiatives.