It started in 1954 with the first why…why would a nurse named Claire Haverkampf agree to provide foster care and healthcare to a baby born with special needs? Why would she ask her family to agree to this? Because she was asked. Because she felt like she wanted to do something more with her life. Because she saw a need, and wanted to meet it. For 70 years, staff and volunteers have provided very special care to Marklund residents and students, and continue to embrace the mission of Marklund.

Scroll below to view all 70 “Whys” submitted by Marklund staff and volunteers

  1. To be able to make a difference through Physical Therapy and have a chance to educate others so that our students and residents are able to maintain their physical abilities as long as possible. Marklund blessed me with a career and my little family!
  2. Being part of Marklund has helped me make a difference in the world for some very special people. Seeing them beyond their abilities… showing them their capabilities. Shout out to my younger brother Didi, for being my reason and teaching me the love and patience I have today. He’s my reason for being part of Marklund today.
  3. The residents.
  4. I have been in the trade industry & behind scenes for 30 years plus, and having two close family members with severe disabilities, means a lot and hit home every day for me. Working behind the scenes, I don’t usually get to see how repairs make a difference but here at Marklund, I not only see it first-hand but how much residents’ families and co-workers really appreciate the work that is done to make a difference.
  5. It’s rare to find a company that offers what Marklund offers to both residents and employees. Everyone at Marklund is family and Marklund becomes your second home.
  6. Everyone is always working together toward the common goal of Making Every Day Life Possible and you can truly feel the “Marklund Magic” every single day.
  7. It brings me lots of joy and I feel happy after I help out volunteering.
  8. Community…it’s great to be part of a caring, coordinated, compassionate team…!
  9. This is the most rewarding job ever! Nothing makes me feel better than interacting with a resident and receiving a big warm smile in return!
  10. Simply, I had no idea how much I needed the residents in my life and now, 30+ years later, it seems pretty crystal clear.
  11. Marklund is a place of opportunity for individuals who may otherwise be limited for the everyday experiences that make us laugh, smile, learn new things, or accomplish something in which we [or others] never thought we were capable.
  12. Knowing my work is a small part that makes a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
  13. When we bring library programs, we enjoy reinforcing the skills that Marklund residents are working on, such as focusing eyes, responding to visitors, etc.
  14. Helping their families feel like they’re heard and that we’re here to support them just as much.
  15. Being part of Marklund has given me a reason to continue to grow and fulfil my mission.
  16. Showing our students and residents an understanding and commitment by being here for them.
  17. There is something about giving to people who are in need. It’s very fulfilling.
  18. I love to see the clients interact with others and revealing their unique abilities to communicate and signs of happiness!
  19. I started at Marklund so young but am still here because of the residents. You get connected to them.
  20. I enjoy helping to make someone feel like they are a part of the community by interacting with the public.
  21. I love working at Marklund not just because of my connection to Jacob and other residents, but because the care and support we provide here is unmatched in Illinois. It’s a privilege to be part of this mission and have an opportunity to share it through my work with the world.
  22. Seeing how much fun our residents have when volunteers come in to spend time with them melts my heart every single time. Getting the community involved at Marklund is so important to me because I can see the direct impact it has on both our residents and volunteers.
  23. Working here gives me all the feels, teary eyes and regularly fills my heart.
  24. Everyone here is compassionate and shows genuine care for clients. There have been countless moments when I’ve witnessed the love and grace extended toward them, whether it’s through a warm smile or a supportive word, and it truly brings me joy to see that.
  25. Having grown up caring for my uncle with a profound disability, I understand the unique challenges and triumphs that come with this journey. Every time I attend an event and see clients express their excitement about the activities, I am moved by the way the staff celebrates with them. I notice that every client and resident is seen and valued, and that makes my purpose here deeply meaningful. Being part of a team that prioritizes empathy and understanding inspires me to give my best every day.
  26. It is my happy place.
  27. As simple as a sigh: for love. As complex as a reflection: because giving love is free, love for the residents of Marklund who are noble people, without rancor, without hatred, without any malice, is everything. Helping them, caring for them, taking responsibility, gives us back in great measure the blessing that God gives us every day with life. For this and more, it is Marklund…
  28. It started out as a job, became a career and is now my passion.
  29. Marklund is more than a facility…it’s a family.
  30. Marklund has allowed me to grow within the company and still be such an awesome impact on our residents and students in whatever position I am in.
  31. Marklund is an employer who invests in its employees, allowing them to grow and take on many different roles.
  32. I came here looking for a place I could feel like part of a team working toward a big goal of making a difference. I can say that the biggest difference has been a change in me. I am now connected to my coworkers as friends.
  33. I am deeply impacted by what I see at work each day. I have a greater empathy for lives affected by disabilities.
  34. I’m excited to give back and help those in need live their best lives.
  35. I have worked here so long and have had so many wonderful memories. I have enjoyed watching our residents/clients/students grow, some from babies to adults as well as watching them grow and gain skills over the years.
  36. I enjoy spending quality time with residents and getting to see them happy.
  37. I love the clients and the staff.
  38. Marklund is a daily reminder that our purpose is much greater than ourselves. To be able to contribute to providing our residents with the best care and quality of life on a daily basis is truly a blessing.
  39. Being there fills our hearts.
  40. I didn’t know what to expect coming in as a former in-home caregiver, but soon realized how great the staff was and how much they cared for their residents. Being overwhelmed at first but sticking with it is the best decision I could’ve made.
  41. Because working at Marklund is genuinely meaningful – we help the people we serve to live better, fuller lives.
  42. It’s encouraging to see so many staff members caring about the residents!
  43. I assisted in getting a community client placed in the day program at Marklund. During that process, I got to see the care provided and how, thanks to Marklund, they got to experience so many things they otherwise might not be able to. After seeing that, I knew that I had to be part of it and continue to ensure the best care and life for the amazing residents and community clients.
  44. Helping residents enjoy more life experiences.
  45. I work at Marklund because I have the pleasure of bringing in volunteers, especially our young future leaders and teaching them compassion and inclusion. Each day at Marklund, I am reminded that my efforts positively impact my community, my life and, most importantly, the lives of the residents.
  46. To see the progression of our students in order to make theirs and their families lives more fulfilling.
  47. Being able to visit with and getting to know the residents and staff has been a blessing!
  48. We love working with the staff, and more importantly, we love supporting the staff. The Marklund Staff is so precious. Anything we can do to help make their work lighter is a blessing.
  49. I work for Marklund so that I can give my students a voice.
  50. Our clients teach me significantly more about life than I could ever teach them.
  51. At first, I was unsure, but when I toured and meet some of the residents. I saw the smiles and interacted with them, I felt that God wanted me here and I had to be a part of Marklund fulfilling our Mission here.
  52. I work at Marklund because of the residents.  I know that’s what everyone always says, but that’s the truth and the sole reason I work here. They give me a sense of purpose! Helping them with their everyday tasks and helping them achieve their goals is the highlight of my day!
  53. I choose to work for Marklund because I truly believe in the mission statement. My sister was a part of developmental needs population and our family made sure she had opportunities to participate in everything that she enjoyed just like our residents do. Our residents deserve to live life to the fullest and enjoy the things they love. I’m glad I can make that happen for them.
  54. There aren’t many careers where you can truly make a difference in someone’s life.  Marklund is that place.
  55. I love seeing the joy and happiness in their faces every day, especially during outing and activities!
  56. The smiles on our resident’s faces says it all, and the happiness and joy you experience when spending time with each resident is seriously contagious!
  57. It offers me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in our resident’s lives, and witnessing them achieve their goals and do the things they love is profoundly inspiring.
  58. Overall, being an employee of Marklund is a truly enriching experience both personally and professionally.
  59. Being part of a Marklund is so incredibly rewarding.
  60. Without the residents, I wouldn’t be here!
  61. Growing within the company has been a privilege and learning experience.
  62. I didn’t realize was how much the residents would also enrich MY experience with their reactions of genuine appreciation.
  63. I love coming to Marklund. Every time I come, everyone is so friendly and welcoming. I feel like I get more out of volunteering than I give.
  64. I’m truly blessed to be able to work with them, they are more than just residents, they are my extended family!
  65. My wife and I love working with all of the residents and we can see their joy in the smiles and gestures.
  66. The smiles and laughter from residents reinforce the difference we make together.
  67. Providing the best care, gaining residents trust and friendship was a major goal for myself as well as building rapport with the parents/guardians. My mindset was always “If this was my loved one or myself would I want to be at Marklund” The answer is absolutely!
  68. Places like Marklund are so rare and we, as an organization are so fortunate to be serving a population that is underserved and really does make a difference.
  69. Seeing them smile is enough for us to continue.
  70. I grew up with an uncle who has developmental disabilities, which shaped my life and inspired me to pursue work with individuals like him. Shortly after college, I started working for Marklund and immediately connected with its mission, as well as with our clients, residents, and students, staff, and donors.
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