Make a Donation

At Marklund, some of the most meaningful moments don’t happen inside our buildings—they happen out in the community.

Picture this: You’re driving down Lake Shore Drive, taking in the skyline, when you spot a Marklund bus. To most, it might look like just another vehicle on the road, but to our residents, it’s something so much more—a trip out into the world, made possible by people like YOU.

These outings, to places like museums, local farmer’s markets, concerts, and parks, give our residents the chance to enjoy everyday experiences that are joyful and empowering.

“Beyond these walls, it just happens,” says Karyn Racutt, Marklund Recreational Therapist. “Outings make our residents feel like they can do everyday things.”

Thanks to the dedication of our staff and volunteers, every outing becomes more than just a change of scenery. These are powerful one-on-one moments of connection, laughter, comfort, and inclusion. Whether it’s the sounds of a bustling farmer’s market or the breeze at a ballgame, these experiences allow our residents to fully engage with the world around them.

As Racutt shares, one of the most powerful parts of these outings is “seeing faces light up and the immediate sense of calm [our residents] have.” You can see it in their body language, in their eyes, in the small, but unmistakable, signs of joy.

Brittany, one of our residents, recently attended an outdoor concert. Her facial expressions are often hard to read, but that evening, surrounded by music and dance, something changed—she lit up and was calm, smiling, and present in a way our staff hadn’t seen before.

Moments like this don’t just happen. They’re made possible because of your support.

When you give to Marklund, you help open the door to the world outside—bringing inclusion, joy, and everyday experiences into our residents’ lives.

Your gift today helps make these powerful experiences possible.