Even as a middle school student, Vicki Reyes knew Marklund was a special place. She read to Marklund residents and helped out with Summer Games – volunteer tasks that would shape Vicki’s adult life in unexpected ways. “Marklund had always been at the center of my life. I just hadn’t realized how much,” she says looking back. After becoming a hair-dresser, Vicki felt unfulfilled. She knew she belonged at Marklund. Thirty-two years later, she’s worn several Marklund hats and learned so much about herself, but the relationships formed along the way are what she holds dearest.
It was 1991 when Vicki was hired on the spot, becoming a direct care aid for eight residents. The physicality of the job challenged her in new ways. Plagued with self-doubt, she started to learn resident personalities, backgrounds and needs – that connection built a new confidence. She says, “I felt like I was a part of something that was becoming my family.”
Vicki later organized community activities and outings for Marklund residents. She recalls feeling empowered, “I loved this new adventure. We could go anywhere and give them any and every experience!” One of her favorite memories is their first bowling trip. The resident’s pure joy after nudging the ball down the ramp followed by the sound of crashing pins – these were the moments that fed Vicki’s constant drive to find new ways of enriching the lives of her Marklund friends.
Considering a return to school, Vicki questioned timing and life circumstances. She hesitated to take the leap until one special family visited her classroom. They quietly observed and noticed their daughter communicating and reacting in new ways – instantly knowing Vicki was the difference maker. Calling the next day to thank her, they were sure the connection, trust and confidence their daughter had in Vicki’s loyalty spurred this sudden developmental growth. This was the encouragement Vicki needed. “It was a life-changing thing for me – moving forward with my education gave me the lifelong career I’d wanted at Marklund!” After earning her degree, Vicki now works with Marklund residents as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
It’s a theme that often comes up in staff conversations – the reciprocal nature of their Marklund experience. This is more than a job. Vicki says it best, “These are my people and I love being surrounded by their amazing spirits.” Dedication lies at the core of our community, demonstrated by the commitment of staff and supporters like YOU.
Your support provides important staff resources – allowing them to be at their best for residents, encouraging longevity and relationship building. Vicki adds, “We give residents these amazing lives – EVERYONE has an important role to play!” This includes YOU – today, with your gift, you will continue the tradition of trust and dedication that’s at the heart of Marklund’s success!