"These are my people - I love being surrounded by their amazing spirits!" -Vicki Reyes, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
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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!

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Thank you for making everyday life possible for the children and adults living and learning at Marklund.

If you need any assistance with the online gift form, please contact Taylor Egan, Annual Fund Manager, at (630)593.5482 or tegan@marklund.org.

What is the Marklund Annual Fund?

The Marklund Annual Fund supports the mission of making everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities. While Marklund depends on the dollars received from the State of Illinois, a significant financial gap remains to provide every infant, child, teen and adult with “The Marklund Standard of Care”.  That’s where YOU come in! Each contribution helps close the financial gap of approximately $20,268 per resident that is not covered by State of Illinois reimbursements.

Marklund appreciates you! Our organization is built on the support and dedication of all staff, friends and donors. Thank you for being part of the Marklund family!

How can YOU  help close the gap?

  • Make a one-time donation by completing the information below.
  • Sign up to make a monthly donation (CLICK HERE for more information on the Monthly Giving Program)
  • Close the gap for one Marklund client and donate $20,268

Giving Programs

Leadership Giving Circle: Become a member by contributing $1,000 or more in cumulative annual giving to Marklund.

Monthly Giving Program: Recurring monthly donors continue to make everyday life possible – Every. Day.  Become an Everyday Supporter by starting your monthly donation today.

The Marklund Always Society: Secure the future of Marklund now and always through meaningful estate and legacy gift opportunities.

FAQs

  1. How do I make my gift?
    The quickest way is to make a gift securely online. If you are giving by mail, please be sure to write the check out to “Marklund” and mail to 1S450 Wyatt Drive, Geneva, IL, 60134.
  2. What is a Matching Gift?
    Corporate Matching Gifts are offered by some employers – you may be able to double or even triple your gift to Marklund! Contact your Human Resources office
    to see if your employer matches gifts.
  3. Will my gift be eligible for tax deduction?
    Yes. Official receipts of acknowledgement will be issued.
  4. What does my gift fund?
    Gifts to Marklund support the Marklund Annual Fund. These unrestricted dollars allow Marklund to meet the organization’s most current and/or urgent needs and are critical to maintaining the exceptional care and programs Marklund is able to provide each and every day. The annual short-fall is $20,268 per resident, per year – Marklund serves 178 residents annually.
  5. Can I designate my gift to a specific program at Marklund?
    You can designate your gift to a specific program or general operations at Marklund Philip Center in Bloomingdale, IL, Marklund Wasmond Center in Elgin, IL, or Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva, IL.
  6. How can you start your recurring monthly donation?
    Visit our Monthly Giving Page. We will automatically charge your card on the date you select – the 1st or the 15th of each month.
  7. What are the different ways to give to Marklund?
    Click here for more information Ways to Give.