Marklund, a nonprofit organization that serves people with profound developmental disabilities, recently earned accrediations from two well-known certification bodies.

CARF Accreditation
Marklund recently received a three-year accreditation from CARF International for the Developmental Training program at its Geneva campus, earning a nearly perfect survey score of 99.68 percent. It is the second consecutive three-year endorsement that CARF, an independent, nonprofit accrediting body, has awarded to Marklund.

This accreditation represents the highest level that can be awarded to an organization and shows Marklund’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. Marklund demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality.

“A tremendous amount of hard work over many months went into the preparation for the survey,” noted Gil Fonger, President & CEO. “The focus of CARF is on our Developmental Training area, but we also asked them to look at the overall organization. We are not required to undergo this survey but considered it a ‘best practice.’”
Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, CARF establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.

Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently named Marklund as an accredited charity, certifying that Marklund meets all 20 of its Standards for Charity Accountability based on a review of information and materials provided by the organization.

Reports created by the BBB summarize, among other things, the programs, finances, governance and fundraising practices of the charity. In addition to completing a detailed questionnaire form, Marklund Development staff provided copies of audited financial statements, IRS Form 990, and an annual report.

“We are very pleased to again receive this two-year endorsement from such a respected organization as the Better Business Bureau,” Fonger noted. “This accreditation proves what we have always known about Marklund—that we strive to provide top quality care. Although it is a lengthy process, we appreciate the thoroughness of the BBB and are proud to be included on its list of nonprofits that meet the highest ethical standards.  We believe this designation is an important “seal of approval” for donors, volunteers and friends who may be interested in investing in Marklund,” Gil Fonger noted.

.