Marklund

The attached article, which describes the serious failure of our State to provide group home option for individuals with developmental disabilities, appeared on the front page of the Chicago Tribune on Monday, March 3, 2025. For over ten years, Marklund has been trying to get the State to allow us to create a small cluster concept of group homes to help these underserved individuals but instead of working WITH us as strategic partners our efforts have continued to be denied by Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). We are currently challenging our latest denial before an Administrative Law Judge and have every confidence that we will prevail. We continue to be perplexed by a system that clearly needs innovation and yet seems completely unable to grasp new ideas. We will continue to advocate for the most underserved to fulfill our vision of creating a happy, safe, purpose-filled life for every individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities. https://lnkd.in/gANvhdyE

Shoutout to our new friends at Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA)’s Rec & Roll therapeutic program for sending the most thoughtful Valentines to our Geneva residents! Your creativity and kindness absolutely shined through each card. We can’t wait to team up together soon! #disabilityservices #valentines #supporteachother

Marklund’s 29th Annual Top Hat Ball - Night of Pure Imagination, was a sweet success! Our thanks to these generous sponsors for their support in making it all happen! Wick Family Olsson Roofing Company Herlihy Foundation Porter Pipe & Supply Company FCL Builders, LLC Viking Travel Service Schmidt Steel Stumm Insurance Professional Medical, Inc. Wintrust Financial Corporation Milwaukee Valve Sun Mechanical Ferrara Candy Shop Regal Candy Co. Katherine Anne Confections #29TopHat #WonkaGala #MakeADifference

Have you ever wondered how we create such unique, custom wheelchairs for our residents? Well, meet part of the Marklund wheelchair team—Bobby, our tech expert, Krissy, our PT, and Ron from Numotion. They’re always hard at work making sure each resident gets the perfect fit. Using tools like direct molding bags and simulator frames, they design the most comfortable and supportive seats. Today, Scott is getting fitted for his new seat, with his friends Mike and Jim here to back him up! It’s #TrueTeamworkThursday —check out the magic in action! #MarklundProud #NewWheelchair #WheelchairClinic

Shoutout to Marklund’s Employees of the Month from our YCME (You Caught My Eye) program! Congratulations to Wendy Berk, Brittany Colyer, and Jen Thompson for their incredible efforts during our payroll and time clock system changeover! These three went above and beyond in December—answering questions, leading trainings, and troubleshooting to ensure a smooth transition. Wendy, Brittany and Jen have been working with Marklund for many years, each growing in their roles and consistently embodying our values of Teamwork, Attitude, Compassion and Accountability. #EmployeeoftheMonth #MarklundTeam #UKGChangeover #TeamworkAtItsBest #MarklundStrong

Whether you’re an experienced nurse or new to the field, we have a place for YOU. If you’re looking for a meaningful career where you can truly make a difference, explore our nursing opportunities at all campuses. Apply today! https://lnkd.in/ghvA6fxD #NursesOfMarklund #CareersWithPurpose #HealthcareCareers #NursingJobs

What a year it’s been! While we couldn’t fit everything, here are a few of our favorite moments at Marklund. From helping those we serve to celebrating major milestones—thank YOU for making it all possible. 🙏Let’s make 2025 even brighter together! Start your year making an impact—get involved! Apply, volunteer, donate or learn more: www.marklund.org 🌟 #Marklund2024 #GratefulForYou #NewYearNewOpportunities

We are proud to share that Nikki Osterloh, our dedicated Manager of Volunteer Engagement at Marklund in Geneva, has been honored by Glancer Magazine as one of the 15 Fascinating Faces of the Year! Check out her inspiring journey in "Empowering Change: Nikki's Journey from Youth Group to Volunteer Leadership," and see how she is making a meaningful difference in the live of those we serve. Her passion for service truly embodies the spirit of Marklund! #MarklundPride #EmpoweringChange #FascinatingFaces https://lnkd.in/ghN-8Ejk

The Itasca Lions Club kicked off December with a heartwarming celebration at the Philip Center! Residents and staff enjoyed an afternoon of singing Christmas carols together, with a special visit from Santa! Each resident received a cozy pair of holiday PJs and a warm blanket, thoughtfully chosen just for them. But that’s not all – they also treated our hardworking staff to a delicious lunch and made a generous donation to Marklund, helping us complete our Nursing Station at the Wasmond Center. Their support is making everyday life possible for those in our care. Thank you, Itasca Lions Club! Lions Clubs International #CommunityLove #HolidayCheer #GivingBack #MarklundCares

Aurora man named Marklund Employee of the Year Bobby Hilsabeck, a longtime employee of Marklund, was named Marklund’s Employee of the Year at the organization’s annual employee appreciation event. A nonprofit organization, Marklund provides residential, educational and therapy services to children and adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities. This award, named for Marklund’s founder Claire Haverkampf, RN, is given each year to the employee who demonstrates the true spirit of Claire through his or her dedication to the residents/community clients/students served their locations in Bloomindale, Geneva and Elgin. “The Claire Haverkampf award is about going above and beyond for the residents, and showing how much we love and care for them,” Hilsabeck said in accepting his award. “When people see me here at Marklund, I pray that is the kind of person they see in me. Thank you.” A resident of Aurora, Hilsabeck started working at Marklund in 1995 as a Developmental Therapy aide and bus driver for the nonprofit. Throughout his career path at Marklund, he worked as the Transportation Coordinator, the Community Day Services (CDS) Outings Coordinator for Marklund’s Hyde Center campus in Geneva, and as the driver for the Community Integration Team, taking the residents on outings into the community. Currently, Hilsabeck is the Equipment Assistant where he maintains all wheelchairs and therapy equipment for the 96 residents on the Geneva campus and even creates items needed by therapists. Board member Frank Murnane Jr. announced the winner at the Nov. 9th event held at the Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton. This year’s event also honored three other finalists: Heather Ravenna of Batavia, Wendy Sanchez Cuevas of Elgin, and Jeannie Stefanik of St. Charles.