Geneva man with special needs named Marklund's Volunteer of the Year

Geneva resident Evan Clark, a volunteer at Marklund in Geneva, took home the Marklund 2015 Volunteer of the Year award in honor of his dedication to the organization and nearly 400 hours of service given at Marklund's Geneva campus.

Clark, who has special needs, has volunteered at Marklund for three years. His jobs primarily consist of assisting with activities and food service in the developmental training classrooms and going with clients and staff on community integration outings.

"Evan greets staff and clients alike with a smile and a high-five, and his mood instantly makes you want to return the smile," said Colette Dragoo, a Developmental Instructor at Marklund. "One of the best parts about him is he will literally drop everything to assist, whether it be to take meal trays or assist with client transports. These small gestures make a world of difference!"

"I couldn't think of a volunteer who is more deserving of this award," said Becky Stewart, whose son Tyler, a Marklund client, has developed a friendship with Evan. "He holds a special place in my heart for all that he does and all that he is!"

Several Marklund staff members attended and thanked many of its volunteers at the annual Volunteer Recognition Event held at St. Andrews Golf and Country Club in West Chicago.

Others receiving "Most Hours Served" honors included:

• Tom Hahn of Rolling Meadows with 179 hours in 94 visits at the Marklund Philip Center in Bloomingdale;

• Amber Halinski of Roselle with 159 hours in 77 visits for the day school;

• Dolores Bettencourt of Schaumburg with 1,091 hours in 134 visits at the Resale Store;

• Evan Clark of Geneva with 453 hours in 117 visits at Mill Creek DT Program;

• Robert Hilsabeck of Aurora with 349 hours in 82 visits at the Mill Creek Homes;

• Barbara Rhoads of Elburn with 672 hours in 143 visits in the Marklund Hyde Center administration department.

Additionally, more volunteers received honors in the following categories:

• "Special Event Volunteer" to the Tim Kucker of Shorewood;

• "Groups of the Year" to Glen Crest Middle School for visits to Marklund's Bloomingdale facility and T.E.A.M. Polaris at St. Charles North High School for service to clients at Marklund's Geneva campus;

• "Corporate Partner Volunteer of the Year" to Screws Industries Inc. of Glendale Heights.

Several other volunteers received pin awards for five, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years served.

Marklund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that annually serves nearly 200 families throughout the greater Chicago area. It has residential locations in Geneva and Bloomingdale, the Marklund Day School in Bloomingdale, serving children and teens on the autism spectrum and who have complex medical issues, as well as the Marklund Resale Store in Wood Dale. For information, visit www.Marklund.org.