Marklund Day School benefits from donation by Foglia Family Foundation

Thanks to a generous donation by the Foglia Family Foundation, students of Marklund Day School in Bloomingdale have more opportunities to go on recreational and vocational outings together.

The funds allowed Marklund to purchase a 12-person mini bus for the school's Life Skills program, which serves students with autism and other disabilities, including those with behavioral and medical needs.

Prior to getting the bus, staff only could take two to three students at a time on outings. Now, an entire class can go together.

"Both of our high school teachers can now take their whole class, so having a larger vehicle is awesome, "said teacher Sarah Weatherred. "With this larger bus, students can now participate and interact with their peers in the high school transition program."

Students go out once or twice a week, and have been on vocational outings and field trips to such locations as bowling alleys, pumpkin farms, McDonalds, and to Wal-Mart to buy cooking supplies.

"They love being out in the community and have had great experiences so far," Weatherred said. "For example, one of the high schoolers had never been to a bowling alley before. His mom was so surprised that he was doing an activity that typical same-age peers do all the time."

"I am so happy that the kids have a nice new vehicle for their trips in the community," said Vince Foglia, who founded the foundation with his wife, Patricia. "It gives me a lot of joy to know that it is being used for such a great purpose."

In addition to offering recreational opportunities, the outings allow students to practice their social and daily living skills, Weatherred said.

"Students practice peer interaction while on outings," she said. "They are applying skills that they will use for the rest of their lives, like riding in a vehicle and shopping for materials. Marklund Day School and its students are so thankful for the additional enriching experiences this now allows for everyone in the Life Skills program."

Marklund Day School is a non-public Illinois State Board of Education - approved program that provides high-quality individualized educational and vocational programming for students, ages 3-21, with mild to complex disabilities, including autism. Learn more at www.marklund.org.