DuPage Senior Citizens Council executive director recognized as ‘Patriotic Employer’
In November 2023, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense Agency, recognized DuPage Senior Citizens Council Executive Director Marylin Krolak with the award for Patriotic Employer.
Its mission is to “develop and promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees.”
Krolak was nominated for the award by employee Jordan Holm, a captain in the Illinois Army National Guard, for the support he has received since being employed at the DuPage Senior Citizens Council in Lombard. He serves with the 709th Medical Company Area Support in Bartonville, Illinois.
“The Patriot Award is entrusted to employers who go above and beyond in accommodating the special needs and circumstances in which members of our nation’s Reserve Forces operate. Often, the service obligations of these individuals can cause strain on their personal lives while they try to juggle their commitment to both their civilian and military work,” said Holm, the council’s Social Connections Services Manager. “Marylin has been an exemplary employer through her understanding and willingness to work with me whenever time conflicts arise. She is always willing to approve my requests for time off and does not penalize me for additional time off that I need to complete mandatory assignments for the Illinois Army National Guard.”
At the DuPage Senior Citizens Council, several members of staff, both part-time and full-time are U.S. veterans.
“Marylin is proactive in hiring veterans for roles within the organization,” Holm said. “DuPage Senior Citizen’s Council is an incredible work environment for anybody and continues to be a beacon for the veteran community through its policies and willingness to work around the busy schedules of those still serving our nation today.”
“I am honored to have received this award on behalf of DuPage Senior Citizens Council,” Krolak said.
In receiving this award, Krolak and the DuPage Senior Citizens Council as an organization joined other employers in pledging to continue to recognize U.S. service members and accommodate their circumstances in the workplace as needed.
The DuPage Senior Citizens Council is a not-for-profit 501(c)3, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to helping seniors live with dignity. It provides a variety of services for seniors, including Meals on Wheels, senior dining, health and wellness education, well-being checks, pet food and assistance, yard cleanups, Social Connection Services, and intergenerational activities.
For information, visit dupageseniorcouncil.org or facebook.com/dupageseniorcouncil/.