Marklund presents Rep. Moeller with Excellence in Advocacy Award

In recognition of her continued support of Marklund and her ongoing advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, state Rep. Anna Moeller (43rd District-Elgin) received Marklund's Excellence in Advocacy Award on Thursday, Aug. 18.

This is Rep. Moeller's second time receiving the award for her dedication to helping Marklund's expansion initiatives in Elgin, specifically to build group homes - Community Independent Living Arrangements (CILAs) - as well as a special education center that will open next year.

"It's an honor to receive this award," she said in accepting the award today at the Marklund Day School in Geneva. "I'm just a small part of trying to do what I can, in the capacity that I'm in, to really uplift and support what the staff at Marklund do. They do the important work to help care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. It reminds me how responsible we are as a society to care for them and make sure they have the best quality of life. I'm just overwhelmed by what you do and am very grateful to be an ally and to do what I can."

For information, visit www.marklund.org or https://www.facebook.com/MarklundCharity.

Marklund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves infants, children, teens and adults with serious and profound developmental disabilities and special healthcare needs.

Many Marklund residents and community clients are non-ambulatory and have severe cognitive disabilities due to genetic disorders, complications during pregnancy and delivery, or other issues. Others acquired disabilities during infancy or childhood through tragic accidents. Many have complex medical problems that require 24-hour skilled nursing care and regular therapy interventions.

The Hyde Center in Geneva is licensed as an intermediate care facility while the Philip Center in Bloomingdale and the Wasmond Center in Elgin are licensed as medically complex/skilled nursing facilities for adults and children with developmental disabilities. Each location has on-site community day Serivces for adults, which provides individualized programming that includes topical curriculum and focuses on daily living and vocational skills to improve each individual's level of independence. Marklund Day School, with locations in Bloomingdale, Geneva and Elgin, is a state board of education licensed therapeutic day program that partners with area school districts to serve children with multiple medical needs, learning, emotional and developmental disabilities, and those diagnosed on the autism spectrum.