(Oct 28, 2016) Geneva, IL – After eight months of preparation, Marklund and The Little Angels Center for Exceptional Care announced that they have approved the merging of both not-for-profit organizations.  Serving children and adults with profound developmental disabilities, Marklund is based in Geneva and Bloomingdale, and Little Angels in Elgin.

“After working toward this goal since February, I am very excited that our merger will finally become a reality,” said Gil Fonger, Marklund President and CEO. “I am confident that the joining of these two solid organizations is going to be very positive and make us stronger together than we could be apart. I am grateful for the positive board leadership in both organizations and for the enthusiastic support of the staff that made this day possible.”

The merger is effective as of Tuesday, Nov. 1.

The Marklund Board of Directors approved the merger at a board meeting Thursday night, Oct. 27. Little Angels’ board made its approval Sept. 24. Two board members and a parent from Little Angels will be joining the Marklund Board of Directors.

“The Board has great respect for the long-term commitment and accomplishments of the Little Angels organization and we are excited to join forces with them in our collective mission to care for individuals with profound developmental disabilities,” said Duane J. Fitch, Board Chair for Marklund. “We are so pleased that this day has come and we look forward to continuing this important journey.”

Upon the official sealing of the deal and signing of all legal papers, Little Angels will be renamed the Marklund Wasmond Center, to acknowledge its rich history and founding family, as well as to conform with the naming of Marklund’s other facilities. The new organization will have more than 450 staff.

“Little Angels has always been a labor of love for the entire Wasmond Family,” said Shelley Lewis, longtime executive director of Little Angels, whose parents founded that organization.  “Of utmost importance to us is that we carry on my mother’s legacy of providing care and support to children and young adults with profound disabilities and complex medical needs in a place that feels like home. My family and our dedicated staff have entrusted this legacy to Marklund who shares a very similar history and passion for caring.  Joining the Marklund Family feels very much like home to us and we are excited about what the future holds.”

In preparing for the merger, Marklund administrators and legal counsel completed a due diligence process which included a comprehensive appraisal of the Little Angels organization. The appraisal included assessment of such matters as financial records, building and equipment,   staff organization, HR practices and benefit programs. In addition, leaders from both organizations held meetings with board members, parents/guardians, and donors.

“Nothing unexpected emerged from this process which allowed us to confidently move ahead with the merger plan,” Fonger added.

Marklund and Little Angels have very similar histories in that their programs have grown out of the dedicated and selfless care provided by their founding families more than half a century ago.

Established in 1954 by Claire and Stan Haverkampf, Marklund currently serves more than 170 families in its residential, therapeutic and educational programs, and operates on a $20 million budget. The Marklund Philip Center in Bloomingdale is home to 21 medically complex residential clients, plus a developmental therapy program. The Marklund Day School, which serves 55 students with multi-needs and Autism Spectrum Disorder, is also located on that five-acre campus. The 25-acre Marklund at Mill Creek Campus in Geneva features six 16-bed residential homes, a Miracle League ball field, as well as the Marklund Hyde Center which houses seven developmental training classrooms, therapy areas, administrative offices and an indoor heated aquatic therapy pool.

Founded in 1958 by Pat and Bob Wasmond, Little Angels provides services to 57 clients at its five-acre facility, operating on a $7 million budget. Located on the eastern edge of Elgin, its campus includes the Pat Wasmond Home and the Cathy Freeman Center for Developmental Training. These programs offer services for medically complex individuals with developmental disabilities including 24-hour skilled nursing care, comprehensive respiratory and therapeutic  services, and social and community activities.  

All programs will continue to operate in their current locations, which are:

Marklund at Mill Creek/Marklund Hyde Center, 1S450 Wyatt Drive, Geneva, IL 60174;
Marklund Philip Center, 164 S. Prairie Avenue, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
Marklund Day School, 164 S. Prairie Avenue, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
Marklund Wasmond Center, 1435 Summit Street, Elgin, IL 60120