Volunteer

Our Volunteer Department Vision Statement

Our goal is to connect the community with meaningful volunteer opportunities at Marklund, while supporting Marklund staff in our mission to make Everyday Life possible for our residents and students with profound disabilities.

Are you looking to make a difference in someone’s life, while adding a new meaning to your own?

Be a Marklund volunteer. Volunteers are an important part of our service to individuals with profound disabilities. If you are interested in volunteering but are not sure how, Marklund’s Volunteer Department staff can help you learn about the many options. No matter your gift, talent, skill or your age, Marklund has a place for you. Volunteers are needed daily!

Marklund’s Volunteer Opportunities:

Outings (Taking residents into the community with staff)
- Parks, petting zoo, shopping, movies, bowling & more

In-house activities (We have activities throughout the day and weekends)
- Arts & crafts, games, reading, sports games & gardening

Special events (Celebrate with us)
- Summer games, community gift opening, movie night, cultural & holiday celebrations, baseball games (Geneva)

Have a special talent to share? Brighten the resident’s day with your special gift!
- Music, dance, theater, singing

Volunteer Application-Geneva

Volunteer Application-Elgin

Volunteer Handbook

Marklund began with many dedicated and compassionate volunteers helping to care for Mark William Lund, our first resident, back in the 1950s, and the many others since then.

If you are interested in volunteering, but are not sure in what capacity, Marklund’s Volunteer Department staff can help you learn about the many options. No matter what your gift, talent or skill…no matter what your age, Marklund’s staff needs you, and those we serve need you too.

Meet Nikki Osterloh, Manager of Volunteer Engagement – Geneva

“Hi, I’m Nikki! I’m a Yorkville local, keeping busy with my kids and soaking up every concert I can, hiking, watching movies, and volunteering with CASA Kendall County. I’ve been in the nonprofit world for over 8 years and have volunteered my entire life – it’s truly my passion to connect generous, community-minded people with the causes that need them most.

I’m having a blast working at Marklund as the Manager of Volunteer Engagement, and I’ve met the most incredible volunteers along the way (seriously, you guys are the best). If you’re looking for a way to make a difference, we’ve got some fantastic opportunities for both individuals and groups. If you’re feeling inspired, fill out an application, and I’ll be in touch to get you set up for orientation. We can’t wait to meet you and have you join the team!“

Melanie Toth, Volunteer Engagement Specialist – Elgin

“Bienvenido, I’m Melanie! I grew up a city girl from Chicago and spent summers in Puerto Rico visiting family. My family and I have made Elgin our home for the last ten years. Our household is filled with the joy and chaos of two wonderful kids, three playful and lively dogs, many tropical fish and my best friend/husband of over 20 years. In my free time, I love using my Cricut to create fun craft projects for loved ones, trying new foods/restaurants and vacationing anywhere on a beach!

My journey into nonprofit work began in 2008, coinciding with the birth of our son, who required a series of heart surgeries for his congenital heart defect. During this period, I transitioned my career from the medical field to the nonprofit sector. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside and learning from many dedicated volunteers. When I interviewed at Marklund in 2023, I instantly recognized that it was the perfect match for my passion and skills. I was truly inspired by the community atmosphere and the commitment of the staff. I feel honored to be part of this team, working with current volunteers and recruiting new dedicated individuals.“

For more information about volunteering at any one of our sites, please contact:
Nikki Osterloh, Manager of Volunteer Engagement – Geneva

nosterloh@marklund.org | Phone: 630.593.5468

or

Melanie Toth, Volunteer Engagement Specialist – Elgin, Bloomingdale

mtoth@marklund.org | Phone: 224.523.7535

Check out our social media to see all of our past volunteer photos!

Read about the volunteer experience of first graders from Grace McWayne Elementary School in their letters to Marklund below.