Marklund day services center for people with developmental disabilities proposed for Elgin site

Dec. 26—Marklund, a nonprofit agency that works with people with developmental disabilities, is seeking city approval for a second Elgin location that would allow a new community day services center to be opened.

If a conditional use is approved, the day center would be located in a 4,470-square-foot, one-story building at 1210 Hunter Drive. The structure was built in 2004 and empty since 2013; interior renovation work will be required.

Originally, the Hunter Drive property was to have three buildings but only one was constructed, Elgin senior planner Damir Latinovic said. The 69 parking spaces already on the site were meant to serve all three buildings.

Marklund's plan is to create a center that would teach up to 36 clients life and social skills to maximize their independence, Latinovic said.

That would include such things as personal care, meal preparation, interpersonal relationships and technology skills, Latinovic said. One part of the new facility would be a mock bedroom, where they would learn how to make a bed, put away laundry, organize a closet and other skills, he said.

The center would also provide recreation, socialization and volunteer opportunities as well as vocational training, Latinovic said. Participants would 22 years old or older and the center staffed by up to 11 employees during peak hours, he said.

"This community service program will not only serve adults who live at home, but we hope those living in residential situations," Marklund President and CEO Gil Fonger told the Elgin Planning and Zoning Commission at a recent meeting.

Marklund has been in Elgin since 1958, serving infants, children, teens and adults with developmental disabilities and special health care needs.

In addition to the Marklund Wasmond Center and Day School at 1435 Summit St., the organization also has the Marklund Hyde Center and Day School in Geneva and the Marklund Philip Center and Marklund Day School in Bloomingdale.

The current Elgin location is about four years old. The organization purchased the former Little Angels Center for Exceptional Care site on Summit Street in 2016.

Because the Elgin campus has a school for those with high medical needs, the expansion fills a gap to serve people who need emotional support, officials said.

Marklund's promise is "to make everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities," according to its website. That will be the focus of the proposed new Elgin program, officials said.

"We're really looking forward to opening (the new) program here," said Jeannie Stefanik, Marklund's director of Community Day Services.

At the planning and zoning meeting, Commissioner Steven Migala asked why the age limit is 22 and over.

"It's a legal requirement," Fonger said. "Individuals with developmental disabilities are covered through public school through 21. This is a post-school vocational program. That's why it begins at 22."

With the commission's unanimous endorsement, the request is headed to the Elgin City Council for approval at a future meeting.

The project was applauded by commissioners, including Loretta Revesz, who noted the organization has "a great reputation and a terrific history."

That sentiment was echoed by Commissioner Karin Jones.

"It sounds like a great project," she said. "You guys have a long commitment to services."

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