State representative Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego) was honored with the Excellence in Advocacy award from Marklund Thursday, July 23 in recognition of his efforts on behalf of individuals and families of all ages with developmental disabilities and special health-care needs.
“I am tremendously honored to receive this Excellence in Advocacy award from the incredible team at Marklund,” representative Wheeler said. “As a community, we should be eternally grateful for the work done by the staff at Marklund supporting the developmentally disabled and their families. It is truly a privilege for me to work alongside Gil Fonger and his team to advocate for Marklund’s needs in Springfield.”
Gilbert Fonger, president and CEO of Marklund, explained why the organization recognized Wheeler: “We were honored to present State representative Wheeler with our 2020 Excellence in Advocacy Award for his outstanding service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. What makes Keith really stand out is his willingness to dig into the complexity of our issues. He has always been there for us to provide the guidance and support needed to navigate the complexities of State government. Keith is never afraid to roll up his sleeves and help those we serve.”
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 at three residential locations; the Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva, the Marklund Philip Center in Bloomingdale, and the Marklund Wasmond Center in Elgin. More than 500 staff members and thousands of volunteers support the needs of the residents and community clients at provided at all of Marklund’s facilities.
Representative Wheeler serves the 50th District, which includes portions of Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, Campton Hills, Elburn, Montgomery, Oswego, Plano, St. Charles, Sugar Grove, and Yorkville.
—Office of State representative Keith Wheeler