North Carolina Youth Mission Group Volunteers at Marklund

“Before we came here, I received advice from a friend who has a child with Autism, “Don’t let the special kids get to you. Be strong and remember they are perfectly made, just not typical. Look for the lesson; they are there to teach you,” said Roger Pretsch, the Boys Youth Leader of Lead 222.

Twelve students from North Carolina recently spent nearly a week at Marklund in Geneva through the Lead 222 Christian mission program that brings church groups from other states to do missionary service across the Chicagoland Area. The Lead 222 Organization uses volunteer work opportunities to help create a real life experience that relates back to scripture and show basic leadership principles used by Jesus. This year, they volunteered at Marklund’s Hyde Center in Geneva. Marklund is a nonprofit organization that help makes ‘Everyday Life’ possible for those with severe and profound disabilities. The Lead 222 Group from the Asbury United Methodist Church in Raleigh, NC, was very enthused and excited to be able to work with the clients at Marklund.  The middle school volunteers of Lead 222, led by Youth Pastor Ryan Pendergraph, Girls Youth Leader Angel Stevens and Boys Youth Leader Roger Pretsch, volunteered at Marklund for four days and participated in activities with the clients such as, basketball, baseball, arts and crafts and story time

 One particular volunteer who stood out as a leader of the group is Wesley Dunn, an 8th grader from Raleigh, who has been on two previous mission trips with Lead 222. “I have been to Miami, Arizona, and this one in Chicago and because I am a rising freshman and through my other experiences, it was only natural to lead. My favorite experience here at Marklund is playing baseball in the Multi-Purpose room with Bill, one of the clients at Marklund. He was having a great time and seeing the smile on his face was really rewarding.”

Volunteer Nicole Mercer, read books to the clients.  “Just when I thought that the clients were not listening to me read, one of the clients, Jackie, made eye contact and smiled. It made me think that they were happy they are getting a lot of special attention, and know that other people outside of Marklund care about them.”

Youth Pastor Ryan Pendergraph was very impressed how well his students interacted with the clients at Marklund. “Young people engaging with people that are much different than them, embracing them and loving them. They represent their home, family and faith well.” Volunteers and volunteer groups, like Lead 222 are encouraged to sign up on Marklund’s website at www.marklund.org.

Marklund is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization that makes everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities. Those served by Marklund are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate nurturing environment, a strong partnership with the community and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund annually serves nearly 200 families throughout the greater Chicagoland area. The organization features three sites: the Marklund at Mill Creek campus in Geneva, Marklund Philip Center for Children in Bloomingdale, which includes the Marklund Day School and Life Skills Academy, and the Marklund Resale Store in Wood Dale. Visit its website at www.marklund.org.

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Contact: Dawn Lassiter-Brueske, 630.593.5467-d, DLassiter@Marklund.org, 630.429.8461-c