In recognition of her continued support of Marklund and her ongoing advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, state Rep. Anna Moeller (43rd District-Elgin) received Marklund's Excellence in Advocacy Award on Thursday, Aug. 18.

This is Rep. Moeller's second time receiving the award for her dedication to helping Marklund's expansion initiatives in Elgin, specifically to build group homes -- Community Independent Living Arrangements (CILAs) -- as well as a special education center that will open next year.

"It's an honor to receive this award," she said when accepting the award today at the Marklund Day School in Geneva. "I'm just a small part of trying to do what I can, in the capacity that I'm in, to really uplift and support what the staff at Marklund do. They do the important work to help care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. It reminds me how responsible we are as a society to care for them and make sure they have the best quality of life. I'm just overwhelmed by what you do and am very grateful to be an ally and to do what I can."