GCS Newsletter THE LEAFLET Issue MAR APR 2024

Garden Center Services

The View From My Chair

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Wow, it’s hard to believe it’s already March! The new year has been flying by and it feels like we’ve hardly had any winter. Trust me, I’m not complaining!!

You’ll find in this Leaflet a nice article by Associate Executive Director Cindy Haworth about Developmental Disabilities awareness month. It was President Ronald Reagan that formally made this designation back in 1987.

I guess my hope would be that there will come a time when the need to identify a certain month to focus awareness on disabilities will no longer be necessary. But we’re not there yet.

I’ve been thinking about ways that we could collaborate with any of you that are reading this newsletter to help us make this month an exciting and very visible celebration of the persons with developmental disabilities that we support. I myself will be reading a wonderful child’s book that addresses the challenges of growing up with a disability to a group of first graders at an elementary school, as well as holding information sessions at a couple of local high schools.

I’m guessing that there’s a number of you that are reading this newsletter that have never had the opportunity to visit our agency, or if you have, it was a while ago. This month of March would be a perfect opportunity to arrange a short visit where you could stop by and hang out with the incredible individuals we serve. Additionally, we are always hoping to expose our participants to new experiences and capabilities. If you have a hobby or certain interest and you’d be open to sharing your passion for it with our folks, let’s work together to set up an hour volunteer session that I can assure you would be an awesome event for all involved. Additionally, if you have any group that you’re involved with, either work or personal,

Gerry & Renee

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

MY CHAIR

MARGARET GETS A PROMOTION!

Margaret began volunteering at Oak Lawn Children’s museum in 2015. She worked alongside other GCS volunteers where she sanitized toys in the children’s play areas. Later, Margaret took a paid position with the museum in which she made sure the play areas and restrooms were always clean and tidy.

This past fall, Margaret was promoted to Art Room Coordinator. Margaret helps organize activities for the children who visit the museum. She says she usually assists with painting, making copies of coloring pages, and generally keeping the area well-stocked and organized. “It’s fun because the little kids come in and I help them do whatever they want. I love it!”

Congratulations Margaret - we’re so excited for you in your new position!

ST. LAURENCE VALENTINE DANCE

- Gerry Beagles

I just want to give a huge shout out to Coach Pete Lotus and the members of the St. Laurence Baseball Team. These student athletes exhibited such joy, energy, and compassion, as they worked to ensure that our Garden Center participants had a roaring good time at the Valentine’s Day party that they put on for us.

There were also some additional St. Laurence students at the party who helped with the refreshments and all demonstrated the power of service in action.

When you have concerns about the future, look towards a learning institution like St. Laurence and your hope will be restored.

Thank you St. Laurence!

MONTHLY DONORS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE FOR GCS

Howard Beagles

Monthly Donor

Since 2016

Why are you a monthly donor? “I’ve met the people that they serve there, and I’ve met the people that work there, and they are all wonderful people. Garden Center Services is a wonderful agency and they really do care about the residents.”

Monthly donors, like Howard, are a special group of individuals who commit to making a gift each month to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities reach their goals.

Just like dependable monthly income makes planning easier for you, the same is true for Garden Center. Monthly donors provide steady, dependable support to Garden Center that helps reduce administrative costs, helps us plan more effectively, and helps us support more people.

Become a Garden Center Monthly Donor by choosing Donate Monthly on our donation page to quickly set up your monthly gift.

Margaret Oak Lawn Children’s Museum

St. Laurence HS Baseball Team & GCS

Margaret in her new role at the Museum

NIGHT TO SHINE

Tim Tebow Foundation’s Worldwide Event Brings Joy Close to Home

Tim Tebow’s Foundation started Night to Shine, a formal event for adults with disabilities in 2014. Always held the Friday before Valentine’s day, Night to Shine is celebrated in 56 countries, in over 700 venues, and reaches over 100,000 people a year. The Night is sponsored by local churches with support from the Foundation. Events typically involve a red carpet entrance, sit down meal, and a dance.

Kathlyn Long, Garden Center’s Activities Director, has long wanted to get GCS involved in a Night to Shine after her positive experiences with the event in other states. She researched established groups in our area, but most were unable to accommodate the number of people she hoped to involve. Finally, Kathlyn made contact with Calvary Church in Naperville. It was the Church’s first time with the event and Kathlyn was able to get Garden Center’s excited group of 17 invited.

Upon arrival, each attendee is met by their “buddy”, a trained event volunteer, assigned to make each person’s night amazing. An important part of the Night to Shine’s goal is to meet and celebrate with new friends. While guest and buddy walk the red carpet, enjoy a photo shoot and delicious meal, support staff are also treated to a relaxing dinner and some papering of their own.

GCS participants enjoyed multiple photo stations, the karaoke room with a huge stage, makeup and hair styling, limo rides, a live band, and dancing. The planners were thoughtful; including a low key entrance for folks who weren’t interested in the red carpet treatment and a quiet relaxation room in case someone needed to take a break from the lively party atmosphere.

Event reviews are in and they are all good. Thank you Kathlyn, Calvary Church, and the Tim Tebow Foundation, for giving Garden Center a Night to Shine!

Mark calendar...your

The 3rd Annual Sunny Smash is June 1st!

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for the 3rd Annual Sunny Smash Co-Ed Softball Tournament. Get your team roster together now to get in on the tournament or just mark your calendar to enjoy some sunshine and root on the players.

TWO BRACKET OPTIONS

• Competitive Bracket: for teams who play in a league and will compete for a cash prize

• Just for Fun Bracket: for teams who do not play competitively in a league and just want to play for fun. (There is no cash prize for the winner of this bracket) EVENT DETAILS 3rd Annual

www.GardenCenterServices.org

Chrissy and Kathlyn heading out to the event

Inday, Karen & Nicole enjoy the limo

Maureen having a blast

Jessica and her buddy

Growing dignity and independence

8333 S. Austin Ave. Burbank, IL 60459

10444 S. Kedzie Chicago, IL 60655

phone 773-941-4151

email info@GardenCenterServices.org

web www.GardenCenterServices.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Donna Blair

Vice President Shannon Benaitis

Treasurer Anthony Di Miele

Secretary Cindy Malloy

Members Lisa Beemsterboer

John Dahlke

Rep. Mary Gill

Dr. Chris Grunow

Mary Ann Lema

Ava Rhodes - Smith

Maria Zeimen, OSF

OUR MISSION

Advancing lives of connection, contribution, and meaning for persons with developmental disabilities and the individuals that support them.

SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SALES

50% OFF ALL MONTH

Super Sale

50% off EVERYTHING STOREWIDE!

Special Tag Sales MAR APR

St. Paddy’s Spring

General Store Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 4pm

Donation Hours: Thursdays & Saturdays 10am to 2pm

Any time you can help is appreciated. If you can sign up for one three-hour shift a week, that would be terrific! Visit our website and follow the THRIFT link for more information OR reach out to Gerry directly at 708-560-4400.

MARCH IS DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH

- Cindy Haworth

March is Disability Awareness Month! This serves as a platform to foster understanding, empathy, and inclusivity for individuals with diverse abilities. By dedicating a month to raising awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities, we can help break down stereotypes, dismantle stigmas, and promote a more inclusive and accessible world.

This month encourages open dialogue, highlights the accomplishments of people with disabilities, and advocates for equal opportunities. Through increased awareness, Disability Awareness Month paves the way for positive change, fostering a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully and thrive.

Please help us as we promote Disability Awareness at Garden Center Services throughout the year, but even more so this month of March!

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and you’d enjoy a short, informal presentation about developmental disabilities and disability services, just let me know. I could come on my own or bring along a couple of our program participants to assist me.

Lastly, another way you could help us celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month would be by volunteering at our Second Chance Thrift Shop. This store is bringing in some much needed revenue that supports the quality programs we provide your loved ones, but we really need more volunteers. As you are able to offer us 1 or 2 three hour shifts a week, it would be so appreciated.

For any of the reasons listed above, please contact me directly at 708-560-4400.