NOV/DEC
2022
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
depends on dedicated, compassionate, and well supported employees.
Gerry & Brenae at the GCS Staff Holiday Party
As I write my article for this end-of-year edition of The Leaflet, I find myself very aware of how quickly time is flying by. It seems as if just yesterday I was writing my New Years’ resolutions for 2022. INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 EXCEPTIONAL STAFF Page 2 WALK RECAP Page 3 THRIFT NEWS Page 4
Another feeling I’m mindful of is an anxiety around how long it is taking to provide persons with developmental disabilities the opportunities, experiences, and lives they deserve and have a right to. So much of an agencies’ ability to make the right things happen
Always remember people who have helped you along the way, and don’t forget to lift someone up. -Roy T. Bennett At Garden Center we have worked hard with our fellow disability providers and state-wide associations to demand a higher rate of pay for our staff. It is a concern that though the Illinois legislature has increased our rates over the last few years, they forget that there were many years before that where we were not receiving any type of increase. I am very pleased and proud of the loyal,
competent staff that we have and stand committed to continue to do right by them. One of the things persons with disabilities really struggle with is housing; safe, affordable housing. For individuals with more moderate to severe needs, there are our group homes and Intermediate Care Facilities, but for those persons that could live independently with minimal support there’s very little that’s out there. So as part of the agency’s mission to advance the lives of all persons with disabilities, Garden Center Services is applying for funding from the Illinois Housing Development Authority that would finance the construction of a 16-unit apartment building that would offer affordable living continued on page 4