THIS MONTH’S ISSUE The View From My Chair
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Garden Center Family Spotlight
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Party Plants Seeds for Growth
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Around GCS
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THE LEAFLET ISSUE MAY YEAR 2011
A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OUR MISSION Garden Center Services is committed to supporting and empowering persons with developmental disabilities through innovative and person-centered services. Our commitment to the excellence of our programs is surpassed only by our devotion to the people we serve and the communities in which they live.
The View From My Chair On Monday, May 2nd, I am celebrating my eighth year anniversary as the executive director of Garden Center Services. I don’t think at the time that I accepted the position I had accurate insight into how much that decision would alter, and enhance, my life.
skills at self-advocacy, we are challenged more and more to make sure their voices are being heard and that they are actively involved in planning their own futures.
Certainly the number of individuals we support at Garden Center has significantly I believe having meaningful, honest, increased during my time here, but more nurturing interactions with other individuals importantly, the quality and variety of the is the best part of being human, and one programs we offer has improved. I cannot of the greatest gifts we thank the direct care staff at the can experience. Given the day programs and residential sites I believe having many opportunities I’ve had enough for the constant care and meaningful, through the years of listening honest, nurturing support they provide. That being to and speaking with family said, I know we can do better, interactions with members, staff, and mainly and I’m looking forward to working other individuals our consumers, my life has with the skilled management team is the best part been truly enriched and I we’ve brought together to make this of being human, cherish the connections I happen. and one of the have made. greatest gifts we I also want to acknowledge and can experience. The individuals that attend thank the Board of Directors for Garden Center have really helped me their encouragement and guidance. They develop a greater awareness and keener are playing an ever increasing role towards insight into the needs, dreams, and the advancement of the agency through capacities of persons with developmental their commitment to strategic planning and disabilities. For so long I think most of us fund development. Finally, let me express that work in this field have projected our my gratitude for the ongoing cooperation own limited ideas about what’s acceptable, given by so many parents and guardians. what’s possible, or what’s appropriate for It is an honor and pleasure to serve your the individuals we support. As we have loved ones. worked on strengthening the consumers’
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A 5 0 1 ( C ) ( 3 ) N O NPROFIT ORGANIZATION