THIS MONTH’S ISSUE The View From My Chair
01
Garden Center Family Spotlight
02
Party Plants Seeds for Growth
03
Around GCS
04
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’
“
”
A 5 0 1 ( C ) ( 3 ) N O NPROFIT ORGANIZATION
Garden Center Family Spotlight
Frank Olivo is a man with an amazing memory and a great sense of humor. He has been a part of the Garden Center family since he was a child. When Frank was eight, he lived in Chicago. “My mom couldn’t find schooling for me there.”, he explained. As a result, the Olivo family moved to Stickney Township and Frank began attending, what was then known as, Garden School for the Handicapped. The agency didn’t have vocational opportunities back then, so when Frank graduated, he left to take a job at a workshop in Chicago. Frank moved around to a few different worksites throughout the years as programs closed or moved. Eventually, when the workshop where Frank was working “moved to the boondocks”, Frank opted to find something closer to home that would enable him to continue participating in Special Olympics. That is when Frank found Garden Center again and returned to the agency’s programs in 2001.
FRANK OLIVO
Frank continues to be involved in Special Olympics. He was one of the first Special Olympians and has been in the program for 42 years! Since that time, Frank says he has tried “all the sports outside of the water events”. He even wrestled in the 60s. “I do the easy ones now”, he says, since a knee surgery has kept him out of the more physical sports. Frank is looking forward to the upcoming Special Olympics Spring Games for Track and Field this May where he will be competing in the walking 100M and the softball throw. Best of luck Frank - we are pulling for you!
GCS BULLETIN BOARD Join us at
Garden Center’s N N’ ROLL-A-THO ANNUAL WALK 11 20 Saturday, June 4, m 0p :0 -1 m 0a 10:0
California Pizza Kitchen for a flavorful FUNdraising event! Tuesday, May 17, 2011 (ALL DAY)
ing rvices Main Build Garden Center Se ue en 8333 S. Austin Av 459 60 s oi in Ill k, an Burb
California Pizza Kitchen Cantera • 28258 Diehl Road (In front of Regal Cinemas) 630.393.0852 Download a flyer from our website www. gardencenterservices.org, give the flyer to your server and 20% of your check will be donated to Garden Center! SEE YOU THERE!
to sponsor If you would like u need a this event, or if yo , please call participant packet 6504. 839 8Debbie at 70 •
to send d, but would like If you can’t atten mail or e as Ple g it! e tak a donation, we’ll building. in tions at the ma drop off your dona ! ort pp su Thank you for your
FLOWER POWER at GARDEN CENTER
This April marked Garden Center’s first annual Flower Power Day. Consumers an staff sent a flower with a note of appreciation to people in the Garden Center famil who they wanted to recognize. It was a big hit with all involved. Over 1000 carnatio were sent agency-wide. We would like to thank Linda Sterns, GCS Board Member whose generous donation of the carnations made this event possible. Martin and Kristy enjoy Flower Power Day at Garden Center
“Potting Party” Plants Seeds for Growth
This past April 15th was more than just tax day. In Merrionette Park, it was also a day to celebrate Garden Center Services and connect with a new generation of potential supporters. The Garden Center Potting Party, held at 115 Bourbon Street, was the brainchild of Annmarie Caulfield, the niece of Sheri Kunkes who attends Garden Center Services. Annmarie’s Uncle, John Kunkes, is also a part of the Garden Center family where he serves on the Board of Directors. Annmarie will be graduating in May from Lewis University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Leadership. She chose to support Garden Center by creating and implementing Annmarie (center) takes a moment to enjoy the festivities the Potting Party fundraiser as the Capstone project for her degree program. By all measures the Potting Party was a huge success! Over 225 people attended the event which featured a live band, food, drinks, raffels, silent auction, and an art auction of paintings by the artists of Garden Gallery, Garden Center Services’ art program.
nd ly ons r,
Pool Table Large flower pots Picnic tables Zoo passes Sport/Theater/Event tickets New dishes Flat screen TV Bookshelf New bath towels Vacuum cleaner & attachments New gardening tools Laptop computers Craft supplies
Over 225 people attended the Garden Center Potting Party
The event brought in over $6,000 for Garden Center Services and introduced our programs to a new group of people with whom we hope to continue our relationship for years to come. We are grateful to Annmarie for her hard work on the event and wish her much luck with her upcoming graduation!
GARDEN CENTER’S NEEDS LIST
Wall art Frames for artwork Blank canvases X-Box & dance games Living room set Garden Center Artists auctioned off their work during the event
Xbox Kinect Gym Memberships or passes Assistance with club dues Living Room Set If you have an item to donate, please email Anne McFerron at amcferron@gardencenterservices.org
AROUND GCS WHERE WE GROW DIGNITY AND
INDEPENDENCE phone 708.636.0054 email info@gardencenterservices.org web www.gardencenterservices.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President
Barbara Clarke
1st Vice President
Scott Hardek
2nd Vice President
Doug Combs
Secretary
Shelly Scinto
Treasurer
R. Pat Ballis
Members:
John J. Kunkes
Ed and Gerry celebrate Ed’s retirement after 14 years of service to Garden Center
Jackie puts the finishing touches on her artwork in Garden Center’s Art Studio
Frances Mientus Linda Stearns Daniel Wenzler
Maria and Chrissy enjoy a night out
Liz E.’ s group takes a picture for Ed’s retirement photo album
Impo rt ant Date s! M ay 17th
Ca lif or nia Piz za Ki
Ju ne 4t h
tche n Fu ndra ise r
ho n
GC S Walk ‘N Ro ll-a-T
DETAIL S INSIDE THIS ISSUE! Jerry and Tim take a bowling break
Cathy and Jackie
Rachel and Melissa
Lynn and Julie
http://www.youtube.com/user/ gardencenterservices http://twitter.com/gardencentersrv
http://www.facebook.com/ gardencenterservices