SPECIAL ISSUE
St. Laurence/ GCS valentine dance
The joy and happiness of inclusiveness and acceptance were all around us, fanned by the heavy beat of 70’s rock music being played by the volunteer DJ. It was our agency’s Valentine’s dance, hosted by the varsity baseball team over at St. Laurence High School, and both the individuals we support, and the student-athletes were having a blast. One of the major changes I have personally experienced over the last 50 plus years around services to persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities has been the movement to see all of us as people first, realizing that it is all the marvelous differences that brings life its’ juiciness!
I was very impressed with the welcoming spirit of the baseball team and their strong determination to ensure that our folks would have a terrific time. The entire coaching staff, led by head coach Pete Lotus, demonstrated true leadership as they jumped in and enjoyed the party as well. Whatever the baseball teams’ record is at the end of the season, the Valentine party was a huge W! Sadly, it only took a few days for the elation we had experienced from the dance to change into stress and anxiety due to statements and actions taken by President Trump and those that seem to be blindly following his agenda. Initially, it was the attempt to stop Federal funding that was a threat to the continuation of our services which caused intense fear and worry with many of our parents, guardians, and families.
There was a short reprieve as that executive order was rescinded, only to be followed by the next gut punch in the form of a bill that would cut $880 billion in Medicaid funding, which is the main source of financial backing for disability services in Illinois and throughout the country. It has become the highest priority for all of us to communicate to state and U.S. legislators the unfathomable negative ramifications of this bill becoming law! Some of my colleagues and I are traveling to Washington D.C. next week to share our collective stories with as many congresspeople as possible.
Inside this special issue of The Leaflet are some heartfelt reflections by persons whose lives are uplifted daily by the services we provide. I hope you will take a few minutes to reflect on the stories they share. May you be safe, and LOUD!
Stories about the importance of Medicaid from
Danny Beemsterboer has attended the Garden Center Services day program since 2011 and he and his family have been blessed to have the agency and its program as an essential part in Danny’s life. Danny is physically and mentally disabled.
The programs and services Garden Center provides to Danny and other individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities relies on Medicaid funding to operate. Without this critical funding Danny and others would not have a program that enriches his daily life by providing engagement in the community, work opportunities and the support to flourish independently. Danny’s life has been enriched in so many ways by attending Garden Center, we could never imagine his life without it.
Danny also has two disabled cousins who are also in other I/DD programs funded by Medicaid. His cousins also rely on Medicaid for their health insurance. Without this vital funding, everyday connections and contributions in their lives and to their communities would be severely impacted. We cannot stress enough the importance of Medicaid funding in the lives of these individuals, the people that support them and their families.
-Tom and Lisa Beemsterboer Dad & Mom of Danny
I am sending this letter regarding Chris who has lived at the Garden Center for over 30 years and is a very happy person there. He takes medicines every day through Medicaid to keep his health and personality to be a happy person. If he looses his Medicaid, he would not be able to purchase them since he does not get enough money through the state to get his medicines. He could no longer go to a doctor or dentist when needed to. This is an outrage for President Trump to pick on these people to cut. I thought he was going after people that are cheating the government through fraud. Medicaid is an essential for people like Chris. I am very scared over this possible crisis. Please government officials, do not let this happen to these gentle individuals. Please react positively on my request.
- Donna Willoughby Mom of Chris
There are absolutely not enough words to express how important and what the Garden Center means to people with disabilities. It literally means LIFE. A meaningful life with a future that gives them something to aim for and achieve. A life where they are a part of society and especially where they BELONG. The programs they offer give them purpose and without these programs life would not exist for them. The caring and understanding they receive needs to remain and allowed to thrive.
- Danell Malewski Sister-in-law of Donna
Garden Center has literally given our son Bill a life . The people who care for him on a daily basis are, by far, the most caring givers you will ever find. We are so fortunate that the residential staff that are with him everyday have been with him for over 34 years. Bill Dahms and Bernie Adamowski are the major providers in Bill’s life and have given all of us so much. The day staff as well are there to help and train the consumers to the best of their ability. Thank you Gerry and Cindy for all that you have done and do. We are forever grateful to all of Garden Center.
- Bonnie & Ron Nalepa Mom & Dad of Bill
This is Mary. This is for the fight against The White House who wants to make silly cuts on Medicaid. Who will join me and stand and save Garden Center and Medicaid so that we could get funding for that? Garden Center is in need of help. The only way we’re gonna do it is if you talk to your legislator. Thank you. This is a matter of urgency.
- Mary L. Garden Center Program Participant
#SAVEMEDICAID
from people we serve, their families and our staff.
My niece has been a client of Garden Center Services for 30+ years as she was diagnosed with Down syndrome when she was 3 years old. My sister and brother-in-law have relied on several services throughout my niece’s life and found this service. My sister and brother-in-law have both passed away and Garden Center Services has put my niece up in a living facility for people with intellectual disabilities.
My niece is now 63 years old and has no where to go if Garden Center Services loses its funding from Medicaid. I love my niece and if you ever met her you would love her too! Please don’t let them cut Medicaid. Do it for people like my beautiful, never hurt a soul in her life niece! God bless you.
- Martin Shobe Uncle of Nancy
Before I retired, I spent my career supporting people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD). I held a variety of positions in a private agency and in state residential centers. Over the years, I provided both direct and supervisory support. I worked in two private residences for adults and coordinated a program for children from Birth to Three Years old. I was a teacher and eventually a Principal in a school that provided education for people with disabilities from childhood through adulthood. I was a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) in a state residential center, QIDP Coordinator in another state center, and State Coordinator of other QIDP Coordinators from all state centers. I currently volunteer as a member of a private agency’s Human Rights Committee.
Throughout all of these years, adequate funding for people with IDD was never easily obtained. The majority of people with IDD received funding from Medicaid, which helped support them to live their best lives and to enhance their skills and independence. The majority of them are unable to function without support. And they are only some of the many people in various situations who rely on Medicaid in this country. The money has never been more than was necessary, and cutting Medicaid is unconscionable; it will affect so many lives of people who truly need it.
I hate to think of what will become of people who cannot thrive without this money. We are better than this as a country.
- Cindy Durnbaugh HRC Committee Member
My job is incredibly important because I provide essential care and support to individuals with disabilities, helping them live more independent and fulfilling lives. I assist with daily tasks, promote social inclusions and advocate for their rights and wellbeing. My work not only improves their quality of life, but also strengthens communities by fostering dignity, respect, and empowerment for the individuals I support.
- Nicole Porter Garden Center Community Day Services Staff
I’ve worked as a Direct Support Professional and a Registered Nurse in programs funded by Medicaid. I cannot stress enough the importance of strong resistance to cuts in these services for adults with developmental disabilities. I have supported many people over my career that are in need of a wide variety of supports to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Without quality services, this population has historically experienced significant abuse, neglect, exploitation and mistreatment. With many of the people I have and continue to support, we are the main and sometimes the only source of critical support. Many families due to the necessity to work, or aging of the caregivers are not able to oversee the care of their loved ones. In some instances, the physical and medical demands of this care do not make care at home viable. However, with support from people trained to help them become more independent, they can be great members of a society that cares about them and their families. Life is precious - this administration truly cares about a pro-life perspective. Caring for people that need that care, and TRULY valuing the lives of people God has put on this planet is vital to a country we can be proud of.
- Jonny Duran-Rodriguez, R.N. Garden Center Director of Nursing
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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
SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SALES
GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME 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.
Advancing lives of connection, contribution, and meaning for persons with developmental disabilities and the individuals that support them.
Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and new beginnings. At GCS, we are constantly transforming lives, our community, and each other.
Join us for what promises to be an unforgettable night featuring live entertainment and the premiere of our first-ever Garden Center video! This is a wonderful chance to enjoy a delicious meal and share stories with one another.
Towards the end of the evening, there will be an opportunity to support our mission through a donation of your choice, as you are able.
Tickets are available for purchase at gardencenterservices.org until March 23rd, please note that tickets will not be sold at the door, only online.
Whether big or small, every contribution makes a difference and helps us continue our important work in the community. We hope to see you there!
MAR 30th Chicago Gaelic Park 6119 147th Street Oak Forest, IL 5pm - 9pm
MAR 30th 5pm GCS Spring Fling Event • Chicago Gaelic Park APR 15th
9am Open Meeting - All Welcome (Info presented with focus on clear language for people we serve)
2pm Open Meeting - All Welcome
6pm Friends & Family Forum - All Welcome (Open Meeting info will be covered as well as additional topics of interest to families)