Little did I know, on May 2nd, 2003, that I would be undertaking the role as Director of Garden Center Services that I am blessed enough to still be fulfilling today! Some of you probably remember that at the time I came on board, the name of our agency was Garden Center for the Handicapped. Changing the wording was easy; changing the approach to how the individuals we support are emboldened to make their own choices and create their own lives has been exhilarating and extremely
hard work. There are many reasons that my passion for this work hasn’t waned but let me just share a few with you.
First and foremost, it is the people we serve. I have spoken frequently, especially when spending time with new employees, about the tangible benefit that comes with working in this field; interacting with caring, curious, resilient adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, who are the most unpretentious people you could ever spend time with.
Next, if you are lucky, you end up working side-by-side with so many compassionate, committed employees that are like-minded and spirited in their desire to raise up the individuals we support and help them to have the lives they deserve. At Garden Center Services I have often felt the line between fellow staff members and chosen family gets quite blurry.
Lastly, it is an incredible opportunity to be working in the disability services area during a time of change, when individuals are being empowered to learn and use their own voices, to advocate for themselves, and to make choices such as where do they want to live, who do they want to live with, how do they want to spend their days, …etc.
THE 4TH ANNUAL SUNNY SMASH IS JUNE 7TH!
REGISTER YOUR TEAM
Not Playing? You can order your own Smash shirt online and pick it up at the event. Visit our event page for details.
Teams can still register for the 4th Annual Sunny Smash Co-Ed Softball Tournament. Two Brackets to Choose From
• 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, may never have even seen a softball before, and just want to play for fun.
WE NEED YOU!
If you’d like to volunteer for the Smash, follow the event link on our website! We appreciate any amount of time you can help. All volunteers receive a volunteer shirt. All-Day Volunteers also receive free lunch from our event food truck.
DETAILS
4th Annual Sunny Smash
June 7 First game starts at 8am St. Christina Fields 11149 S. Central Park Chicago www.GardenCenterServices.org
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY AWARDS
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
This past March, Garden Center held our second annual Women’s Day Awards in which we recognize GCS women who have gone above and beyond. Last year’s award recipients reviewed a flood of submissions to choose this year’s winners. The 2025 winners were: Saundra Pegues & Michele Hula for Woman of Inspiration (it was a tie!), Brenae Scott for Rising Star/Emerging Leader, and Sabrina Moore for Courageous Advocate. Recipients received flowers, an engraved plaque, and a basket of goodies. Congratulations to the 2025 GCS Womans Day Award Winners!
Community Day Services will
closed on these dates.
Join
review
collected over the 2nd quarter on several key indicators that impact
program’s quality and effectiveness.
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
Gerry Beagles
Kathleen Akin
Lisa Beemsterboer
Shannon Benaitis
John Considine
Dr. Chris Grunow
Rep. Mary Gill
Mary Ann Lema
Cindy Malloy
Kari Riordan
Jenny Wojcik
OUR MISSION
Advancing lives of connection, contribution, and meaning for persons with developmental disabilities and the individuals that support them.
SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SALES
JUNE
Surprise
Specials Each Week!
SUPER SALES
50% off EVERYTHING Store-wide!
MAY 31st JUN 28th
General Store Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 4pm
Donation Hours: Thursdays & Saturdays 10am to 2pm
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.
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Tuesday, July 15 2025
9am: Open Meeting - Info will be presented with focus on clear language for people we serve
2pm: Open Meeting - Info will be presented with focus on information most relevant to staff
6pm: Friends & Family Forum - Open Meeting information will be covered as well as additional topics of interest to families
I want to express a deep appreciation for the families, parents & guardians, friends, and the local business community that have been exceptionally supportive of the direction that we have taken the agency. Change can be difficult, and that’s why I am so thankful for the open-mindedness, trust, and respect that I have experienced as the Executive Director. We have a very committed, involved group of individuals that serve on the agency’s Board of Directors. They give up their time, energy, and often their resources to ensure that Garden Center is following through on our commitment to the people we serve.
I want to express my gratitude to three members of the board that stepped down after serving 2 three-year terms. Ms. Donna Blair, Mr. Tony DiMiele, and Ms. Ava Rhodes-Smith. Their guidance has been invaluable over the last six years! Let me also introduce the four new people that have just joined the board. Ms. Kate Akin, Mr. John Considine, Ms. Kari Riordan, and Ms. Jenny Wojcik. You will learn more about them in the coming newsletters.
