The View From My Chair
A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Gerry & Howard
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Thank you for standing with Garden Center Services. I’m sharing this update both to keep you informed about important milestones at our agency and to invite you to continue investing in our workimproving the quality of life for the adults with developmental disabilities we are honored to serve.
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, I celebrated
my 23rd anniversary as Executive Director. When I accepted this position, I had no idea the decision would have such a profound impact on my life.
Over the years, I’ve built lifelong, caring relationships with so many people connected to Garden Center Services. The incredible individuals we support have taught me so much about courage, honesty, and patience, and I am grateful for the privilege of learning alongside them.
This journey has never been a solo effort. Many staff members have walked beside me for years, and their commitment and compassion have been instrumental
in the progress and positive changes we’ve made. I also want to recognize the families of the people we serve, who have generously contributed their time, encouragement, and financial resources. Your trust and partnership strengthen everything we do.
One of my strongest supporters has been my dad, Howard Beagles, who recently passed away on April 13 at the age of 97. He was deeply proud of what my wife, Cindy, and I were doing at Garden Center, and he took a genuine interest in getting to know our employees and the individuals that attend our programs. He played Santa at several of our Christmas parties and attended many of our
GARDEN CENTER FAMILY
GCS 70th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
This year marks the 70th anniversary of Garden Center Services. For 70 years, Garden Center Services has been dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live meaningful, self-directed, and fulfilling lives.
What began in 1956 as a small, visionary effort has grown into a vibrant network of residential homes, day programming, employment supports, and individualized services that touch hundreds of lives each year.
To commemorate this milestone anniversary, we will be hosting an event on Sunday June 28th at 5pm at Gaelic Park to honor our history while boldly investing in the future. This landmark event will bring together community leaders, families, supporters, and partners to celebrate seven decades of impact. The celebration will feature inspiring stories, recognition of long-time supporters, a look ahead at the next chapter of GCS, and opportunities to directly support our programs and mission. We hope you’ll join us.
JUNE 28th 5pm
Ticket sales will go live next week. Watch your email or visit GardenCenterServices.org for details. If you, or a business you know, would like to sponsor the event, please reach out to Gerry at 708-887-8588.
BRIGHT COLORS, BIG IMPACT
Celebrating Our New Relationship with Richard E. Byrd Elementary
A big shout-out to our new friends at Richard E. Byrd School in Burbank! After choosing Garden Center as the 2026 beneficiary of their April Color Run for Neurodiversity, Ms. Martinez reached out to us and we were thrilled to connect. We couldn’t wait until April to meet them, so in March, Gerry and Hailey visited the school to lead a Developmental Disability Awareness Month assembly. The students and staff were incredibly welcoming and so engaged in the topic.
In April, the Color Run was another huge success, raising $2,812 for Garden Center programs! It was inspiring to see young Byrd Explorers learning about and celebrating neurodiversity. We’re excited to grow this new partnership for years to come.
TENDING OUR GARDEN
Don’t forget about Garden Center’s Gardening Club!
Our initial campaign may be over, but the Gardening Club is still growing. We now have 17 monthly donors and hope a lot more of you will join this club.
Monthly donors receive unique, quarterly GCS updates highlighting the impact of their support. Any amount provides crucial support to our year-round discretionary funds
Learn more on our website or visit our donation page to join.
Students getting ready for the Color Run
RECOGNIZING INSPIRING LEADERSHIP
Garden Center’s International Women’s Day Award Winners
2026 Award Winners
Erin, Elle, and Beth
For the past three years, every March, Garden Center has celebrated International Women’s Day by recognizing some of the incredible women on our team. This year we received nearly 50 nominations, and we honored the winners at a reception last week.
Here are a few words shared about this year’s honorees:
Woman of Inspiration – Erin Exton
Erin is a role model for both her team and the people we serve. She leads with professionalism, kindness, and a commitment to growth. She’s always willing to ask questions, try new approaches, and seek support when needed.
Rising Star / Emerging Leader – Elle Liberty
Elle joined GCS less than a year ago and has already made a big impact. She’s used her expertise to strengthen our work, support our Qs, and help secure additional funding in her role as Director of Clinical Services.
Courageous Advocate – Elizabeth “Beth” Alvarez
Beth consistently speaks up for the people she supports and helps them get what they need. Whether navigating life challenges, equipment issues, or medical concerns, she brings compassion, problem solving skills, and a steady, supportive presence.
Congratulations to all! You make Garden Center’s services better and more compassionate every day.
GARDEN APARTMENTS NEAR COMPLETION
Construction on the Garden Apartments is nearing completion, and the building is on track to open this July.
Keep an eye on our social media for the official ribbon-cutting date, which will be announced soon.
Visit the Housing Authority of Cook County website at : thehacc.org/ residents/ #housing-choice for appliation information.
Housing Authority
Mary shows off her name badge
Meet Palos Hospital’s Newest Volunteer!
Mary has always loved helping others. She has worked as a hostess, volunteered at Christ Hospital, and served as a receptionist in our State program. After retiring from regular programming at GCS, Mary was ready for a new challenge. On April 29th, she began her first day as a volunteer at Palos Hospital.
That day, Mary helped label cards used in the nursery for blood testing, and she even got to visit with the therapy dogs and hand out some well-earned treats. She isn’t sure what tasks she’ll take on during her next volunteer shift, but shared, “This job is top notch!”, and is excited for whatever comes her way.
UPCOMING DATES & EVENTS
A Special Note:
We have made the difficult decision to sunset the Sunny Smash in order to better align our fundraising efforts with our mission.
Thanks to all who participated over the years!
21
attend at 9am, 2pm, or 6pm
Garden Center’s
JUN 28th
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
PRESIDENT/CEO Gerry Beagles
CHAIR Jenny Wojcik
VICE CHAIR Dr. Chris Grunow
SECRETARY Shannon Benaitis
TREASURER Mary Ann Lema
MEMBERS Kathleen Akin
Lisa Beemsterboer
John Considine
Rep. Mary Gill
Cindy Malloy
Kari Riordan
OUR MISSION
Advancing lives of connection, contribution, and meaning for persons with developmental disabilities and the individuals that support them.
benefiting Garden CenterServices
10444 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60655
General Store Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 4pm
Donation Hours: Thursdays & Saturdays 10am to 2pm
JOIN OUR TEAM!
Visit our website OR reach out to Ray at 708-330-1849 and volunteer today!
MAY SPECIAL SALES!
continued from page 1
fundraising events through the years. He even used his fireman’s pension to sponsor agency events, and he was one of our faithful monthly donors for years. We will miss him dearly, and we will carry his example of kindness and friendliness forward.
I was hoping Dad could attend the grand opening of the Garden Apartments this summer, and I also wish he could have joined us as we celebrate Garden Center’s 70th anniversary on June 28 at Gaelic Park. While he won’t be with us in person, I know he’ll be there in spirit - cheering on the mission he believed in so strongly.
As we look ahead, we’re committed to continuing to enhance programs, opportunities, and supports that help the adults we serve live fuller, more connected lives. The challenge of accomplishing this has become increasingly more difficult with the substantial increase in the cost of doing business and the negative impact of policy and funding changes at the federal level. If Garden Center Services has touched your life - as a family member, friend, employee, business partner, or community supporterplease consider making a gift or enlisting as one of our monthly donors. Any of you that would be interested in sponsoring or know a business who would like to sponsor Garden Center’s 70th Anniversary Celebration, reach out to me at 708-887-8588. Every donation helps create stability today and builds possibility for tomorrow.
With gratitude,
Gerry Beagles Executive Director Garden Center Services