Dear friends and supporters, We are reaching out today to share both the challenges and the bright spots that are shaping life at Garden Center Services this season.
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits have been temporarily put on hold. Judges have ordered the administration to resume the payments, even if partially, but they have not figured out how to at this point. For many people with disabilities, SNAP benefits are not just supplementalthey are essential. Without this vital support, many
individuals and families in our community are struggling to keep food on the table.
This crisis is being compounded by the rising costs of food and supplies, driven in part by the recent tariffs enacted under President Trump’s administration. Prices for basic groceries and essential goods have climbed sharply, making it more expensive for the individuals receiving our services to shop and more costly for our agency to provide the same level of assistance and care we always strive for.
Despite these serious challenges, we continue to find reasons for joy and gratitude - because the people we serve, and those who support them, show us every day that perseverance and hope are stronger than hardship.
In October, we celebrated the opening of two new group living homes, where residents
are thriving in supportive, inclusive environments. The individuals living there have shared their excitement about their new homes, new friendships, and the positive changes these opportunities have brought to their lives.
We’re also thrilled to report that construction of our Permanent Supportive Housing project, the Garden Apartments, is right on schedule. The building is progressing beautifully and is expected to welcome tenants by May or June of next year - a major milestone in our ongoing mission to expand accessible, affordable housing options for people with disabilities.
Our Second Chance Thrift Shop has also been a wonderful source of community connection and vital support. The shop has provided much-needed revenue that helps sustain our programs and services - and it’s also a joyful place where
Becca, Gerry & Carrie having some Halloween fun
GARDEN CENTER FAMILY
Ladies at 50th Ave. enjoy their new home
We’re excited to share that in early October, after months of planning, residents of 50th Ave. House (a Community Integrated Living Arrangement - CILA) and Otto House (part of our new Shared Living Program) moved into their beautiful new homes.
Our new residents shared what they love most about their new home:
Tracey loves the food, Toni likes her new room, Renee’ likes spending time with her roommates, and Becca loves helping out around the house.
The guys are also loving their new living arrangement and have especially enjoyed getting out to their local gym and working out
GCS GEAR...is here!
PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROJECT
Over two years ago, Garden Center began working to secure funding to build our new permanent supportive housing apartments. The project is fully grant-funded and does not financially impact Garden Center programs. We’re on track for Garden Apartments to open Spring of 2026 and are thrilled to be able to offer subsidized rent for tenants with disabilities in the safe, welcoming Village of Worth, IL.
We’re now planning a second project, Brush Hill Apartments, in Worth, and deeply appreciate the support of our consultants, Anne Kearns and Chrissy Swanson, without whom these successes wouldn’t be possible. Stay tuned for more details.
GCS has a cozy, new, crew-neck sweatshirt that will be the perfect gift for everyone on your list!
Order yours on our website NOW through NOV. 24th
Orders will be available for pickup at Second Chance Thrift Shoppe starting Dec. 11th during regular business hours.
Many of us will be doing at least some of our holiday shopping online. Why not use iGive? You can help GCS (at no cost to you) with each purchase. iGive works with over 2300 of the most popular stores you shop online. Just go to igive.com and register. Each time you shop online at stores like Walmart, Crate & Barrel, PetCo., Best Buy, and more, those stores will donate a percentage of your purchase to GCS! Visit www.iGive.com/GardenCenter to get started.
Did you know that Second Chance has everything you need to get your home ready for the holidays at AMAZING prices? Stop by and check us out! We also have gift cards - the perfect holiday gift!
Garden
Spring 2026
Brush Hill Apartments Architect Rendering
Guys at Otto House
SUPERSTARS CHOIR PERFORMS AT MARIST HIGH SCHOOL
In October, Garden Center’s Superstars Choir wowed a packed crowd at Marist High School with an encore performance of scenes and songs from Grease The Musical, as well as a few other fan favorites. The group rehearsed the show since May with Scotty Licina, who leads activities at our Community Day Services program.
Following the success of the show, the choir is now planning a new performance featuring music from Disney’s The Lion King. Keep an eye on The Leaflet for details!
is DECEMBER 2nd
Giving Tuesday is coming! Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that is all about showing up for issues and people we care about. This Giving Tuesday, the best way to help GCS is by becoming a part of the Gardening Club, our monthly giving program! Check out the insert in this issue for more information.
SUPER SUNNY WALK ‘N ROLL WRAP UP!
OUR SPONSORS
PLATINUM
The Sibik Family
David J Cobb - Remax
Bill Cunningham
Blackwood Group
Burbank Chamber of Commerce
Burbank Park District
Chuck’s Café
Howard Beagles
Mahoney, Crowe, Goldrick & Cannon
R. J. Till & Sons Plumbing Stickney Township
SUNNY Stratos Wealth Management
Birdies Sports Bar & Grill
Athenian Body Shop
The Ballis Family
Hallberg - Valek Allstate
The Head Family
Jenny Wojcik
Mary Gill
Mary Shadden Perez
Pete’s Service Center
Victoria Kudlinski
Community Day Services will be closed on these
We had a great time at Garden Center’s 2025 Super Sunny Walk ‘n Roll and raised over $50,000 for programs and services at Garden Center! Help us show some love for our event sponsors below.
A special thank you to these businesses/ organizations, our many donors & volunteers who made this event possible!
Burbank Park District
PepsiCo
Wolf’s Bakery
Marist Poms
Whittingham Meats
Jack & Pat’s Butcher Shop
Knights of Columbus
Pop’s on Kedzie
Cravings Ice Cream
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
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT/CEO Gerry Beagles
CHAIR Jenny Wojcik
VICE
OUR MISSION
Advancing lives of connection, contribution, and meaning for persons with developmental disabilities and the individuals that support them.
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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volunteers, shoppers, and staff come together for a great cause. As the holidays approach, we invite you to shop for your Christmas décor at Second Chance or donate a few hours of your time as a volunteer. Every purchase and every helping hand makes a real difference.
And in September, our community came together for our annual Walk n’ Roll event - a day filled with laughter, friendship, and purpose. Thanks to your generosity, the event raised over $50,000 in much-needed revenue to support our programs and services.
As we approach the holiday season, we are also looking ahead to Giving Tuesday on December 2nd, a national day of generosity when individuals are encouraged to support the charities that matter most to them. Especially this year, we would be deeply grateful if you could find the time to make a contribution to Garden Center Services. Even more, we invite you to consider becoming a monthly donor, helping us sustain our mission year-round and continue providing life-changing support to people with disabilities.
These successes remind us that the best way to respond to difficult times is through action, compassion, and joy. Each achievement - each person given a home, each volunteer who steps up, each dollar donated - helps us build a stronger, more inclusive community.
We are deeply grateful for your continued partnership and support. Together, we can meet these challenges head-on and ensure that the people we serve not only survive, but thrive, with dignity and happiness.
