In a couple of weeks, service providers like ours will be celebrating Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (September 7th – 13th), during which we put extraordinary time and effort toward recognizing Direct Support Professionals (DSP) for the incredible work they perform.
I am so uplifted by the respect
and compassion I observe every day as the staff work with the individuals we serve.
I think the fact that many of us in leadership positions at Garden Center started out as DSPs provides us with the insight into how strenuous their jobs can be at times.
DSP Recognition Week is a great opportunity to focus on the incredibly committed, attentive direct support workforce that is the heart and backbone of services for the individuals with disabilities that Garden Center cares for. The majority of the agency’s employees are DSPs, and many of them have been with us 5, 10, 15 years, or longer! Though this week is established nationally to recognize DSPs, we try to express throughout the
year how vital and valued our employees are.
We are asking for your help to make this the best Direct Support Professional week ever, and invite you, the parents/ guardians/families/& friends to join us in the effort to really show our gratitude and respect to these individuals. Inside the Leaflet you’ll find an article sharing ideas on how you can help. We’re also looking for any gift cards that you would like to donate which will help with the many raffle drawings that we hold during the week.
Taking care of our staff so they can care for the people that attend our programs is weighing on me heavier than ever. As I shared with you in my last articles, changes that
Mayor Werner & Gerry at Garden Apartments
GARDEN CENTER FAMILY
GCS Superstars Choir
GARDEN CENTER GETS MUSICAL
Last month, Garden Center’s Superstars Choir put on an amazing performance of scenes and music from Grease The Musical. The choir began planning the performance last year with Scotty Licina who coordinates several activities at Garden Center’s Community Day Services program. Rehearsals began in earnest this past May, and the group’s hard work definitely paid off.
Scotty helped choir members find roles that focused on their individual strengths and abilities, allowing each performer to shine. Following the show the choir was on a high. Mary L., who played Sandy, summed up the feeling of the group saying, “I really feel great!”. The event was so well-received that the Superstars are currently in the planning stages for an encore evening performance, in a larger venue, that will enable them to invite their fans in the community. Stay tuned for details.
SUPER SUNNY WALK ‘N ROLL
20th • Macarthur Park 83rd & McVicker in Burbank • Walk Starts at 11:15am
The Super Sunny Walk ‘n Roll will be here before you know it! We can’t wait to see you all at our NEW LOCATION and enjoy a fun walk on a smooth walking path, great music, awesome games, and eat some delicious food prepared by our friends, the Knights of Columbus. SEE YOU THERE!
our website to register TODAY! www.GardenCenterServices.org
Garden Center’s new Shared Living home, Otto Place, and new CILA home, 50th Ave., are almost ready!
Thank you to everyone who has already joined Operation Household to help us purchase the many little things a new home needs.
If you would like to join Operation Household in welcoming our newest residents, there is still time! Visit our Amazon Housewarming List using the QR code or www.amzn.to/46vYQFk. If you would prefer to make a donation that will go toward housewarming items, please visit our website donation page and put “new home” in the Note box.
THANK YOU for helping us turn our new houses into homes.
EXCITING CHANGES AT GCS!
This month, Sheryl Kincinas will celebrate her 25th anniversary with Garden Center Services. She joined our team as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP or Q) helping those on her caseload envision and achieve the goals they set for their lives. When Garden Center’s Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) needed a new director, Sheryl was up for the challenge. She completed her Nursing Home Administrator licensure and became the ICF Director in 2003. Since that time, Sheryl has developed an extraordinarily close relationship with the people she supports and their families, seeing them through many milestones over the years. Now, she is ready for a new challenge. This month, Sheryl will move into the role of Senior Clinical Director where she will provide oversight support to our Nursing, Behavioral Health, and ICF departments. Congratulations Sheryl!
DSP APPRECIATION WEEK
Sheryl Kincinas
April Watkins
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
Sales SPECIAL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT/CEO Gerry Beagles
CHAIR Jenny Wojcik
VICE CHAIR Dr. Chris Grunow SECRETARY Shannon Benaitis TREASURER
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.
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.
continued from page 1 General Store Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 4pm
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 Tuesday, October 21 2025
are being made in Washington is making it more difficult and riskier to commit ongoing funding to certain positions/programs at the agency. As we prepare to deal with the impact of projected cuts to our budget I am focusing intensely on targeting and amassing additional discretionary resources to sustain our quality programs.
This is where YOU come in. I greatly enjoy speaking passionately about Garden Center Services and the awesome individuals we support, but I need new people to tell our story to. I will deeply appreciate any contacts that you would share with me to help this effort. Contact me directly at 708-560-4400, or at gbeagles@ gardencenterservices.org.
