This Giving Tuesday, we are inviting you to be a part of something amazing: Become a GCS monthly donor!
“Why would I want to do that?” Well...this agency and the people we serve are worth fighting for! Also, when you’re a monthly donor your contribution is automatically submitted, which means you don’t have to think about it.
Our agency and the awesome individuals we serve are already being challenged by the higher prices we’re incurring due to the tariffs and other policy changes. Soon we will also be dealing with the federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP Benefits. This is a time of uncertainty for us all, but especially for the people at the margins of our society.
This is a chance for you to formalize your status as a foundational patron of Garden Center Services and the incredible people we are honored to serve. Monthly donors have proven essential to our financial stability as their consistent, unwavering contributions are a godsend when unexpected costs arrive.
As a monthly donor, you will receive unique GCS updates informing you about the ways your offerings have been put to work. These updates may include stories shared by the people attending our programs, photos of physical improvements to our buildings, or descriptions of strategic initiatives that we’re planning to move forward with.
These updates will strengthen your confidence that your contributions are going towards maintaining the highest quality care for both the individuals attending our programs and our staff as well.
You have a few choices of how to get started. On our website’s donation page, we have a Donate Monthly option. You can also email hkmetty@ gardencenterservices.org or call 708-887-9682.
Please see the back of this letter for alternative ways to support GCS and for a special 2025 recap!
Let’s reminisce on what we have achieved in 2025!
New Housing Projects
We are pleased to share with you some positive developments happening at Garden Center Services. This year, we have several new housing projects. We have our Garden Apartments initiative, which is a Permanent Supportive housing project that will provide 16 individuals with a disability a home of their own. The project is underway and projected to be completed within the next year.
Next, we have our first Shared Living Program. What that means is a caregiver moved into a home that we provided and then invited two men with developmental disabilities to move in and share the home with him. Additionally, we also have opened a new Community Integrated Living Arrangement that is home to four ladies that have been part of our agency for some time!
In addition to these new purchases, we are continually addressing repair and rehab projects at the agency’s many other sites. The rates we receive from our state funders do not cover the expense of these necessary undertakings.
Events & Fundraisers
We have had some successful events and fundraisers this year. Our very first Spring Fling was this past March. Another first was Sunny Days: a whole week dedicated to celebrating the people we support with many exciting and rewarding activities. We kicked off our Sunny Smash softball tournament in June. Next up, DSP week! We had a great time showing our gratitude to our amazing staff. Finally, we had our annual Walk ‘n Roll. It is so great to connect with one another and our awesome community.
All of these actions are done with one vision in mind: to provide the individuals we support with lives of connection, contribution, and meaning.
If you are unable to join the Gardening Club at this time, here are a few things you can do in the spirit of Giving Tuesday to help ensure we can keep doing awesome things in 2026:
- Donate! You can donate on our website, mail a check to or drop one off at Garden Center Services
Attn: Giving Tuesday 10444 S Kedzie Ave Chicago, IL 60655
- Follow our Facebook & Instagram
- Shop at our Second Chance Thrift Shoppe this holiday season
- Spread the word: if you love what we do, let people know!
Thank you for your continual love and support!