JUL/AUG
2019
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
your stories, our website, witness slips, countless legislator meetings and other vehicles put our issue squarely in front of decision-makers.
Lynn & Gerry
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT Page 2 ADOPT-A-HOME UPDATE Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
I want to thank those of you that followed through with our requests to support our efforts to increase critically needed funding to support persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Those of you who took action can really be proud of the numbers that were generated by advocates throughout the state – in the final days of the legislative session, nearly 1,000 calls were made and more than 18,000 emails were sent to legislators that were involved in finalizing the state budget. Media stories, compelling videos sharing
The good news: for the third year in a row, those who work with people with disabilities saw a small increase, and for the first year in more than a decade, that increase came in the form of a rate increase. The 3.5% rate increase for our agency’s day and residential programs will buttress our efforts to pay our staff what they deserve. On the downside it is still just a small gain compared to the double-digit cost of living escalation we’ve incurred over the last 10 years! The agency’s fund development events and activities continue to be very important and necessary as we strive to generate revenue in addition to
our state funding that allows us to provide the services and experiences our participants need and deserve. I ask that you continue your generous response to our requests for your assistance. I would be remiss if I did not give a shout out to Representative Fran Hurley who ensured that some of Garden Center’s sizable capital needs can be addressed this fiscal year by including an award for our agency in the “Rebuild Illinois” Capital Bill. The grant that we will be receiving will go a long way in covering some of the costs related to the larger repairs at the group homes and day programs! Take care, and have a safe and healthy summer!
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GARDEN CENTER FAMILY SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT & VOLUNTEER UPDATE Another GCS Employment Group Member got his dream job! Patrick has been attending GCS’s Employment Group since December 2018 and practices many of the skills he learns there delivering Meals on Wheels with GCS’s Community Crew. This past May, Patrick, L ucian who loves cars, landed a job at Wash U carwash in Burbank. p the l ulls weed Patrick says he is in charge of greeting customers, drying and abyri s in The C nth at folding towels, keeping the equipment clean, and making sure enter barricades are put up to keep the vehicles a safe distance apart. When asked what he likes most about his job, Patrick quickly answered “I like all of it!”. CONGRATULATIONS PATRICK! Patrick recently started a job at Wash U!
GCS has also recently added two new volunteer sites to our schedule. Community Crew members are now volunteering at Animals for Awareness and The Center. Both organizations are located in Palos Park.
We need your help so even more people we serve can find work. If you know a business who is looking for reliable employees or volunteers call today! Contact: Adriana LaPointe at 773.941.4151 Ext. 210 • alapointe@gardencenterservices.org
Marie skunk cares for a for A at Animals waren ess
GCS’S (NEW) NEW GROWTH ADVOCACY BOARD
Garden Center Services’ New Growth Advocacy Board is made up young professionals with a goal of furthering Garden Center’s mission. The group meets monthly and is facilitated by GCS’s Director of Development, Sandra Coleman, and PepsiCo Senior Director of Sales Support, Marty Coleman. This enthusiastic team is bringing new energy and exciting initiatives to raise much-needed funds for Garden Center programs and services! Current initiatives include: • Meeting with local corporations to request matching donations for Garden Center’s fall Giving Tuesday campaign • Hosting a Disability Awareness Symposium networking and advocacy event in collaboration with Saint Xavier University (Oct. 9th) • Hosting a Movie Night for consumers and their families/staff with Marist High School (Aug. 2nd) • Developing a GCS Softball Tournament at St. Christina Catholic Church Softball Fields (May 30th, 2020) New Growth Board Members • Pursuing alternative digital fundraising opportunities. Shannon O’Connell, Joshua Agopian, Ryan Dalgaard, The New Growth Advocacy Board hopes grow these current projects and expand Nancy Lesnicki, Josh Alis & Kyle Coleman to develop even more projects in the future. We are excited to have their support!
TENDING OUR GARDEN...
A huge thank you to the National Honor Society at St. Laurence High School. The group held a fundraiser and used the profits to host an AMAZING formal dance, A Night in Paris, for Garden Center.
Thank You!
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onor tional Hr GCS a N e c n o re St. Lau eld a Formal f h y t ie Soc
Thank you to Sam Abueid and his Burbank business, The Liquor House, for hosting a recent fundraiser for Garden Center and raising over $500!
am fundS rais Abueid h eld a Burber for GC The Lank busin S at his iquor es Houss, e
ADOPT-A-HOME UPDATE Over the past few months our Adopt-a-Home families have been hard at work. Bob & Kathy Wegner, coordinators of our Adopt-a-Home program, worked with GCS maintenance staff, Bryan and Alan, to completely remodel the kitchen at the Kolin house. New flooring, cabinets and countertops have made an enormous difference not only in the attractiveness of the kitchen, but also in it’s functionality. The Coleman Family adopted GCS’s Lorel house in February 2017 and have completed countless projects at the home already. Recently, Sandi and some friends from Insurance Auto Auctions, cleaned out the Lorel garage making it a useful space for the ladies to store their off-season items and maybe even park the van!
Bryan, Kathy & Bob pose in the beautiful new kitchen at Kolin house
Our Adopt-a-Home groups make an enormous difference in the lives of those we serve. Whether it is helping solicit funding on our behalf, painting a room, or just coming over for a pizza night, their involvement means so much to every person in the home.
Brian, Jeff, Jason, Sandi, and Cheramie relax after cleaning out the garage
Several of our homes are still in need of a family, business, or fraternal organization that will take them under their wing. Please contact Gerry Beagles at 708.560.4400 or gbeagles@GardenCenterServices.org for more information.
CRUISE NEWS
SURVEY RESULTS
At the end of May, three people from Garden Center’s Burbank ICF home, (Tim, Colleen & Donna), and GCS’ Director of Nursing, Terry, took a 5-day cruise to the Florida Keys & Grand Cayman Islands. They had an amazing time and went on several excursions, caught a few shows, and even swam with the dolphins! If you’d like to see more of their amazing adventure, check out their photos on Garden Center’s facebook page.
On May 22nd-24th we were visited by the Bureau of Accreditation, Licensure and Certification. Two surveyors spent three days visiting our sites, reviewing our paperwork and interviewing staff, people receiving services, and families. We’re happy to report the survey went very well! We received a 94% rating for the CILA program and a 99% rating for the Day Programs. GCS staff work very hard to do things right and it pays off. The surveyors had very nice things to say about the quality of our homes, programs, and staff. From people that visit agencies all over Illinois, this is quite a compliment!
Mark your calendar...
Enjoying a seaside meal after swimming with the dolphins! Friday, Oct 4 6pm to 10pm
day W NE time on W NE locati W NE
Chicago Gaelic Park
Chicago Gaelic Park | 6119 W. 147th St. Oak Forest, IL
Drawings Wednesdays at 7:30pm Thee Snooty Fox & Hounds 501 Willow Blvd. in Willow Springs. Need not be present to win. Contact Sandi for more info at scoleman@gardencenterservices.org
Tickets on sale starting Aug. 9th $65 Adult $30 Child (12&under)
The Gala Committee is currently collecting raffle basket items for “Game Room” & “Outdoor Fun” themes. How you can help 1. Gather items such as board games, outdoor sets like croquet or bocce ball (you can purchase the items, ask friends to help, or even ask a business to donate - we have donation letters already prepared for you to use) 2. Drop off completed baskets or individual items to either the Kedzie or State Day Programs any weekday between 8:30am and 4:30pm. You can GALA BASKET also drop off items to Kedzie on Saturday, 8/17 at our Basket ASSEMBLY PARTY Assembly Party. EARN BONUS POINTS Stop by our Basket Assembly Party at the Kedzie Program to lend a hand! Contact Sandi if you need donation request letters or have any questions - scoleman@gardencenterservices.org
Sat. Aug. 17 Kedzie Program 10444 S. Kedzie 9:30am to noon
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Growing dignity
AROUND GARDEN CENTER
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
e start th ready to alk ‘n Roll! g in t t e G W er Sunny 2019 Sup
Katie, Adriana & team won the balloon toss at the Walk!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President
Paul Krutulis
Vice President
Joan Strainis
Treasurer
Anthony Di Miele
Secretary
Florence Head
Members:
Tom Beemsterboer Donna Blair Representative Fran Hurley
John S. took a few pies in the face at the Walk
John N. & Steven water the Kolin garden
Jonathan helping out at Animals for Awareness
Dave Rauen Ava Rhodes - Smith
OUR MISSION Advancing lives of connection, contribution, and meaning for persons with developmental disabilities and the individuals that support them.
Thank You to our 2019 Super Sunny Walk ‘n Roll Sponsors PARTNERING SPONSORS • Twin Hearts Autism Foundation • Lovelady family • CIBC Bank • UMCMG GOLD SPONSORS • Kevin & Jane Doherty • Chuck’s Southern Comfort Cafe’ • SILVER SPONSORS • Special Needs Tax Consulting • Insperity • MB Financial • Gerry, Cindy & Gracie Beagles • SIBIK Family BRONZE SPONSORS • Pete’s Service Center • The Horton Group • Friends of Fran Hurley • COPCO • Margaret Horny
SUNNY SPONSORS • Transamerica Financial Advisors Anthony F. Dimiele • Lion’s Club of Beverly • Burbank Police Association • Howard Beagles • Knights of Columbus #14553 • The Burbank Park District • Duke’s Hot Dogs • Entenmann’s Bakery • Frito Lay • Geo’s Gyros • Jack & Pat’s Butcher Shop • Murray’s Browse & Brew • Pepsi • Quaker Made • Ramar Supply • Tony’s Finer Foods • Whittingham Meats • Burbank Chamber • Lewis University Dept. of Music
Happy July 4th!