MAY/JUN
2019
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
and an understanding of the inherent dignity of each person, the model spread across the world. Today L’Arche has 154 communities in 38 countries throughout the world.
Frank & Gerry
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT Page 2 SENIOR PROGRAM Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
Yesterday, I was saddened to hear the news about the passing of Jean Vanier, the founder of L’Arche, a model of lifestyle for persons with developmental disabilities in which they live in community with persons not dealing with disabilities, sharing one another’s gifts and struggles. The turning point in Jean’s life was in 1963, with his first visit to an institution for people with intellectual disabilities. Their profound ‘cry for relationship’ touched his heart. His response was simple: buy a house, and invite a few men with an intellectual disability to come and live with him. This was the start of L’Arche. Carried by a wave of enthusiasm, this idea of living in communities based upon mutual respect
Certainly my own philosophy and values related to how individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities should be interacted with, advocated for, supported, and celebrated, were influenced by the time I spent reading Jean’s writings
and discussing them with like-spirited persons who were hopeful to see a more person-centered and selfdetermined service delivery system established in Illinois. I consider it a true honor that I had the opportunity to meet Jean and briefly speak with him when he attended an event in Evanston to support the establishment of a L’Arche community here in Chicago. I believe he would approve of our mission to advance lives of connection, contribution, and meaning for persons with
“Every child, every person needs to know that they are a source of joy; every child, every person, needs to be celebrated. Only when all of our weaknesses are accepted as part of our humanity can our negative, broken self-images be transformed.” - Jean Vanier, Founder of L’Arche
International
Nancy
Paul CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
GARDEN CENTER FAMILY SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT UPDATE
We are so excited to announce that Joshua, a member of Garden Center’s Supported Employment Program at the State Road building, just landed an awesome job at Chic-fil-A in Chicago Ridge! Joshua joined GCS in 2013. He jumped right into the Garden Center Community Group where he volunteers at several places including Meals on Wheels and The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn. Joshua later joined Garden Center’s Supported Employment Program learning valuable job skills that he immediately put to work selling snacks at break-time in GCS’ Sunny Snack Shack. Last fall, Joshua took a job at Mera Bites Bakery where he still works when needed. We are so proud of Joshua’s hard work & wish him success in his new position!
Joshua & Adriana
We need your help so even more people we serve can find their dream job. Janitorial work, stocking shelves, hostessing, stuffing envelopes, printing/copying, collating & mailings are just a few of the jobs we can do. If you have a business or know a hiring manager who is looking for reliable employees call Adriana today! For more info contact: Adriana LaPointe • 773.941.4151 Ext. 210 • alapointe@gardencenterservices.org
SCOUT TROOP #608 HELPS BEAUTIFY NEENAH’S OUTDOOR SPACE Scout Troop #608 (with member Teddy Krutulis, Board President Paul’s son) spent two very cold Saturdays last month fixing up the old gazebo at Neenah house. The young men scraped and scraped ... and scraped some more... and then painted the structure with the help of Lisa, Scott, and Patrick who live in at the Neenah home. The gazebo looks fantastic and we can’t wait to get out there and enjoy it this summer! THANK YOU TROOP #608!
Thank you Scout Troop #608!
YOU MADE GCS’ COOKING CLASSES A REALITY A huge thank you to everyone who donated items to our Cooking Program over the last two months. Because of you, our kitchens are set up and we are now holding classes at both day program locations! Foods prepared so far include grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni & cheese, and bagel pizzas. The excitement of those participating in the program is contagious and the smells from the kitchens are amazing! Thank you for helping us make this class a reality!
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mixer the new at the s e s u David king cookies a while m e Road Program Stat
Garden Center is currently in need of yard games & lawn furniture to help us make the most of this summer. If you have gently used items to share or if you would like to donate toward this cause, please contact Cindy at chaworth@gardencenterservices.org or 773-941-4151 Ext. 213. Thank you! If you
ha la usingwn gamevse gently u them, please c you are sed a new onsid n’t home er givin at GC g S
GARDEN CENTER SENIORS GET A PROGRAM OF THEIR OWN As those we serve age, like all seniors, they need more assistance with mobility, and memory support. They also tend to prefer activities a little different from those the younger crowd is interested in. To address these needs, GCS recently submitted and received a grant from the Henrietta Lange Burk Fund to create a new Seniors Day Program that will serve 30 seniors at the Burbank location. This grant provides financial support for comfortable, functional furniture and equipment that will better accommodate seniors and help address mobility challenges such as getting out of a chair and stability while seated. The grant has also allowed us to purchase materials geared toward maintaining cognitive and social skills. a Donn & t are tive Margget crea
work & Tina skills e a n o M motor on fine
CRUISE NEWS!
We will keep you updated on developments in this exciting new program as we get fully underway.
NURSE APPRECIATION WEEK National Nurses’ Week begins May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. We could not be more grateful for our amazing nursing team at GCS! Terry & Pam have been with Garden Center a combined 23 years! Their experience is an incredible benefit to our agency each and every day.
Three people from the Burbank ICF home, (Tim, Colleen & Donna), and GCS’ Director of Nursing, Terry, are headed on a 5-day cruise to the Florida Keys & Grand Cayman Islands! Stay tuned to GCS’ social media channels to see what this adventurous group is up to May 27th - May 31st!
GCS
Mark your
Need not be present to win. Contact Sandi for more info at scoleman@gardencenterservices.org
‘s our nurses! Pam & Terry
Thank you Pam & Terry!
We are excited for the annual Super Sunny Walk ‘n Roll! Registration will be open on our website through May 31. Register before May 10 to guarantee your shirt will be waiting for you at the walk.
calendar...
Drawings Wednesdays at 7:30pm Thee Snooty Fox & Hounds 501 Willow Blvd. in Willow Springs.
Finished!
Questions /want to volunteer? Contact Sandy at scoleman@ GardenCenterServices.org or at 773941-4151 Ext. 202 for more info.
The Gala Committee is hard at work gathering raffle basket items for this amazing event and they could use your help! Enclosed in this issue of The Leaflet is a donation request flyer we’d love for you to take with you to some of the businesses you frequent. Contact Sandi if you need more flyers or have any questions at scoleman@gardencenterservices.org
Chicago Gaelic Park | 6119 W. 147th St. Oak Forest, IL
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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
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President
Paul Krutulis
Vice President
Joan Strainis
Treasurer
Anthony Di Miele
Secretary
Florence Head
Members:
Tom Beemsterboer
pring ng like s li e e f w e ity Cr Commun
John, Andy & Marie helping Bryan celebrate his birthday!
Donna Blair Representative Fran Hurley Dave Rauen Ava Rhodes - Smith
Jane and Sue prove it’s never too cold for ice cream
OUR MISSION Advancing lives of connection, contribution, and meaning for persons with developmental disabilities and the individuals that support them.
Steven, Linda, Karen, Sue & Chris head out for a bite CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
developmental disabilities and the individuals that support them. I somehow think he, as I am, would be somewhat disappointed that we are not making faster progress in the state of Illinois in providing creative, unique opportunities for our participants to have fulfilling lives where they can freely share ordinary places, can grow in relationships, make their own choices, contribute to their communities, and are respected as full citizens! Over the past couple of months we have sadly lost several long time members of our Garden Center Services family; Paul, Nancy, and Frank. These three were such friendly, decent persons that brought such joy and goodness into our lives. I do find myself questioning could we have done more to enhance the quality of their lives. I guess what I’m looking for, hoping for, is a greater sense of URGENCY related to any program initiatives, legislative funding proposals, alternative revenue sources, or simply individual or group volunteer commitments that can very quickly positively impact the lives of some of the finest people on the planet!