GCS Newsletter THE LEAFLET Issue MAY/JUN 2024

Garden Center Services

The View From My Chair

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Sunny Smash is June 1

Every year, since 1949, the month of May is designated as Mental Health Awareness Month. This observance is used to shed light on the importance of mental wellbeing by raising awareness and addressing the challenges faced by all of us due to the stress and insecurities of being human. I do feel that this is true now more than ever because of all the divisiveness and self-

centeredness we seem to be bombarded with.

I am so grateful for this agency and the core values of respect, empowerment, and compassion that I observe multiple times each day through the interactions of our dedicated employees and the individuals supported through our programs. I have just celebrated my twenty first anniversary as the Executive Director here and in so many ways it has come to feel as a second home. But as is true with most homes, there may be individuals that are struggling with such troublesome difficulties or losses that it can drain their positive energy and will. I am always amazed and heartened how our

staff can show up each and every day, no matter what they may be dealing with, and provide caring assistance to the persons we serve.

One of the ways we have chosen to support our employees’ mental health and well-being has been by providing them and their families with an online counseling program called Talkspace.

Our staff, and their family members (13 years old or older) are eligible to receive two live, web counseling sessions per month and unlimited texting with their therapist.

This program has been well-received by our staff and we are hopeful to

GARDEN CENTER FAMILY

GUIDING FUTURE LEADERS

Sr. Maria & Nancy

Sister Maria has volunteered at GCS for more than 10 years.

She enjoys spending time with people individually and you will usually find her reading, singing, or just chatting with people at Garden Center’s Community Day Services program.

In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Gerry Beagles, Garden Center’s Executive Director, visited St. Laurence High School in Burbank, IL this past March. There he spoke to a group of twenty-five Juniors and Seniors who are interested in a career of service in the field of developmental disabilities. Gerry shared his passion for his own work and answered the many thoughtful questions the students had.

The future looks bright with so many compassionate young people eager to help individuals with disabilities fulfill their dreams and we hope to see at least some of them joining us at GCS in the future!

DIFFERENCE FOR GCS

Volunteers at Garden Center are involved in all aspects of the organization. At Second Chance Thrift Shoppe, Garden Center’s for-profit support business, the staff is almost entirely volunteer. This group tackles everything from tagging donations for sale to researching collectibles.

In our residential programs, volunteers with an eye for design help spruce up the homes and make our outdoor areas a comfortable, relaxing oasis. Volunteers in our community day program share their skills and interests with those we serve one-on-one or in small groups.

We are equally excited about the many ways those we serve are giving back to their communities through volunteer opportunities like cleaning up the Forest Preserves and delivering Meals on Wheels to neighborhood seniors.

The biggest benefit of volunteering, regardless of who is volunteering, where they are volunteering, or the actual tasks being completed, is the sense of community it provides for everyone involved. If you would like to join our amazing community, please check out the information below!

Here are just a few places we could use your talents:

Second Chance Thrift Shoppe:

Sorting donations, creating displays, customer checkout, or unloading vehicles.

Community Day Services

Share your hobbies with a small group, spend time 1:1 with folks, or join us for an event.

Residential Programs

Help organize a holiday party, do a little yard clean up, help spruce up the house with painting/decor, just come and hang out, or maybe even join our Adopt a Home program!

Join Garden Center’s Volunteer Team!

THE 3RD ANNUAL SUNNY SMASH IS JUNE 1ST!

REGISTER YOUR TEAM

Teams can still register for the 3rd Annual Sunny Smash Co-Ed Softball Tournament. Teams that register after May 10th are not guaranteed event shirts.

Two Brackets to Choose From

• Competitive Bracket: for teams who play in a league and will compete for a cash prize

• Just for Fun Bracket: for teams who do not play competitively in a league, may never have even seen a softball before, and just want to play for fun.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON EVENT DAY

AWESOME RAFFLES

featuring tons of great prizes including...

• Choice of a 10 gallon ornamental tree

• Round of Golf at Oak Hills Golf Club

• Custom fit shoes from Running Excels

• & so much more!

You DO NOT need to be present to win.

Not Playing? You can order your own Smash shirt online and pick it up at the event. Visit our website for details.

WE NEED YOU!

GREAT FOOD!

Calabria on Wheels (accepts cash & venmo)

Cravings Ice Cream FREE dish of ice cream sponsored by Gerry Beagles & Cindy Haworth

If you’d like to volunteer for the Smash, follow the event link on our website! We appreciate any amount of time you can help. All volunteers receive a volunteer shirt. All-Day Volunteers also receive free lunch from our event food truck.

EVENT DETAILS

3rd Annual Sunny Smash June 1 First game starts at 8am St. Christina Fields 11149 S. Central Park Chicago www.GardenCenterServices.org

Community Day Services will be closed on these dates in MAY/JUN

MAY 27th Memorial Day JUN 19th Juneteenth

JUL 4th Independence Day

2024 Events

Growing dignity and independence

SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SALES