NOV/DEC
2026
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Gerry & Inday
at the Halloween Dance
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 CDS MESSAGE Page 2 SUPERSTARS CHOIR Page 3 SPECIAL THRIFT SALES! Page 4
As we approach the close of another year, we find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings that have touched the Garden Center Services family. The Thanksgiving and Christmas season invites all of us to pause, express gratitude, and celebrate the meaningful relationships that make our work so rewarding. This year, we are encouraged by developments following the recent election. For many organizations s e r v i n g individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities, proposed Medicaid reductions included in the “Big Beautiful Bill” created uncertainty and concern about the future of essential services. We were pleased to hear incoming Speaker of the House Hakeem Jeffries express his hope on election night that these Medicaid cuts could be rolled back. While much work remains to be done and the legislative process is never certain, this statement offers reason for cautious optimism. Access to quality supports and services is vitally important to the individuals and families we serve, and we remain hopeful that policymakers will recognize the value and necessity of protecting these critical resources.
witnessing remarkable accomplishments by the individuals we support. Whether it is growing independence, building meaningful friendships, experiencing new opportunities in the community, learning new skills, securing employment, or simply sharing moments of joy and connection, these successes remind us why our mission matters. Watching people grow, thrive, and reach their goals is truly the greatest gift we could receive. The progress we celebrate together is a reflection of the dedication of our staff, the support of families and guardians, and the generosity of a community that believes in inclusion and opportunity for all.
At Garden Center Services, we have much to be thankful for. Every day, we have the privilege of
As we look ahead, we are also excited to announce a wonderful opportunity for supporters to multiply their continued on page 4
GARDEN CENTER FAMILY AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM CDS We recently adjusted the hours for our Community Day Services (CDS) program. CDS now opens at 8:30am (previously 8:15am). Pick-up is now 3:00pm for individuals living in our CILAs and 3:30pm for individuals living with their families (previously 3:45pm). Active programming continues from 9:00am to 2:30pm. These changes were necessary due to budget constraints. The Illinois Department of Human Services reimburses our agency for a maximum of five hours of services per person per day, and staff supervision during lunch is not reimbursable.
Community Family Hours Doors open: 8:30am Pick-up by: 3:30pm
We understand these adjustments may create challenges for some families and apologize for any inconvenience. However, these changes are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of our Day Program. Our commitment to the individuals we serve remains unchanged. We will continue providing meaningful activities, quality services, and opportunities for learning, engagement, and enjoyment each day. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
GCS GEAR...is here! We have two new branded items that will be the perfect gift for everyone on your list!
$17
Kindness Tee
Long-Sleeve, Silk Screen Sizes S-4x | 4 Colors (Amethyst, Peacock, Poppy, & Black)
Order yours on our website NOW through NOV. 30th Orders will be available for pickup only at Second Chance Thrift Shoppe starting Dec. 15th during regular business hours.
Crewneck Sweatshirt
Detail
$19
Long-Sleeve, Embroidered S-4x (some 5x) | 4 Colors (Cardinal Red, Purple, Sapphire &
Shop Now!
Detail
w w w. G a r d e n C e n t e r S e r v i c e s . o r g
TENDING OUR GARDEN - Print Newsletter to End Postage rates went up again in July. Most of our readers receive the newsletter via email, but for those newsletters we mail, the printing and mailing costs add up. These costs coupled with the increases Garden Center is facing on all fronts including food, gas, and utilities for our many homes are causing a strain.
2
Sign up online
As a result, we have decided to sunset the printed newsletter. January/ February will be our last print issue. The Leaflet will continue to be offered digitally. It can be read online or downloaded to your computer if you prefer. Thank you for helping us be the best possible steward of our resources. If you do not have internet access, please reach out to Anne at for another option.
If you receive The Leaflet in print, please use the QR code, visit our website, or contact amcferron@ GardenCenterServices.org to sign up for the digital newsletter and avoid any disruption in service.
SUPERSTARS CHOIR PUTS ON ANOTHER AMAZING PRODUCTION In October, Garden Center’s Superstars Choir wowed a standing room only audience with a performance of Lion King The Musical, as well as a few other fan favorites. The group rehearsed the show for months with Scotty Licina, who leads activities at our Community Day Services program. We were pleased to also have in attendance several of our new friends from Blue Cap.
Choir performs for standing room only crowd
The choir is not resting - parts for the next musical, The Wizard of Oz have already been cast and rehearsals will be starting soon! Stay tuned for more details!
Why use iGive when you shop your favorite online stores this holiday season?
Benefit to GCS...$$$ Cost to you...NOTHING SIGN UP!
Visit www.iGive.com/GardenCenter to get started
SUPER SUNNY WALK ‘N ROLL WRAP UP! We had a great time at Garden Center’s 2026 Super Sunny Walk ‘n Roll and raised over $32,000 for programs and services at Garden Center! Help us show some love for our event sponsors.
OUR SPONSORS
GOLD The Sherwood Family The Beemsterboer Family The Fox/Ballis Family SILVER Insperity Services The Doherty Family Beagles/ Haworth Family Blackwood Group
Mark your calendar...
SUNNY Brush Hill Development Victoria Kudlinski Family Pete’s Service Center R. J. Till & Sons Plumbing
BRONZE David J Cobb - Remax Stratos Wealth Mgmt. The Craig Head Family Huge Shout Out to our The Andersen Family Drink & Snack Sponsor! PJH & Associates Burbank Park District Chuck’s So. Comforts Cafe Jenny Wojcik Stickney Township
Thank you to these businesses/organizations, our many donors & volunteers who made this event possible! Knights of Columbus Whittingham’s Meats Pop’s on Kedzie Burbank Park District Wolf’s Bakery
Jack & Pat’s Butcher Shop Marist Poms County Fair Chuck’s So. Comfort Cafe
thank you!
UPCOMING DATES & EVENTS CDS will be closed... NOV 26th & 27th
Thanksgiving
DEC 24th & 25th
Christmas
JAN 1st
New Year’s Day
is DEC. 1st
Decorate for less at Second Chance!
10444 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago Check out the insert in this issue for more information!
3
SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SALES SUPER SALES
and independence
50% off EVERYTHING Store-wide!
NOV 28th
8333 S. Austin Ave. Burbank, IL 60459 10444 S. Kedzie Chicago, IL 60655 phone 773-941-4151
Special Tag Sales
email info@GardenCenterServices.org W
50HITE %
web www.GardenCenterServices.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT/CEO
Gerry Beagles
CHAIR
Jenny Wojcik
VICE CHAIR
Dr. Chris Grunow
SECRETARY
Shannon Benaitis
TREASURER
Mary Ann Lema
MEMBERS
Kathleen Akin Lisa Beemsterboer
DEC 19th
YE
YE
30LL%OW
50LLOW %
DEC
NOV
General Store Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 4pm Donation Hours: Thursdays & Saturdays 10am to 2pm
JOIN OUR TEAM!
Visit our website OR reach out to Ray at 708-330-1849 and volunteer today!
Join Us!
Bring your own device & take a
FREE PHOTO WITH SANTA!
John Considine Rep. Mary Gill Cindy Malloy
en
e fi
b
Advancing lives of connection, contribution, and meaning for persons with developmental disabilities and the individuals that support them.
12 10pm am to 2pm
ance Thrift Ch
oppe Sh
Secon d
Kari Riordan
OUR MISSION
R
30E%D
ti n g
ic
es
Growing dignity
G arden C e nter S
erv
10444 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago continued from page 1
impact. Giving Tuesday will be celebrated on December 1st, and thanks to the extraordinary generosity of a committed family trust, every gift made in support of Garden Center Services will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000. This means that each contribution will have twice the power to support programs and services that enrich lives and expand opportunities for the individuals we serve. We hope you will consider participating in this special campaign and helping us maximize this incredible matching gift opportunity. Finally, on behalf of Cindy and I, our Board of Directors, and everyone at Garden Center Services, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the individuals we support, their families and guardians, our dedicated staff, our volunteers, our community partners, and the many businesses, sponsors, friends, and donors who stand with us throughout the year. Your support makes our mission possible and strengthens the lives of countless individuals. We wish each and every one of you a Thanksgiving and Christmas filled with health, happiness, many blessings, and meaningful moments with those you cherish most. Thank you for being part of the Garden Center Services family. We look forward to continuing this important journey together in the year ahead. With sincere gratitude,