JAN/FEB
2018
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
that I experience throughout our programs is what defines our agency. • All the families that have been the backbone of Garden Center Services for its’ 61 years of serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their support, financial-volunteerismencouragement, has kept the agency open, and moving forward.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Let this day, and this year be filled with gratefulness. When I stop, and slow down enough, and allow the loudness of the voices inside my head subside, I become keenly aware of all the good, and all the good people that daily touch my life. I refuse to allow the maliciousness and harshness that we are exposed to through continuous news broadcasts diminish my heart’s ability to see and respond to the kindness and decency that surrounds us. Following is just a short list of the small and large gifts related to Garden Center Services that I am so, so thankful for.
THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 GIVING TUESDAY Page 2 OUR NEW HOME Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
• The employees of our agency that show up, day in and day out, and provide caring, meaningful assistance to the individuals we support, astonishes me. I understand that it is their employment, but the quality of the connection and natural respectful relationships
“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Our agency’s leadership team that provides the oversight, backing, and encouragement to our program staff. These quality individuals certainly demonstrate the philosophy of servant leadership as they often fulfill any role at the day programs or homes as a way to bolster our employees. It is no wonder that we have recently reached the amazing milestone that over 50% of our staff have been with us for 5 years or longer!
• Our business partners, fraternal organizations, foundations, and individual donors that have responded to our requests for financial support with such generosity! •The small group of staff that manage the agency’s finances, budget process, staff recruitmentrecognition-compensation-benefits, vendor relationships, and control of our properties & transportation fleet; the astonishing job that this group does has had such a direct positive impact on our fiscal stability, the soundness of our properties, and the quality of the staff we are able to recruit and keep. • The time, energy, and resources that are committed by the Board of Directors in their unselfish dedication to guide and sustain the agency’s fulfillment of our mission! •The tireless work and focus of the fund development staff and the committee members as evidenced by the success of our events and outreach efforts! • And last, but not least, for the smiles, genuineness, laughter, and decency shared by the individuals that attend our programs!! May we all have a year marked by health, happiness, compassion, and daily moments of gratitude.