JUL/AUG
2018
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
wage increase for our direct care staff, it still has been many years since agencies like ours received a Cost of Doing Business rate adjustment. This means all the inadequately covered expenses involved in the administration and operation of the program have to be sustained by fund Billy & Gerry
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 NEW BOARD MEMBERS Page 2 ELLEN TO SEATTLE! Page 3 SUPER SUNNY WALK Page 4
I am so pleased the Illinois legislature passed a budget for this fiscal year that includes a $.50 cents an hour increase for our Direct Support Professionals! Our agency was a formal, contributing member of the “They Deserve More Coalition” that fought tirelessly in Springfield during the spring legislative session to convince the House, Senate, and Governor that the direct care staff have a right to a decent, living wage. This year’s increase is combined with the $.75 cents per hour increase we secured last year. We are acutely aware of the important role our Direct Support Professionals play in the quality and compassionate services we offer, and it is our commitment to do whatever we can to support them. Though we heartened by
are this
“ None of us can save himself; we are the instruments of one another’s salvation, and only by the hope that we give to others do we lift ourselves out of the darkness into light.” -J. R. R. Tolkien
development activities. That is why I want to sincerely thank all the staff and volunteers that worked so hard to make this year’s Super Sunny Walk-A-Thon a success. I specifically want to give a shout out to Sandi Coleman for her leadership, organizational skills, and tenacity in once again putting together a fantastic fundraiser! There was a committee of board members, parents, and other committed individuals I’ll be reaching out to personally to thank. Many families do a fantastic job of raising pledges for the
walk-a-thon, but this month I want to distinguish a family that has gone above and beyond for many years in their outreach. I so appreciate the work of Mr. Ed Crowe and the family & friends of Billy Owens that have garnered significant support for our agency year after year. I’m aware of the many letters Ed sends far and wide, and am so grateful for the generous response that his appeal generates. I really appreciate and believe the quote included in my article this month. More than ever I sense the incredible need and importance of being kind to and accepting of one another! We all fall somewhere on the spectrum of wholeness and brokenness which can change on a dayto-day basis, and life becomes more wonder full and doable if we are open to seeing and celebrating the good in one another. This Independence Day let’s strive to offer kindness and compassion to each person we meet as a way of recognizing the interconnectedness that truly exists between us. Thank you all for being part of the Garden Center Services family. We need and appreciate you.
GARDEN CENTER FAMILY WELCOME NEW GCS BOARD MEMBERS This Spring, Garden Center added four new faces to our Board of Directors.
Shannon Benaitis
Anthony Di Miele
Shannon has over 20 years experience working with adults and children with intellectual/ developmental disabilities and mental illness. She currently runs her own consulting agency, Albatross Training Solutions. Anthony is an Investment Advisor with Transamerica Financial Advisors. He is a long time supporter of Garden Center Services and will be serving as Garden Center’s new Board Treasurer.
Muhammad & Ruben out for lunch & bingo at Durbin’s in Burbank
VISIT US Oak Lawn FARMERS MARKET
Wednesdays JUL 11, 18 AUG 1, 15, 29 Dumke Dr. & 52nd
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Donna Blair
Donna is the legal guardian of her brother, Steven, who has attended Garden Center programs for over 30 years. She is a Coach for Special Olympics Bowling Team and a System Engineer for the Sealed Air Corporation. Ava recently retired from a 40 year career in the banking industry. Her niece, Marnesha, has attended Garden Center programs for several years.
Ava Rhodes-Smith
As a result of the generous support of so many of you through the Going Places Pledge Drive, Garden Center was able to continue to support program participants to engage more in their communities this past Donna month. If you would like to , Shar i&M night ary at Dru support Garden Center’s Going ry Lan enjoy a e thea Places program, please visit ter www.GardenCenterServices.org to donate.
SHOP GCS MICRO-BUSINESSES Need a great gift or card for someone special? Visit Garden Center’s website and click the “SHOP” button to see great gift ideas for all ages. Check out our popular items including soy candles, doggie bow-ties, hand-crafted soaps, and up-cycled greeting cards. Visit us at the Oak Lawn Farmers’ Market to see new products like our relaxing Tub Teas, beautiful felt garlands, and much more! Questions? Call Anne at 773-941-4151 Ext. 229
Soft, squishy, clean fun! Bath-time Playdough
ELLEN HEADS TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES Garden Center’s Ellen Winkler will be representing the State of Illinois in gymnastics at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games. More than 4,000 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will participate in the games, which will take place in Seattle, WA July 1-6, 2018. Ellen has been involved in gymnastics since she was a little girl. She says her favorite event is “The All Around” which includes floor routine, balance beam, uneven bars, and vault. When asked what she is looking forward to most, Ellen says she loves the people, the cheering, the music and the dancing. Ellen will join 46 athletes who earned the opportunity to compete in the games from the State of Illinois. The games cover 14 sports including swimming, flag football and soccer. Ten thousand family members and friends in addition to over 70,000 spectators are expected to attend the games this year. Ellen will be representing Illinois in gymnastics at the 2018 USA Games
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates on Ellen’s progress! GOOD LUCK ELLEN!
Coverage of the games will be carried by ABC, and ESPN2, as well as streamed on the ESPN App. Please check the newsletter insert for coverage times and Network.
ADOPT A HOME UPDATE
Insurance Auto Auctions did yard work & painting at Lorel
Mark your calendar...
This Spring, Garden Center’s Adopt-a-Home teams have been hard at work making our homes more amazing places to live. The generous support of our Adopt-a-Home family makes a significant difference in the quality of life for those we support. Please consider joining our effort. There are three main ways you can help the Adopt-a-Home teams: 1. Be an Adopt-a-Home Team Leader and coordinate projects/ social activities for one of our homes. 2. Join an existing Adopt-a-Home team to help with scheduled projects and/or events. Deacon Neu & Marist High School 3. Donate toward a renovation project or social event. Students built this picnic table for Please contact Bob or Kathy Wegner at 815.600.0855 or wegrf@yahoo.com for more information.
Community Bulletin Board
Thursday, July 12th GCS FORMAL 7pm to 9pm
8333 S. Austin Ave. in Burbank
an s for Americ Stacey worktective Services Heritage Pro
our Austin House!
GCS has several people in our Community Employment Program currently working in companies across the area. There are even more people going through employment training now . We need your help! If you know of a business who is looking for a dedicated, loyal employee, please share their contact information so we may contact them to discuss what GCS Employmen t Program participants have to offer their business. Contact: Phoebe Bogan pbogan@GardenCenterServices.org
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Growing dignity
Fun at the 2018 Super Sunny Walk ‘n Roll
and independence 8333 S. Austin Ave. Burbank, IL 60459 10444 S. Kedzie Chicago, IL 60655 phone 773-941-4151 email info@gardencenterservices.org
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f the how of s y le h As s Genia & Zumba move
web www.GardenCenterServices.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President
Paul Krutulis
Vice President
Joan Strainis
Treasurer
Anthony Di Miele
Secretary
Florence Head
Members:
Tom Beemsterboer Shannon Benaitis
Thank you to our 2018 Walk Sponsors!
Sean & Tim
Donna Blair Representative Fran Hurley Dave Rauen Ava Rhodes - Smith
Don
OUR MISSION Garden Center Services is committed to supporting and empowering persons with developmental disabilities through innovative and personcentered services. Our commitment to the excellence of our programs is surpassed only by our devotion to the people we serve and the communities in which they live.
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Watch for your Tech Trio Ticket Packet in the mail and... Mark your calendars for raffle prize dropoff day at the Kedzie building on Saturday, September 8th from 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Bring your new items or ready-made baskets that day for our Gala raffles. THANK YOU!