JUL/AUG
2017
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ruben & Gerry
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 WISHES COME TRUE Page 2 DSP APPRECIATION Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
Over the past few days I’ve experienced a wide range of emotions as I attended a number of events and gatherings celebrating Independence day. There were times that my heart swelled with pride as I spent time in several small communities that were honoring our flag and the brave men and women of our armed services that defended her. I watched parades, and fireworks, and anthems sung with such passion it brought tears to my eyes. Over this same period I also had feelings of anger, frustration, and sadness, as I would catch snippets of news stories describing the antagonistic, ill-mannered, and egotistical interactions of both our state and federal governing bodies. The Illinois legislature is struggling to adopt
a budget for the coming fiscal year, and it looks like there’s a possibility it may happen due to some senators and representatives breaking ranks to support a proposed budget that includes a personal income tax hike. I appreciate those of you that have contacted your legislators and the governor advocating that they support this possible solution to our state’s financial stalemate. At the federal level we have serious concerns regarding the proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act and the impact they may have on the Medicaid program and the funding of services like ours.
“In America we have a Declaration of Independence, but our history, our advancements, our global strength all point to an American declaration of interdependence. .” - Senator Cory Booker
Please don’t misunderstand me; in this article I’m not wanting to judge which
faction is taking the right approach. I’m just longing for a time where the opposing parties and its’ member could have open, civil debates, and for the sake of this great country, would communicate and collaborate in a way that would lead to acceptable resolutions. This is why I so embrace the quote highlighted in this article. We truly do need one another if we are to accomplish the unlimited possibilities that lie within us, individually, and collectively. I often contemplate the term “interdependence” and how well it describes the connections I view every day between staff, the individuals we serve, their families, the communities we’re in, the case coordinators, and so many others. As we strive to see the good in one another, it enables us to offer kindness and compassion to each person we meet, especially if we are aware of the interconnectedness that truly exists. Thank you for being part of the Garden Center Services family. We need and appreciate you.