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.
GARDEN CENTER FAMILY MORE WISHES COME TRUE AT GARDEN CENTER
Melissa & Carla fulfill dreams through the My Wish Program CARLA’s WISH
Carla just fulfilled her wish to have a real photo shoot. Angel Malone of Photography by Angel provided a photo sitting at no charge and gave an amazing discount on Carla’s photos. Carla chose her outfits and poses for the fashion shoot of her dreams. Thank you Angel for making Carla’s wish picture perfect! PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGEL Angel Malone 10708 S Roberts Road in Palos Hills angelmphoto.com
Carla & Angel
MELISSA’s WISH Melissa recently got her wish to go to a “cool” Chicago salon. Angela Cossick of Tsubo Salon donated her services to give Melissa a stunning cut and color. Thank you Angela for making Melissa’s wish come true! TSUBO Angela Cossick 1821 W Hubbard in Chicago tsubosalon.com
Melissa & Angela
If you would like to help us make a wish come true through Garden Center’s My Wish Program, please contact Denise Rau at 708-398-6576 or dRau@gardencenterservices.org
growARTS’ MICROBUSINESS & FINE ART growArts artisans have been hard at work creating beautiful products for sale. Stay tuned to facebook and our website to see all of our new products.
Shop our wares at these upcoming events! 7am Oak Lawn Jul 19 to Farmer’s Market Aug 2 & 16 1pm sy tisans are bu growARTS artiful items like au creating be iry lanterns these fa
growARTS pop-up shop
Jul 14 Aug 18
Dumke Dr. & 52nd Ave. in Oak Lawn
7pm 1555 W. to Diversey in 10pm Lincoln Park
These colorful fairy lanterns will add a beautiful glow to your summer
DSP APPRECIATION WEEK IS SEPTEMBER! This September, Garden Center will be celebrating Direct Support Professionals Appreciation Week. The goal of the week is to honor the essential staff who enable people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to live full lives in their communities. This September 10th through 16th, Garden Center will celebrate our amazing Direct Support Professionals with raffles, gifts, parties and more. Help us make this week special: (1) Please share your words of appreciation and thoughts about why the DSP(s) in your life are important to you and your family. A few words from you will mean so much! Send your comments to Phoebe at pbogan@gardencenterservices.org, drop off to our receptionist at either site to the attention of Phoebe or post videos and notes directly to our facebook page (2) We would appreciate any gift cards you can send for us to use for raffles and drawings to help make this a truly memorable experience for those who do so much for so many. Please drop off gift cards to either site attn: Phoebe. THANK YOU!
ADOPT A HOME UPDATE Have you noticed some dramatic changes at several of our homes over the last two years? Adopt a Home volunteers have been busy renovating kitchens, installing a patio, painting, and upgrading bathrooms to add safety features. They’ve also coordinated fun social events such as picnics, ice cream socials and pizza parties. On June 1, Adopt a Home volunteers gathered over a delicious BBQ dinner to celebrate the completion of projects and discuss future opportunities. Most of our homes have been ‘adopted’, but a few homes still need someone to take the lead to coordinate projects and social activities. Please contact Bob or Kathy Wegner at 815.600.0855 or wegrf@ yahoo.com if you or someone you know is interested in leading or joining a team - THANK YOU!
THIS JUST IN! Last January, GCS learned of a potential grant that may help with Adopt a Home projects. After a whirlwind grant submission and on-site interview, the Philanthropic Committee of The Service Club notified GCS that they have awarded $25,000 to go toward flooring repairs, new flooring, a new bathroom and reconstruction of the laundry room at the Lorel home. Work starts this month and the ladies will soon have a safe, level floor and new bathroom on the main level!
Mark your calendar...
Community Bulletin Board
SAVE THE DATE
Silver Lake Country Club
THANK YOU!!! Garden Center would like to thank Fran Mientus for her donation of 75 movie tickets and Junellen Eastman for her donation of Thunderbolts tickets and Bob Lang for his donation of Cubs tickets. Movie trips and other outings are made possible by donations of tickets and gift cards. Your donation will provide so many an opportunity we could not have otherwise provided.
GCS Fashion Show November 5th
Knights of Columbus #14553
the joyed a day at Ken recently en ted na do ks to tickets ball park than rs orte by GCS supp
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Growing dignity and independence 8333 S. Austin Ave. Burbank, IL 60459 10444 S. Kedzie Chicago, IL 60655
email info@gardencenterservices.org web www.GardenCenterServices.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President
Dr. Jenny Wojcik
1st Vice President
Annmarie Caulfield
2nd Vice President
Paul Krutulis
Treasurer
George Sterba
Secretary
Florence Head
Members:
Caroline Connors Joan Strainis Representative Fran Hurley Dave Rauen Tom Beemsterboer
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.
at the f fun o rmal Lots oG F S 2017 C
The Sunny Striders celebrate at the Super Sunny 5k
GCS FAMILIES - WATCH YOUR MAIL for an IMPORTANT PACKAGE from GARDEN CENTER SERVICES!!! At this year’s Fashion Show, GCS will hold our first Tech Trio Auction. Leading up to the event, we are asking each family to sell at least 5 tickets @ $10 each - totaling $50. For every $50 returned with the accompanying 5 ticket stubs, you will receive a FREE Golden Passport Ticket. The Golden Passport Ticket enters you in a drawing for a cash prize minimum of $200 (based on ticket sales). The Golden Ticket will be drawn at the conclusion of the Fashion Show on Sunday, November 5, 2017. Look for your 5 “Tech Trio Tickets” to sell in your mail soon.
dis ABILITY DAY!
AN EVENT CELEBRATING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Open to the public through RSVP
PLEASE RSVP TO DISABILITYDEFENDERS@GMAIL.COM WALK-INS ARE WELCOME
LIV
phone 773-941-4151
IC US M E
ES AM G •
ES • RAFFL D O O •F JULY 15, 2017 3-7PM
MARIST HIGH SCHOOL
4200 W.115TH STREET, CHICAGO, IL
TO HELP DONATE, PLEASE SEND CHECKS AND DONATIONS TO MARIST HIGH HIGH SCHOOL WITH IN THE MEMO MARIST SCHOOL | DISABILITY JULY 15,DAY 2017 3-7PM
TECH TRIO PRIZES are: 1st Prize - Vizio 48” Smart TV 2nd Prize - Kindle Paperwhite Reader 3rd Prize - Digital Camera Additional Tickets to sell are available by contacting Sandra Coleman at 773/941-4151 ex. 202 or scoleman@ gardencenterservices.org Please show your appreciation for these Garden Center SUPER SUNNY 5k SPONSORS when you need products/services! The Private Bank Chuck’s Southern Comfort Café Lovelady Family Countryside Bank Beagles & Haworth Family Special Needs Tax Consulting Trim’s Trucking United Rentals Friends of Fran Hurley The Horton Group Insperity
Paycom Pete’s Service Center Pharmacy Alternatives Laura Sweiss Athletico Howard Beagles Burbank Police Association Amber Mechanical COPCO Dr. Albovias Hallberg-Valek Allstate Agency
Knights of Columbus #14553 Lion’s Club of Beverly Martin Whalen Red Fin Real Estate Beverly Ridge Funeral Home Dr. Robert Rada Hallberg Commercial Insurers Mayor Harry Klein The Original Pancake House Senior Eye Associates