SEP/OCT
2017
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Nichole & Gerry
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 COM. CREW WINS AWARD Page 2 A LETTER ABOUT OUR DSPS Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
In this month’s note, I’d like to step aside from referencing our own agency’s need for your ongoing financial and moral backing, and ask that we focus our prayers and resources on the people of Texas so devastated by Hurricane Harvey. One can only imagine how difficult it must be to deal with the day-to-day struggles of simply surviving after such a terrible storm, but for those families and agencies assisting persons with disabilities, it must be overwhelming. I’m so pleased by the response of our own staff, many
of whom are dealing with the burdens of limited incomes, with the immediate action they’ve taken to supply goods and money to victims of the flood. Many of them have made donations through an initiative started by La’Shawn, one of our day program instructors, or through fundraising efforts overseen by Annabelle, our lead behaviorist and philanthropy associate. Annabelle even traveled to Texas last week to visit her parents, and also to volunteer with the recovery effort.
“Compassion is the keen awarness of the interdependence of all things” - Thomas Merton
These efforts of all of our staff are so representative of how caring and dedicated they are. Please read Cindy’s article in this issue of the Leaflet about the upcoming DSP Appreciation Week.
Many programs for people with disabilities have been affected by Hurricane Harvey. If you would like to help, consider donating to Portlight, an organization that facilitates a variety of programs for people with disabilities including postdisaster relief work. They are working with State and Federal offices as well as disability organizations now and could use financial support. This group is recommended by a professional organization we know and trust. http:// www.portlight.org You will see on the calendar Saturday, September 23rd from 10:30am to noon at our State Road Program will be our GCS Family & Friends Forum. Please make time in your schedule to attend this meeting where we will discuss important issues concerning the agency. Thank you,
GARDEN CENTER FAMILY GARDEN CENTER’S COMMUNITY CREW WINS AWARD Garden Center’s Community Crew has been volunteering at the Oak Lawn Children’s Museum once a week since 2009 where they diligently sanitize the children’s toys and play area. The group loves to go to the museum, and because they are always up for a party, they were very excited to attend the museum’s Volunteer Appreciation Banquet. What none of them knew while they were joking around and snapping pictures of themselves at the table was that they were soon to be the center of attention. As the announcer began to read about all the qualities he wanted to highlight in the Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient, the Community Crew members began to notice those things sounded pretty familiar. With each passing moment excitement at The group had no idea what was about to the table began to build as several began happen soon after this photo was taken... whispering, “I think that’s us!” Finally, their suspicions were proved correct when the Community Crew was called up to receive the Golden Apron Award as the 2017 volunteers of the year. Congratulations Theresa & Community Crew - we are so proud of you!
Jaime, Steven, Joshua, Lisa, Jonathan and Theresa pose with Gerry and their award
It’s time to think about...
The Tuesday following Thanksgiving has become known as Giving Tuesday, a day of supporting non-profit organizations in countries all over the world. This year Giving Tuesday is NOV. 28th. Garden Center is hard at work planning our Giving Tuesday event for 2017 and have some amazing news to share with you!
Giving Tuesday is November 28th
1. This year, when you donate to Garden Center on Giving Tuesday, your donation will be matched dollar for dollar up to $5,000 by the Twin Hearts Autism Foundation! Watch our social media, your email and website for more details.
2. Also new this year, Garden Center is partnering with local businesses who would like to help us get the word out about our Giving Tuesday event through their social media channels and/or who would like to donate a percentage of their profits on Giving Tuesday to GCS. If you know of any organization that might be interested in participating, please contact Anne McFerron at 773-941-4151 Ext. 229 for more info.
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Oak Lawn Sep 20 Farmer’s Market Oct 4
7am to 1pm
Dumke Dr. & 52nd Ave. in Oak Lawn
Reavis HS Craft Show
9am to 3pm
6304 W. 77th St. in Burbank
OCT 7
Skulls, spiders, candy corn and more...
A LETTER ABOUT OUR DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL STAFF With National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week coming up September 10th16th, I’d like to take a moment to recognize our outstanding DSPs at Garden Center. We’re our own worst critic at times and it’s easy to see our missteps and get caught up in the incredible busyness that’s required to keep things going. However, the job of a DSP is far from easy and it’s good to take some time and reflect on that fact. When I visit other agencies, talk to other providers, and each time I work my monthly shift as a DSP, I am reminded of just how great our DSPs are. Our DSPs truly stand out and provide a level of support and love that is not seen at all agencies. It’s not easy to help people with sometimes all their basic care, assist when people experience frustration, and behavioral challenges, support intense medical needs – and at the end of the day still make sure people have joy and fun in their lives and experience true kindness and love from others. There are incredible demands in this role, but fortunately, also incredible rewards. The relationships our DSPs have with the people we support is such an asset to the organization. It moves the quality of supports provided from mediocre to excellent. While we strive to help people establish more friendships in their lives with people not paid to be with them, the truth is, for many people we support their relationship with their DSPs are some of the most important relationships in their lives. I’d like to ask family members to take a few moments during DSP Recognition Week to commend, thank and show appreciation for our DSPs. If you’re in the mood, please also post comments on our Facebook Event Page for DSP week. DSP Week is a big celebration with a lot of things going on. One of the most fun parts are the give-aways. We hold frequent drawings for free shifts (which the winner’s leadership staff works for them) in addition to various gift cards. If you’d like to contribute by donating a gift card, please contact me or Phoebe Bogan or just drop it off at either the Kedzie or State building with our names on it. I read a great quote this week and I think it applies so much to the work our DSPs do and our ability to show appreciation for this work: “In a world where many people couldn’t care less, aspire to be someone who couldn’t care more.” Thank you in advance for your appreciation of our DSPs and for your ongoing support of Garden Center. Associate Executive Director
Mark your calendar...
Community Bulletin Board
SAVE THE DATE
If you’d like to donate a gift card for DSP Week, please contact Cindy Haworth at 773-941-4151 Ext. 213 or leave the card to her attention at the State or Kedzie building.
GCS Fashion Show November 5th Silver Lake Country Club
We are looking for gift cards to movies, stores, gas stations, restaurants and more to help us show our DSPs just how much we appreciate them.
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Growing dignity and independence 8333 S. Austin Ave. Burbank, IL 60459 10444 S. Kedzie Chicago, IL 60655 phone 773-941-4151 email info@gardencenterservices.org web www.GardenCenterServices.org
Tim & Karen Date Night at Red Robbin
Eclipse Fun President
Dr. Jenny Wojcik
1st Vice President
Annmarie Caulfield
2nd Vice President
Paul Krutulis
Treasurer
George Sterba
Secretary
Florence Head
Members:
Joan Strainis
Tootsie Roll Drive
Call 708.599.3468 to help Tell them you are supporting Garden Center!
Representative Fran Hurley Dave Rauen Tom Beemsterboer
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Ken s Krista &
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.
Help Make Garden Center’s 2017 Fashion Show a Day to Remember! The committee is now accepting donations or completed raffle baskets for the Basket Raffle at the 61st Annual Fashion Show “Going Places”. Ideas for your baskets or items: 1. Home Office 2. Super Heroes 3. Sports Gear 4. Car Care 5. “Going” to the Movie’s 6. Baby Bundles 7. Game Night 8. “Going” to the Beach 9. Holidays 10.“Going” Back to School Please drop off your basket or items to 10444 S. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago Attention: Sandi Coleman For more info contact Sandi @ 773/941-4151 ex. 202 or scoleman@gardencenterservices.org
Saturday, September 23rd 10:30am to noon State Road Program 8333 S. Austin Ave. in Burbank