APRIL

2013

T

Garden Center Services

HE LEAFLET

The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

our growth to meet the needs of our consumers & families, we cannot remain so dependent on just the state funding. This strategic approach is the incentive behind our fund development efforts, as well as the multiple business enterprises we have established to generate funds and provide paid work opportunities for our consumers.

Gerry & John

INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 GCS FAMILY SPOTLIGHT

Recently in the news, economists have cautiously begun to predict that the country’s longterm economic downturn may finally be turning around. While we all welcome any good financial news, the leadership at Garden Center Services has long recognized the dismal fiscal landscape for nonprofit agencies, and has worked tirelessly with our legislators and associations to inform our funders of the burden we have had to cover.

Page 2 LATEST FROM THE GALLERY Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4

Realizing that in order to be monetarily stable and continue

“...the annual average cost of serving an individual at a state operated facility at $226,420. Compare this to the amount of $62,000, which is the average amount paid to community-based agencies like Garden Center...” However, even as we continue to foster these new revenue streams, we are largely dependent on state revenue to provide services for the individuals we serve. As a community-based provider, Garden Center Services provides superior care at a significantly lower cost than those large facilities operated by the state. We have recent information that lists the annual average cost of serving an individual at a state operated facility at $226,420.

Compare this to the amount of $62,000, which is the average amount paid to community-based agencies like Garden Center Services to provide residential plus day program services to our consumers . Despite the clear economic savings and improved care provided by communitybased providers, law makers continue to funnel state funds to the state operated institutions. As the legislature returns to work in Springfield, I urge you to contact your legislators and voice your support for improved care for individuals with developmental disabilities, and the need for more dollars to be switched from state operated care, to the community. On our website, you can find a link to current pending bills that will improve the lives of the individuals we serve, along with a link to lawmakers’ offices. The only way we can improve state funding for the individuals we serve is by engaging our lawmakers. We must be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves!

GARDEN CENTER FAMILY SPOTLIGHT Shannon has been with Garden Center almost two years and is the Team Lead for our Moody house. Shannon says he loves working at Moody, “The guys all get along like brothers. They eat together, watch the games together, watch movies... it’s like a family there.” Shannon and the staff at Moody keep that family busy with regular activities like Friday night board games and pizza night, keeping up on the games of about every sport, and taking regular trips to Garden Center’s Thrift Store. Shannon grew up in Chicago. He is a sports fan and loves basketball, a passion he shares with the residents at Moody. Shannon also enjoys hiking, playing cards, and Stephen King novels.

on

Shann

Patrick has been with Garden Center for over three years. He lives at Garden Center’s Berwyn home and attends the day program on State. Patrick is well-known for his generosity and helpful nature. LaShawn, who works with Patrick at the State Street program, calls him her “security guard”. Wherever she goes in the building, she says Patrick is always close by to lend a hand. One of the things we admire about Patrick the most is his willingness to jump in and help without even being asked. From holding a chair to assist someone to transfer from a wheelchair to treating a friend to pizza, Patrick is a thoughtful guy. In his down-time, Patrick enjoys watching TV, especially reruns of Hogan’s Heros. He also likes to spend time on the computer catching up on favorite videos. He is a baseball fan and last year spent his Garden Center wish on a trip to a White Sox game. For this year’s wish he says he is looking forward to going to a demolition derby. “I can’t wait!”

G C S

B U S I N E S S

Patric

k

C O R N E R

Did you know about these great deals through Second Chance Thrift Shoppe? Monday Senior Discount

Second Chance Senior’s (age 60+) receive 50% off their purchases with a photo ID all day every Monday! (does not apply to items marked new) 44 Stephen Street, Lemont (630) 243-1279 Mon - Sat 10am to 4pm Thurs till 7pm Follow us on facebook for great deals and alerts on unusual new items as they come in!

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Birthday Discount

Everything is yours at 50% off, even “NEW” items on your birthday!

Gift Certificate Giveaway

Each month, we give away a $25 gift certificate! Ask your cashier to enter.

Do good when you shop... COFFEE Co.

. Tastes Good. Does Good. Feels Good

We have summer clothes for the entire family at amazing prices!

needs list

GCS OUT and ABOUT March found Garden Center busy in the community and getting the word out about our services.

• Computers • Vacuum sweepers • Books • Event tickets • Puzzles

Shari and Jon with Kamala Martinez of RR Donnelley

TINLEY PARK IRISH PARADE On March 11th, Garden Center consumers and staff braved the elements to march in the Tinley Park Irish Day Parade with Garden Gallery & Studio. Although it rained off-and-on throughout the event, we had a great time and showed off our unwavering Garden Center spirit!

• Games • Art/Craft supplies • Art frames • Blank canvases • CDs & players • VHS/DVD players • Exercise videos & equipment • Music instruments

PROJECT LINUS Nine Garden Center consumers and two staff visited RR Donnelley for our second year of service in the Project Linus event. Working alongside volunteers from RR Donnelley, participants made blankets for the comfort of children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. With Garden Center’s help, the group was able to complete all the blankets they needed in two days this year - an entire day faster than last year. Great job volunteers!

Our Booth at the Discover Tinley Expo

CHICAGO

GARDEN

Also in March, Garden Center/Garden Gallery & Studio participated in both the Chicago Flower & Garden Show and the

• X-Box and Wii

Discover Tinley Expo where

games

Showin’ off our parade style

we were able to share the

• G a r d e n i n g

Garden Center story with countless new people. The reaction to our four artists’ work at the flower show was nothing short of amazing,

supplies

prompting an invitation by Tony Abruscato, the President of Flower

• Storage bins • Electric Stove

&

SHOW and DISCOVER TINLEY EXPO

• Digital cameras

• Storage cabinets

FLOWER

A little rain didn’t ruin our marchers’ day!

Show Productions, to offer us an even bigger level of involvement its floral Sophie’s painting and wer Show counterpart at the Flo

in the event next year. We’d like to offer a special thank you to Tony and the Flower Show for their amazing support as well as to Mary

Mark your calendar...

Beth Herr of Coyle & Herr who designed our lovely booth.

FIRST FRIDAY AT THE GALLERY Friday, April 5th 7pm to 9pm at Garden Gallery & Studio - 17459 S. Oak Park Avenue, Tinley

3rd ANNUAL GCS POTTING PARTY

Remember to use iGive for your Everyday Shopping!

Friday, April 5th 7pm to 12am at Bourbon Street - 3359 W. 115th Street Merrionette Park

TINLEY PARK BREW & VINE FEST see gallery artists’ work Saturday, April 13th 3pm to 10pm Tinley Park Convention Center

SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SUPER SALE Sunday, April 21st 12pm to 4pm at Second Chance Thrift Shoppe - 44 Stephen Street, Lemont

visit www.iGive.com/ GardenCenter to learn how you can help Garden Center when you shop online.

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Growing dignity and independence

ian & Br Bob

8333 S. Austin Ave. Burbank, IL 60459 phone 708.636.0054

web www.gardencenterservices.org

Board of Directors President

Daniel Wenzler

1st Vice President

Scott Hardek

2nd Vice President

Doug Combs

Treasurer

R. Pat Ballis

Secretary

Annmarie Caulfield

Members:

Sharon Duncan

Chris visitin g the Trito n Troopers Circus wit h Max the clown

Linda Sherwood Jenny Wojcik

$5,000 - $5,500 •

US BANK GRANT

$1,000 - $4,999 •

TRUIST UNITED WAY

•

Knights of Columbus - Illinois State Council # 967 James McCarthy

Matching Funds

MEMORIAL FOR ROBERT SPAIN

$500 - $999 rize in a p won a p u o gr ie dz p from Ke is photo This grou est for th design cont

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.

DECEMBER 2012-FEBRUARY 2013

•

John J. Kunkes Sean O’Shea

FRIENDS OF GARDEN CENTER

Melissa

email info@gardencenterservices.org

Shannon, Chrissy and Nicole - St. Patrick’s fun

• •

Claire Fitz Jennifer Schindl

$100 - $499 • • • • • • • • • • • •

Anonymous Donations to Second Chance Thrift Shoppe JP MORGAN CHASE GRANT Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Conway THE CLOROX COMPANY FOUNDATION Raymond G. Sierakowski Oak Lawn Lodge #1166 A. F and A M. MT. ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH Annette Petraitis Brian Rotroff Joan Clements Dorothy Ballis The Young Family

• •

Kevin Cronin ANNONYMOUS

memorial for Leonard Young

Up to $99

pride! ckhawks la B ir e h ft how of d Paul s n a y t is r K

• •

Ann Mcgrath-Harty Mr. & Mrs. Dimitri Hoteko

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iGIVE ONLINE SHOPPING FUNDRAISER Beverly Peters Mr. & Mrs. Cianain Rickard Beatrice Ramirez PRYME TYMERS/TRINITY

• • • •

Memorials for HELEN HOTEKO, JERRY LINNERT, and JUSTIN PRICE

Thank You for your support!