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!