THIS MONTH’S ISSUE The View From My Chair
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Garden Center Family Spotlight
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Volunteers Make GCS Bloom
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Around GCS
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THE LEAFLET ISSUE AUG YEAR 2011
a message from our Executive director
OUR MISSION Garden Center Services is committed to supporting and empowering persons with developmental disabilities through innovative and person-centered 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.
The View From My Chair On the evening of July 28th, the Board of Directors, key administrative staff, and myself, met to review the agency’s strategic plan, and assess the progress we made on previously established goals. I can’t tell you how refreshing and heartening it was to spend time positively focused on the advancement of the agency instead of wallowing in the worry of our state funding. I’d like to share with you some of the priorities that we have chosen to act on. Business Development: We are working toward having Garden Center become less dependent on state funding. We are enhancing our fundraising efforts through the use of social media outlets (website, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter), a planned giving campaign, and our grant writing efforts. Business opportunities such as the Garden Gallery & Studio, and a GCS Printing & Shredding enterprise should help to create income as well as provide meaningful employment for some of our consumers. Another component of this category is family participation which will be discussed in meetings with each family. Facilities Management: Systems are being developed and put into place that provides ongoing assessment of the day
program sites, the residential homes, and our vehicles. Additionally, we are looking at utilities usage and phone/internet programs. Operating Model: Who we employ at the agency has the largest impact on how well we support each individual that attends our programs. We are continually looking at ways to improve how we attract, train, and retain the best employees possible. Diversified Programs: In our desire to offer the consumers an ever-growing array of interesting and fun program offerings, we are exploring new curriculum areas and service models. Over the past year we have added art, music, and cooking programs. Public Relations: We are working on the agency’s connection to local newspaper, radio, and television outlets. We have created a video which can be viewed on our website and will create a shortened version to share with prospective donors. This are just highlights from the wideranging work of the strategic planning group. I will keep you apprised of our progress in upcoming newsletters.
A 5 0 1 (c ) ( 3 ) Nonp rofit organi zation