AUGUST
2013
T
Garden Center Services
HE LEAFLET
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Gerry & the Tims
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 GCS FAMILY SPOTLIGHT Page 2 HOUSE INTO A HOME Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
Well, it’s a new fiscal year and to nobody’s surprise agencies that support persons with developmental disabilities were not given any type of cost of doing business increase. Instead of experiencing a sense of relief that our rates were not cut, I find myself feeling disheartened and frustrated that yet again the state of Illinois has put the burden of covering all the growing expenses of doing what we do on the providers. It’s no wonder that the majority of my time, like most of my peer executive directors, is now
spent identifying additional revenue sources through the support of donors, corporate sponsors, foundation grants, and the micro-businesses that we’ve established. As we continue to strive to provide quality services for each individual that attends our programs, the assistance and advocacy offered by everyone that receives this newsletter becomes more and more important. “As we continue to strive to provide quality services for each individual that attends our programs, the assistance and advocacy offered by everyone that receives this newsletter becomes more and more important.
Due to the complexities and busyness of daily life now, each of us has numerous contacts with other people, businesses, or organizations. If you think any of your contacts are possible sources of financial support for our agency, either through donations or by using one of our businesses, please do
not hesitate to share their information with me. Every day there are wonderful experiences and memories coming to life at Garden Center Services, and I truly enjoy sharing these stories with anybody wanting to listen. And as people become aware of the joy and pride our clients feel as they are able to have more success with creating their own lives, they want to actively participate in making these dreams come true. Any opportunities you can provide me to tell our tale could go a long way to acquiring the financial subsidy we need. Obviously, Garden Center would not have survived without the outpouring of support that we have received through the years. Let me close by offering my heartfelt gratitude to all of you that have been there for our clients through the donations of your time, energy, and money. May you be blessed in many ways for your kindness and compassion.