FEBRUARY
2015
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Becca & Gerry
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 GCS FAMILY Page 2 BOARD ELECTIONS Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
I hope as you read this February Leaflet with its’ articles and pictures representing the daily happenings around our agency, you will truly sense the commitment we have towards enhancing the lives of those individuals that we serve in our programs. In numerous ways throughout the year, we seek your donations so we can offer opportunities and experiences that would not be possible on the inadequate funding we receive from the state. Well today I am not appealing to you for money out of your pocket, but instead I am pleading for you simply to make a phone call. At the end of the budget wrangling last June it was recognized that the final allocations
awarded to the Department of Human Services would not entirely fund a year of services for the community programs that support persons with intellectual disabilities. The budget building process was greatly influenced by the political races that were underway and this drove the decision to wait until after the elections to address this $70 million shortfall. Well, we have a new Governor, and a new General Assembly has been sworn into office. It is imperative that we motivate our legislative leaders to take care of an insufficient FY15 budget.
“IT’S TIME TO START MAKING NOISE!” Unless action is taken by our government leaders, communitybased provider agencies will feel the impact of this budget shortfall in the forms of cuts and extended payment delays. Recently, during a forum hosted by the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities to address our concerns, Representative Greg Harris, the Chair of the House Appropriations Human Services Committee advised “raise your issue and advocate
- there will be more need than revenues.” IT’S TIME TO START MAKING NOISE! We are asking that you contact your State Senators and Representatives by phone and convey to them the importance of focusing on and resolving this crucial matter. You can use information from the following bullet points to help you deliver the message:
• There is a $70 million budget shortfall for services supporting persons with developmental disabilities in the community. • Unless this problem is fixed, individuals and families may lose access to services, and providers could again face crippling payment delays. • Please work together with your family members and friends to address the budget shortfall and prevent cuts to community care. Visit our website to log in and make your call, today! www. GardenCenterServices.org. Alternatively, contact Jennifer at 773-941-4151 Ext. 218 to have her look up your representatives and their phone numbers for you. I sincerely thank you for your support and advocacy on behalf of the individuals we serve.