FEBRUARY
2016
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
was able to leave with a couple of new contacts which seemed interested in learning more about Garden Center Services and how they could support us.
Gerry & Linda
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 VOLUNTEERS Page 2 A GENEROUS GIFT Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
I certainly would not have spent the time, energy, and resources to travel to Springfield last Wednesday to listen to Governor Rauner’s State of the State address if I would not have had other meetings and events that made the trip worthwhile. The professional association that represents disability providers throughout Illinois, IARF, held a meeting that morning, and I was able to sit with a staff from one of our funding agencies to discuss some specific concerns. That evening I was invited to stop by a very nice networking event by one of our Board members and
I’m afraid that the governors’ remarks did not shed new light on how the contentious relationships and dug-in positions we are so tired of hearing about would be resolved so that State of Illinois could have a budget. As I’ve shared with you in past newsletters, the governor and some legislators seemed more concerned with issues of power rather than negotiating a way to fund services that are a safety net to those individuals that need our help. I so appreciate that the Illinois’ justice system understands and has supported, by court order, the importance of funding Medicaid-covered programs because of the support and assistance we provide our state’s most vulnerable citizens.
But even when we are receiving our state funding it does not adequately cover the expenses of the quality services we strive to provide. Given the stalemate in Springfield, who knows what decisions will be made for the next fiscal year and the impact they will have on our rates and funding levels. I ask you to continue your calls to your legislators, imploring them to challenge their leadership to craft and pass a budget that contains no cuts to the already inadequate funding we have received for years, and in fact should include additional revenue to provide the quality of care that persons with intellectual disabilities deserve. That is why it so important that you make it a priority to attend GCS’s Family Forum meeting on Feb. 13th, 10:30am to noon at the State Road Building (details inside). I look forward to seeing you there,
GARDEN CENTER FAMILY MOUNT CARMEL VOLUNTEERS Mount Carmel High School, located on Dante Avenue in Chicago, is deeply committed to providing meaningful service learning opportunities for their students. One way this commitment manifests itself is through the school’s Impact Week. Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior classes have their own Impact Week; each with its own focus. The focus of the Junior class is ” the dignity of the human person”. Juniors volunteer in social service organizations that support people locally including retirement communities, homeless shelters, food pantries, services for refugees and programs for veterans. Garden Center was fortunate to host ten Mount Carmel Juniors over the last week of January. The young men spent two days each at our State and Kedzie day programs. Volunteers helped with Valentine activities, our silk screening micro-business, led a group post-it art activity, and helped us break-in some newly acquired Wii games. This was the second year volunteers from Mount Carmel have chosen to work with Garden Center. We are so grateful to be a part of Impact Week and to have the opportunity to get to know such fine young men in our community.
THANK YOU!
G C S
B U S I N E S S
C O R N E R
Did You Know? Garden Center’s micro-businesses don’t just create their wares to sell at Christmas... We also have great things to buy now! This month we are featuring our beautiful handpainted candles. $14 large $12 small Purchase them at the Kedzie building. 10444 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago 60655
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Do good when you shop... COFFEE Co.
. Tastes Good. Does Good. Feels Good
Hand-painted candles
A GENEROUS GIFT As most of you know, this past December, Garden Center lost a dear family member, Robert “Bob” Hall. Bob was a great friend to everyone and especially cared for those at Garden Center’s Burbank home with whom he lived. Bob also had a passion for vehicles and as a way to pay tribute to him and those he loved, Bob’s brother, Ronald Hall and the Hall family, donated a 2015 Chrysler Town & Country van to the Burbank home. The van seats seven individuals and is already the favorite mode of transportation for everyone at the house. Thank you to the Hall family for this touching gift in Bob’s memory.
GCS FAMILY FORUM
Join us for Garden Center’s second Family Forum. Hear what is happening at GCS and share your thoughts and ideas with Garden Center leadership while you get to know other Garden Center families. Meeting Topics: • Accomplishments since last meeting • The Adopt a Home project; update and how the new approach can help us work together to get things done at all the places that serve our loved ones • The Planned Giving Program; how it works, how it helps • The difference the iGive button can make! (Sandi can help you sign up at the meeting) • Your input on better communication and marketing strategies GCS FAMILY FORUM February 13th 10:30am - noon State Road Program 8333 S. Austin in Burbank
Mark your calendar...
Community Bulletin Board GCS’s Moody House needs a new dining room set. If you have a gently used or new set you’d like to donate or if you would like to purchase a set for the men at Moody, please contact
GCS Sweetheart Dance Feb. 11th 7pm to 9pm State Street Site
hank You to A special T trict Mgr. U.S. Bank o, Dis Ervin Blancgenerous donation of for his ball tickets er! basket ll’s Game ev u B t s ir f ’s Dejuan
Cindy Haworth 773-941-4151 Ext. 213
chaworth@gardencenterservices.org
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Growing dignity
SECOND CHANCE SUPER SALE
and independence
Win ter 10 am Hours Mon to 4 pm .-S at.
8333 S. Austin Ave. Burbank, IL 60459 10444 S. Kedzie Chicago, IL 60655 phone 773-941-4151 email info@gardencenterservices.org web www.GardenCenterServices.org
Paul enjoying the Bears game BOARD OF DIRECTORS President
Dr. Jenny Wojcik
1st Vice President
Annmarie Caulfield
2nd Vice President
Paul Krutulis
Treasurer
George Sterba
Secretary
Florence Head
Members:
Caroline Connors
SUPER BOWL SUNDAY Feb. 7th 12pm to 4pm
TAKE 1/2 OFF EVERYTHING STOREWIDE!
Joan Strainis Representative Fran Hurley Dave Rauen Tom Beemesterboer
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Moody House fun
OUR MISSION
Garden Center Services is committed to supporting and empowering persons with developmental disabilities Park through Burbank, ILand innovative UNE 4THperson-centered 2016 at 8:30AM 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.
Park Burbank, IL
UNE 4TH 2016 at 8:30AM
www.iGive.com
Newcastle Park Burbank, IL SATURDAY, JUNE 4TH 2016 at 8:30AM
Eddie & Allie Follow us on
Newcastle Park Burbank, IL SATURDAY, JUNE 4TH 2016 at 8:30AM
5k REGISTRATION OPEN Feb. 1 www.SuperSunny5k.com
Lorenzo & Katie