JAN/FEB
2017
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Gerry & Lynn
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 MY WISH PROGRAM Page 2 EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
Let me begin by wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year! I have spoken to so many who were glad to put 2016 to rest, and who embrace the opportunity to begin work on the blank canvas of 2017 in the hope it will represent scenes depicted by warmer, more vibrant and harmonious hues than what we have experienced recently. I realize there will always be struggles and challenges, but I continue to believe it is the gift and responsibility of each one of us to dip our brush into the colors we choose and add our influence to the landscapes we collectively journey on.
Recently there were a series of articles printed in the Chicago Tribune that painted a very disturbing picture regarding the lives some persons with developmental disabilities were experiencing in small, community-based living arrangements due to the lack of appropriate funding and oversight provided by the state of Illinois. There is little doubt that with Illinois consistently ranking among the lowest five states for financial commitment to community care and that providers have gone nearly nine years without an increase in reimbursement rates, this can create situations where individuals receive incredibly poor or negligent care. I contend that this only happens if the leadership of those agencies have lost sight of and commitment to the mission of improving the lives of the persons we serve, or that they did not have those values to begin with.
Obviously it is difficult to provide people with what they need in this fiscal environment, but it is a challenge the management and Board of Directors of Garden Center Services recognizes, and accepts. We realize that in order to provide the supports and programs our participants need and deserve we cannot just rely on the revenue from our state funders, and that is why you frequently hear about the events and drives we put on to generate the monies we need. A heartfelt “Thank You” to each and every one of you that have responded to our requests for your help by donating your time, energy, and money. It is an honor and vocation to be involved in the lives of the persons we serve, and we take your trust and support very seriously. Let’s all pick up our paint brushes and create a masterpiece of this coming year. Peace & Joy,