JUNE
2013
T
Garden Center Services
HE LEAFLET
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
explains why he is now such a staunch supporter and advocate for persons with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. His openness has inspired me to share my own story of the event, and the relationship, that set me on the path of walking the journey with individuals struggling with various disabilities for over 40 years now.
Gerry & Genia
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 GCS FAMILY SPOTLIGHT Page 2 GCS SUPPORTERS Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
A couple of weeks ago Phil Kadner of the Southtown Star stopped by the open house we were holding at our new day program & administrative offices located on Kedzie Avenue in Mr. Greenwood. We were very pleased to have him stop by, because it was due to an article he wrote about the unfortunate vandalism at our old day program site that led to the generous donations, which allowed us to acquire the Kedzie location. In the follow up article Phil wrote about his visit to our new site, he shared a heartfelt story from his personal life that
“...The other thing I observed about Kathy was that she was always engaged in the present moment; not sweating about the future, or regretting the past. The truth is, she was a lot more alive than I was!”
In 1972 as a junior at Griffin High School I was asked to volunteer at a SPRED, (Special Religious Education), program that was held at a local parish in our town. I was told that I would be hanging out with these “special needs” kids, assisting them with art, craft, and music activities, in the hope of having fun and as a means for the group to experience God’s love for them. Given I was a jock in high school, and in my own little mind, one of the cool
kids, I remember feeling fairly smug about how much joy my presence was going to bring to these unfortunate individuals! To say what happened turned out differently, would be a huge understatement. And it’s all because of Kathy M.! Kathy was a girl the same age as me, 16, and because of cerebral palsy she had severe physical disabilities and mild cognitive impairments. She also had a brilliant smile, great laugh, and one of the most positive dispositions I had ever encountered. While she had no interest in creating false layers of self to impress others, she was highly sensitive to the pain, or sadness, of those around her. The other thing I observed about Kathy was that she was always engaged in the present moment; not sweating about the future, or regretting the past. The truth is, she was a lot more alive than I was! During the time I spent at the program, and with Kathy, I developed a much better understanding of what leads to true joy and along the way, became much cooler than I ever was before.
GARDEN CENTER FAMILY SPOTLIGHT Jennifer joined the Garden Center family as Garden Center’s Director of Development in November 2012. She grew up in Columbus, Nebraska relocating to Chicago to attend Loyola and Chicago Kent, where she obtained a law degree. When her first child was born, Jennifer started grant writing so she could spend more time with her son. That led to a fundraising position with her previous employer, another disability provider. Now Jennifer puts all of her valuable skills to work for Garden Center organizing events, writing grants, and assisting in business development. We are so happy to have Jennifer share her many talents with us! Her thoughts on Garden Center so far? Jennifer says, “I love that GCS is as committed to give back to the community, as it is to asking for help as a nonprofit.”
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e Jennif
Marnesha, “Marne”, has been with Garden Center since 2012. Ask anyone and they will tell you, Marne loves music! Wherever she is, her Mp3 player is always nearby. When working at Kedzie, she is sure to attend music group with her friends and makes time to shop for CDs whenever she can - adding to her ever growing collection of music. Marne also enjoys working with the Kedzie Community Crew. She helps bake desserts for the families at Ronald McDonald House and delivers Meals on Wheels to local seniors. Marne lives at Garden Center’s Oak Lawn home. She says she loves working in the big back yard, especially tending the flower garden. She is also helping plan a vegetable garden for the yard and is excited to get started with planting. One of her other favorite things to do at home is movie night. Marne says she loves all kinds of movies and just recently watched an old favorite, Grease. This weekend Marne may not have time for movies, she says she has big plans - to attend the GCS 5k and Walk ‘n Roll-a-Thon. We’ll see you there, Marne!
Marne
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Garden Gallery & Studio Needs Your Help! Garden Gallery & Studio is planning a major new project and we need your help! Send in your old newspapers and any masking tape you can spare and we will turn it into amazing art! Drop newspapers and masking tape off at the Kedzie, Burbank, or Gallery program locations.
THANK YOU!
G C S
B U S I N E S S
C O R N E R
We specialize in print solutions for all your business, corporate, and personal needs. Our products & services include business cards, postcards, color printing, brochures, newsletters, church bulletins, envelopes & letterhead, laminating, photo prints, digital signage, digital imaging, graphic design, and web site design. Contact John Kincinas at (708) 398-6520 or jkincinas@ GardenCenterServices.org for more information or to get a quote.
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Do good when you shop... COFFEE Co.
. Tastes Good. Does Good. Feels Good
Literary Magazine sponsored by: Fatima Chishti and Vanessa Nomura
Back cover designed by: Bryanna Gonzalez
A recent print job for Plainfield East HS
needs list • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Computers Vacuum sweepers Books Event tickets Puzzles Games Art/Craft supplies Art frames Blank canvases CDs & players VHS/DVD players Exercise videos & equipment Music instruments Digital cameras X-Box and Wii games G a r d e n i n g supplies Storage bins Storage cabinets Electric Stove
If you have something to donate, please contact Anne McFerron at amcferron@GardenCenterServices.org
GCS Supporters Grant Wishes Just by Shopping! Since Garden Center partnered with iGive in 2012, we have raised nearly $500 that has gone toward many program extras. Some of that money helps us make dreams come true through our Wish Program. Each year, GCS consumers choose their WISH, one thing outside of usual programming, that they would love to do, and GCS staff work to make it happen. From attending a musical to rock wall climbing, each person’s wish is unique. One of our iGive supporters, Sharon Duncan, has raised over $50 for GCS through the iGive program. “I just downloaded the button and it automatically comes up whenever I order something online or book travel arrangements . It is mindless and an easy way to support Garden Center, while doing the shopping I would be doing anyway.”
Sue’s Wish: A personal make-up lesson
Once you have the button, iGive does all the work. iGive collects money from the merchants you shop online and sends a quarterly check to Garden Center. Want to learn more about how you can support Garden Center through your online shopping? Visit www.iGive.com\GardenCenter today!
GCS’ SUPER SUNNY 5k and WALK n’ ROLL-a-THON THIS SATURDAY! This Saturday, June 8th is Garden Center Services inaugural 5k and annual Walk N’ Roll-a-Thon. The 5k and Walk ‘n Roll-a-Thon will be held at Newcastle Park in Burbank (81st & Oak Park Ave.) 5k race registration is available online by following the link provided on our website, www.GardenCenterServices.org. 5k packet pick up will be 9am-5pm on Friday, June 7th at Garden Center Services - 8333 S. Austin Road in Burbank. 5k race registration will also be available from 7:30am-8:45am at Newcastle Park on Saturday.
SUPER SUNNY 5K & WALK ’n ROLL-a-THON
Walk ‘n Roll-a-Thon participants should register with Jennifer Georgis at the contact numbers provided below.
5k - 9am Walk - 9:30am
Following the event, please stay for a cookout provided by the Knights of Columbus St. Louis de Montfort Council #14553. If you are interested in sponsorship or making a donation, please contact Jennifer Georgis at jgeorgis@gardencenterservices.org or by phone at 773-941-4151 Ext 218.
9am Saturday, June 8th at rbank, IL Newcastle Park in Bu
Mark your calendar...
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
FIRST FRIDAY AT THE GALLERY
Friday, June 7th 7pm to 9pm at Garden Gallery & Studio - 17459 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park
SUPER SUNNY 5k and WALK n’ ROLL-a-THON Saturday, June 8th 9am at Newcastle Park - 8050 S. Newcastle Rd., Burbank Front cover designed by: Shane Lewis
GCS MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Thursday, June 20th 7pm at Garden Center Gym 8333 S. Austin Ave. Burbank Membership Meetings will now be held on Thursdays
NEW
SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SUPER SALE
Sunday, June 23rd 12pm to 4pm at Second Chance Thrift Shoppe - 44 Stephen Street, Lemont
GARDEN GALLERY ANNIVERSARY EVENT
Thursday, July 11th 5pm to 8pm at Garden Gallery & Studio - 17459 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park
Join us to celebrate the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of Garden Gallery & Studio! The Gallery is partnering with Whole Foods to create a nonperishable food sculpture that will be on display. Food from the sculpture will be donated to Together We Cope. Thursday, July 11th 5pm to 8pm 17459 S. Oak Park Ave Tinley Park, IL
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Growing dignity and independence 8333 S. Austin Ave. Burbank, IL 60459 phone 708.636.0054 email info@gardencenterservices.org web www.gardencenterservices.org
Board of Directors President
Daniel Wenzler
1st Vice President
Jenny Wojcik
2nd Vice President
Doug Combs
Treasurer
R. Pat Ballis
Secretary
Annmarie Caulfield
Members:
Sharon Duncan
The South town S r’ Kadner pos s Phil es with Gta Kedzie Open erry at the House
One butterfly from our butterfly release wanted to stay with Amy
GCS ANNUAL FORMAL
SUPER SUNNY 5K & WALK ’n ROLL-a-THON
Scott Hardek John J. Kunkes Sean O’Shea Linda Sherwood
JUNE 8
9am 5k/ 9:30am Walk at Newcastle Park in Burbank
www.GardenCenterServices.org
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.
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SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SHOPPE Needs Your Donations!
The GCS Annual Formal was held May 16th. It is a popular event with all who attend. This year Jonathan performed DJ duties and our in-house photog, Tammy, took great portraits of everyone. If you would like a
DJ Jazzy Jonathan
friend Frank and
Donations accepted Monday thru Saturday 10:00am-3:30pm
Volunteers from Garden Center’s Second Chance Thrift Shoppe take donations to Oklahoma Tornado Victims
Our Chariot
Donations at the drop off site
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Muffin & Ru ben