JUNE
2014
T
Garden Center Services
HE LEAFLET
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
years ago, works to identify and make happen one really, special experience of the individual’s choosing, for each of the persons that attend our programs.
Marnesha & Gerry There was an event held this week at one of our day program sites that aroused both joy and sadness, and I believe is a strong demonstration of what Garden Center Services strives to stand for.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 GARDEN CENTER FAMILY Page 2 WALK ‘N ROLL-a-THON Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
The occasion was a concert put together by staff and volunteers, focused on fulfilling a potent desire of an individual that is supported by the agency who is dealing with serious, potentially lifethreatening health issues. This person had voiced his dream of attending a Billy Joel concert in response to what would he choose to experience from the agency’s My Wish program. The My Wish program, initiated several
“...our agency’s tagline, “where we grow dignity and i n d e p e n d e n c e”, is not just mere words...” Most of the time their choices are those enjoyable escapes that we take for granted: going to a ball game, a concert, or a theater event; having a short get-a-way to a special location; a day at the spa; a shopping spree at a cool mall… And we’ve been able to meet a number of these wishes through the generosity and kindness of our supporters. For the individual I’m speaking of there was a heightened urgency to fulfill his wish due to his deteriorating health condition. Though
his symptoms would negate his ability to actually attend a Billy Joel concert, which staff initially tried to pull off, I saw such a commitment in our staff to put together an event that would hopefully, in some way, provide him with a semblance of his wish. They were able to obtain the services of an entertaining, talented performer that learned several Billy Joel songs which he sprinkled in the play list he sang for the guest of honor and everyone that attended this wonderful event. As the person stood next to the singer, smiling and swaying to the tune of “Uptown Girl”, I was deeply touched by his joy, and by the tangible experience of how much our staff really connect with and care for those we serve. I am very proud that our agency’s tagline, “where we grow dignity and independence”, is not just mere words, but something our staff put into action each and every day.