MAR/APR
2017
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Carla & Gerry
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 AWARENESS MONTH Page 2 SECOND CHANCE THRIFT Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
Inside this edition of the Leaflet you will find information about March being designated as National Disability Awareness Month, and some great ways you can help our agency continue to improve the lives of the wonderful individuals that we are honored to support. I would imagine that most of you reading this newsletter have a direct connection with an individual that is affected by an intellectual and/or developmental disability, or at least this agency, and that you are already extremely mindful of the struggles and successes experienced by this group through the years. In
2016 Garden Center Services celebrated its’ 60th anniversary, and I have now been advocating for and working alongside
persons with disabilities for over 45 years. Though we have observed many positive changes related to the services for our individuals, from the institutionalized, segregated custodial care of the 50s, to the more individualized, community integrated programs that are offered now, I believe we still fall quite short of adequately assisting persons to have full lives of meaning, connection, and contribution.
“A person is only as disabled as their environment and the beliefs of the people around them.” - Bala Pillai DPT, PCS
Certainly part of the challenge has been educating myself, families, and our staff on new ways to think about what is possible for the individuals that attend our programs. Are we speaking with and listening to what persons need and want in an open, respectful way that is not clouded by our own assumptions and preconceptions? Can people experience the “dignity of risk” in a safe, caring environment that
allows them to attempt and achieve new outcomes which strengthens their self-esteem and provides the confidence to keep moving forward? There is no doubt that one of the hurdles we struggle with is the inadequacy of the funding we receive here in the state of Illinois. Going nine years with no real cost of doing business increase can make it very difficult to provide the comprehensive, person-centered supports that our individuals require and deserve, or to compensate our dedicated employees at an appropriate living wage. But all this means is that we have to be progressively more creative and valiant in creating our own streams of revenue, volunteer engagement, community experiences & employment, and all around goodness from the remarkable group of families and friends which includes you, the reader. Please enjoy this edition of the Leaflet, and choose a couple of the ways listed inside to personally contribute to the National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Peace & Joy,