MAY
2014
T
Garden Center Services
HE LEAFLET
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
the last 40 years, and absurdly think that our consumers are doing well. But I know in my heart that this is a thought born of weariness and settling.
Michael & Gerry
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 GARDEN CENTER FAMILY Page 2 GCS GETS EVEN GREENER Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
The challenges and stress brought on by being a provider of services & supports to persons with intellectual and physical disabilities in the state of Illinois is exacerbated by knowing real life situations in other states where individuals are supplied the types and amount of assistance they require to live full, engaged lives in the community, and wanting so much to help our participants to have similar experiences. There are times when I’m tired or discouraged by the frequent struggle of getting others to buy into the vision of what life could be like for those we serve and I will mull over the changes I’ve seen in Illinois over
“One of best perks of working in this field has been meeting many exceptional people, who were just ordinary people that cared.” Are individuals better off than they were 40 years ago? Sure, but so many have untapped potential that require greater resources to expose than our state will commit to. Every passing day I have a growing sense of urgency and find myself asking, “Are we doing everything we can to improve the quality of life for those we serve”? One of best perks of working in this field has been meeting many exceptional people, who were just ordinary people that cared. They wanted to act, to do something, to make
life better for persons with developmental disabilities – and they have! But there is so much more to be done. As you look at your life and sense a movement of gratitude for any of the goodness you experience, and are convicted to find ways to pay it forward, please consider helping us in our mission of supporting adults with disabilities. I’m not just referring to monetary donations here. We can also benefit from your volunteerism, from supporting our businesses like the Thrift Shoppe & the Art Gallery, from making your friends and business associates aware of what we’re trying to achieve. And we can certainly benefit from you daily sending us your positive thoughts and blessings.