THIS MONTH’S ISSUE The View From My Chair
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GCS Family Spotlight
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GCS 56th Annual Fashion Show 03 GCS Holiday Shopping Guide
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THE LEAFLET ISSUE NOVEMBER YEAR 2012
The View From My Chair a message from our Executive director
Preparing for this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday this year is very simple because I have so much to be grateful for. In the past few weeks I’ve had several experiences which continue to validate the true basic goodness of people, and also the reality of the positive difference our agency can make in the lives of the individuals we work for. Check out Gerry's Blog at 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.
Our annual Halloween party at Crystal Light was so much fun, and I’m not sure which does my heart the most good; the dancing, or observing the consumers’ pure joy & exuberance! It is also so gratifying to watch the staff that help with and attend the event throw themselves so fully into ensuring that everyone has a good time. From organizing and running the party, to ensuring that everyone’s makeup and costumes were just right, to getting anyone that wanted to boogie out on the dance floor; the staff did a tremendous job and I am so pleased with them. I was also very touched by the generous response of our families & friends to attend and donate towards this years’ Fashion Show Luncheon. I’ve been delighted with the positive comments I’ve received from those in attendance, and cannot thank those staff and volunteers enough that worked so tirelessly to make the event a success. The consumer, staff, and volunteer models were incredible, and looked fantastic on the runway. The outfits chosen from the Second Chance Thrift Shoppe were gorgeous, and the attendees could
not believe the prices when they were announced! The astonishing jazz vocals provided by Ms. Stephanie Browning, who serves as Garden Centers’ music instructor, really overwhelmed the crowd and was a great addition to the luncheon. The staff and volunteers from our wonderful thrift shop displaying and selling their wares were another positive addition, and I so appreciated them being there. It’s nice when an event goes so well that you find yourself immediately looking forward to the next years’ event! I’ve also been truly moved and inspired by the acceptance, commitment, and love expressed by two of the agency’s staff that recently celebrated the birth of their son that they knew would have some developmental disabilities. I cannot imagine a better couple to face the challenges ahead, and to rejoice in the special gifts they will experience, than these two individuals. Furthermore, I think the support and caring exhibited by the staff and families for this couple and their children helps define Garden Center Services and our values. Well, there are more examples I could share, but there’s only so much room on this page. In closing, may we all take time to dwell on the good things in our lives, and to be motivated by gratitude to express kindness to all we meet.
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