THIS MONTH’S ISSUE The View From My Chair
01
GCS Family Spotlight
02
Celebrate Me Home Benefit
03
Around GCS
04
THE LEAFLET ISSUE OCTOBER YEAR 2012
The View From My Chair a message from our Executive director
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.
If there’s a Fall nip in the air, it must be Knights of Columbus’ Tootsie Roll Drive. time to begin thinking about our agency’s We now have four councils that we team 56th Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon. up with, and as we’re able to provide I’m excited by some novel changes and persons that can work the various locations additions to this year’s assigned to these councils, program and hope many we receive a percentage “[The Annual of you will be able to join of the donations. Last year us on Sunday, Nov. 4th, Fashion Show] is an for our efforts we accepted at the Doubletree Hotel checks from the Knights in Alsip. Being one of opportunity for us to totaling $4,700. During such the agency’s two large come together as the stretched economic times, fundraisers for the year, these additional funds are we obviously are hopeful Garden Center family so valuable. about generating some to celebrate our much needed revenue I also appreciated those for our programs; but this accomplishments and of you that went on line is also an opportunity the individuals we are and voted for our agency for us to come together to win one of the grants as the Garden Center honored to support” from Chase Bank. Even family to celebrate our though we didn’t generate accomplishments and the individuals enough votes this time, any opportunity we are honored to support. I’m thrilled to participate in contests like this where with this year’s theme, “EVERYDAY we share information about our services SUPERHEROES”, and look forward to with family, friends, and colleagues raises sharing some of the stories I have about awareness about the Garden Center, the superheroes I’ve encountered during grows our friends list, and increases my time at Garden Center! support from the community. I want to thank all of you that responded to our request to volunteer for this year’s
A 5 0 1 ( c ) ( 3 ) N onp rofit organization
Garden Center Family Spotlight
Robert “Bob” Hall grew up in Palos Heights and moved to Garden Center’s Burbank ICF in 1997. Some of his friends say he is Garden Center’s unofficial greeter. He keeps an eye on the parking lot for who is coming in and out of the building, always ready to welcome them with a big smile. Bob is a guy who knows what he likes. He is a fan of pipes, cars, and a game of bingo now and then. He is a social guy with a very busy calendar. Bob attends many local groups including the SPRED religious development program at St. Patricia’s in Hickory Hills, Guys and Gals Club with the park district, and a local seniors group. His biggest love though is spending time with his gal, Kathy. Kathy also lives at Burbank ICF and they enjoy sitting outside on the patio or catching a show on TV with their friends - when Bob has a free spot in his schedule of course!
ROBERT HALL
Bob also enjoys visiting with his brother, Ron, and sister-in-law, Alice, who live in Florida. When they come to visit, Bob loves taking the train with his brother downtown to visit his favorite tobacco shop, Iwan Ries & Co.
GCS Business Corner
Garden Center currently has six support businesses. Revenue from those businesses go back to programs for the people we serve. Over the next several issues we will highlight each of our businesses and what they can do for you. Second Chance Thrift Shoppe Second Chance Thrift Shoppe was opened in July of 2008 by Bonnie and Ron Nalepa. Bonnie & Ron’s son, Billy, lives at Garden Center’s Westmont home. Before starting Second Chance, Bonnie volunteered at a thrift shop. It raised money for another program that previously provided services to Billy. Eventually, Bonnie took over the manager position of the thrift store and she worked there for 10 years. In 1999, Ron was ready to retire from his position at Amsted Industries and Bonnie decided to join him, but by three months into retirement Bonnie was bored. Billy had since moved to Garden Center and Bonnie and Ron approached Gerry about running a thrift store as a support business for the agency. As they looked for a building, they held regular rummage sales on the weekends at Garden Center. After some time they found a building, but it was not approved for a needed permit and they were back to the drawing board. Then the Nalepa’s heard the thrift store in Lemont where Bonnie had volunteered was going out of business. Garden Center bought the space to open Second Chance. Bonnie estimates about 80% of the volunteers that served the previous thrift store stayed on to help Garden Center. Currently, the store runs with the support of 60 volunteers. Only four of the volunteers are relatives of individuals served at Garden Center. The rest are area residents who just want to help. Volunteers process incoming donations, price items, clean the store, and handle cashier duties. Others have expertise in specialty areas like jewelry, books, and collectables. Bonnie and Ron say they are lucky to have such a dedicated group.
Bonnie and Ron Nalepa
The Nalepas are “quality conscious” as Bonnie puts it. They ensure that no below standard items are put out to sell. “If an item is in poor condition, like missing a button”, Ron says, “we don’t put it out.” And if something that is damaged does happen to cross the check-out line, Ron explains, “Our volunteers know to say “I’m sorry. I can’t sell this to you because it is broken, but if you would like to have it, you may for no charge.” It is that attention to detail and their dedication to regularly rotating inventory that makes the shop so popular with local bargain hunters. As for the donations that don’t meet the Nalepa standard or that have just been around too long, they are regularly recycled. Quality items are given to shelters, other thrift stores, Second Chance offers a wide array churches and charities. Items that aren’t usable in their current form are recycled for metal and other parts of items from clothing, books, and furniture to collectables and toys. by area “scrappers”. Of their own work, Bonnie modestly says “It’s just common sense, really.” But if you spend any time with the Nalepas it is clear they know a lot about running this business. “This is our love”, Bonnie says, “and we will continue until we can’t go on.” The thrift shop has been an amazing support business for Garden Center over the past 4 years in spite of the economy, or perhaps because of it. However, Second Chance is facing a challenge. This past August, Goodwill opened their own resale shop in Lemont. Please think of Second Chance Thrift Shoppe when you have items to donate or when you go shopping. Fall items are on sale now. Christmas items will be out October 14th.
Second Chance has a Super Sale each month. During that sale all items are 50% off. Seniors receive a 50% discount every Monday.
Second Chance Thrift Shoppe Address: 44 Stephen Street in Lemont Phone: (630) 243-1279 Store Hours: Mon. thru Sat. 10am4pm & Thur. 10am-7pm Donations Accepted: Mon. thru Sat. 10am–3:30pm & Thur. 10am–6:30pm Can’t run to Lemont to make your donation? No Problem! Just drop off your donations at Garden Center’s main building 8333 S. Austin Ave. in Burbank.
C el e brat e M e H o m e B e n e f i t a HU GE Su ccess! On September 8th, Abide In Me hosted the Celebrate Me Home Benefit at 115 Bourbon Street Restaurant to raise money to purchase, adapt, and maintain a home in a local neighborhood for a group of women with disabilities served by Garden Center Services. Over 500 people came to the event to enjoy food, fun, raffles and a silent auction.
Garden Center is working with Abide in Me to start the home acquisition and renovation process. We will keep you posted on our progress as work begins on the new residence.
Garden Center’s NEEDS List Christmas lights Empty cereal boxes Digital cameras
The Celebrate Me Home website continues to accept your donations toward this great cause. Just visit www.celebratemehomebenefit.com.
Electric oven Laptop Computers
Thank you for your support!
Sofa/Chairs Umbrellas Free-standing shelf units Printer Phone Office desk Microwave
Tinley Chamber Bag Crawl Sunday, Oct. 21st Event 1pm (registration at noon) Stop in Garden Gallery during the “Bag Crawl” down historic Oak Park Avenue. Participants will accumulate a progressive score as they compete in various locations. Cash prizes will be awarded. Don’t feel like tossing a bean bag? That’s OK - just stop in to say hello!
BEAN BAG TOSS
Downtown Tinley Kiddie Boo Bash Bring the family to visit Garden Gallery & Studio as we help put on the Downtown Tinley Kiddie Boo Bash Sunday, October 28th Oak Park Ave. Train Station Noon to 4pm Costume parade and contest for kids and pets, dancing, trick ‘or treating and more!
Books Electronic keyboards (music) Event tickets Craft supplies Frames for artwork Blank canvases X-Box and Wii games
GCS BULLETIN BOARD
CARSON’s COMMUNITY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN! Support Garden Center by purchasing Carson’s Coupon Books. 100% goes to Garden Center and get fantastic discounts for yourself! Purchase books from GCS volunteers at Carson’s in Chicago Ridge at the following dates and times: Friday, Oct 5th 10am-noon Thursday, Nov 8th 6pm-8pm Friday, Oct 19th 6pm-8pm Friday, Nov 2nd noon-2pm or contact Michele Hula to make arrangements to purchase a coupon book at Garden Center (773) 941-4151 Ext. 212.
GCS 56th Annual Fa shion Show Sunday, Novembe
r 4th DoubleTree Hote l 5000 W . 127th St . Alsip, IL
BUY TICKETS an d SPONSORSHIPS ON OUR WEBSITE
If you have an item to donate, please email Anne McFerron at amcferron@gardencenterservices.org
Where we grow
AROUND GCS
dignity and
independence phone 708.636.0054 email info@gardencenterservices.org web www.gardencenterservices.org
Board of Directors President
Daniel Wenzler
1st Vice President
Scott Hardek
2nd Vice President
Doug Combs
Treasurer
R. Pat Ballis
Secretary
Annmarie Caulfield
Members:
John J. Kunkes
Artists at Garden Gallery get their creative juices flowing with some morning exercise
Don and DeJuan work the Tootsie Roll Drive
Linda Stearns Linda Sherwood Sharon Duncan Jenny Wojcik
Adam gets his wish to see a big rig up close
Chris, Andy and Humberto show off their rhythm in music group
Program Relocation to Kedzie Goals 2-4
Bonnie poses with her favorite Harley
$44,000
Don’t Forget! Y AT THE GALLER FIRST FRIDAY5th r be to Friday, Oc 7pm to 9pm Studio Garden Gallery & ION SHOW ANNUAL FASH r 4th Sunday, Novembe sip at noon Al in ree leT ub Do
$23,550
Make a donation at www.GardenCenterServices.org
50% SECOND CHANCE OFF THRIFT SHOPPE everythi ng
SUPER SALE October 21st 12pm-4pm
First Friday at the Gallery
HALF OFF EVERYTHING IN THE STORE! 44 Stephen Street Lemont, IL
Live Music, Wine & Cheese Friday, October 5th from 7pm to 9pm
Shop GCS Businesses http://gardencenterservices. wordpress.com/
Garden Gallery & Studio’s
Art
17459 SOUTH OAK PARK AVENUE, TINLEY PARK
www.GardenGalleryandStudio.com
7 0 8 - 4 0 7 - 8 6 6 6
another way you can help us make a difference... F O R
A L L
Garden Gallery & Studio is a support business of Garden Center Services, a provider of vocational and residential services for adults with developmental disabilities
COFFEE Co.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ gardencenterservices
. Tastes Good. Does Good. Feels Good
For sale online, at day sites, & at Garden Gallery Gift Shop
http://twitter.com/gardencentersrv
http://www.facebook.com/ gardencenterservices
17459 S. Oak Park Ave. Tinley Park
44 Stephen Street, Lemont
GCS Ink Cartridge and Small Electronics Recycling
For more information, visit www.GardenCenterServices.org/our-businesses.html