SEP/OCT
2016
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
that attend our programs should receive this recognition.
Steven & Gerry
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 DSP APPRECIATION WEEK Page 2 MARY GETS HER DREAM JOB Page 3 ADOPT A HOME UPDATE Page 4
Once a year, Direct Support Staff are recognized across the country through the National Direct Support Professional Appreciation week. This year, September 11th through 17th, Garden Center will join agencies across the U.S. in celebrating and honoring these vital staff who make such a positive difference in the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There will be a number of activities and events to show appreciation for our staff such as gift card raffles, drawings for prizes, visits from our mascot Sunny, and many more surprises. It is so fitting that the persons who provide such capable and compassionate care to the individuals
Successfully supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live lives that are filled with contribution, connection, and growing self-confidence, requires staff that are very devoted and kind. Garden Center is proud to have as our foundation a group of such staff persons who day in, day out, truly define the quality of our services.
“From myself and Cindy, the Board of Directors, and our management staff, a huge THANK YOU to the finest group of DSPs anywhere!” I know that many of these direct support professionals go from assisting the persons here at Garden Center Services to their own homes’ where they are responsible to provide care and support to their own families. I have such admiration and respect for all that they do.
I would encourage all of you to please add your own personal touch to this observance of our great staff by letting them know how much their efforts mean to you. From myself and Cindy, the Board of Directors, and our management staff, a huge THANK YOU to the finest group of DSPs anywhere! I would also like to mention that October is Disability employment awareness month. Reflecting the important role disability plays in workforce diversity, this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme is “#InclusionWorks.” Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a diverse workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. Inside this issue of the Leaflet you will find a wonderful article about Garden Center’s Community Employment Program and how it’s changing the face of the work force in such a beautiful way!!