SEPTEMBER
2014
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Gerry & Krista
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 GARDEN CENTER FAMILY Page 2 NEW PROGRAM OFFERINGS Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
Inside this issue of the Leaflet you will find a reference to how next week has been designated Direct Support Professionals Week by the United States Senate! It is so fitting that the persons who provide such capable and compassionate care to the individuals that attend our programs, should receive this recognition. I am so grateful to these staff that work tirelessly day-in and day-out at our day programs and residential homes to ensure that our consumers are safe, that they are developing more independence, and that they are having the experiences they want in their lives.
I know many of these direct support professionals go from assisting the persons here at Garden Center Services to their own homes where they care and provide for their own families. I believe our agency, with the resolve of our Board of Directors and executive staff, have strove to compensate these essential employees adequately, but it is difficult when the level of funding has remained stagnant for many years.
“I am so grateful to [our] staff who work tirelessly ... to ensure that our consumers are safe, that they are developing more independence, and that they are having the experiences they want in their lives. ” Therefore, as you well know, we are constantly looking for ways to bring additional revenue into the agency that is not dependent on our
state funders. One of the ways we hope to achieve this is through our newly established Recurring Donation Program, which you can read about in this month’s newsletter. I hope you’ll consider contributing through this option, and help us support our consumers and staff in the way they deserve. There will be a number of activities and events to observe Direct Support Professionals Week, but please add your own personal touch to the celebration of our great staff by letting them know how much their efforts mean to you. From myself, the Board of Directors, and our management staff, a huge THANK YOU to the finest group of DSPs anywhere!