THIS MONTH’S ISSUE The View From My Chair
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Garden Center Family Spotlight
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GCS Community Crew
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Around GCS
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THE LEAFLET ISSUE SEP YEAR 2011
a message from our Executive director
The View From My Chair Following my commitment to keep you appraised of how we’re doing on implementation of the strategic plan, I’d like to tell you about our efforts to develop alternate revenue streams and how you can help us further decrease our dependence on state funding. Secure Document Shredding: We recently purchased an industrial shredder and shred our confidential documentation at a savings of $200 a month. We are looking for businesses that would consider Garden Center as their secure document shredding company.
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.
Garden Center Print Shop: This newsletter you’re reading is printed in-house and producing it creates meaningful work for the consumers that help in the process. We also complete print jobs for outside sources such as Chicago Office Products and the Burbank Chamber of Commerce. We would like your help in identifying other businesses or organizations for whom we could provide this service. Social Media: We’re increasing Garden Center’s exposure through the use of social media. Tell your family and friends about our website, Facebook page, and videos on YouTube. Right now on our website you will see tickets to an upcoming White Sox-Tigers game that can be purchased through an organization we have paired with called Tix4Cause. Garden Center receives revenue from each ticket sold. Printer Cartridge & Small Electronics Recycling: Garden Center has partnered with Think Recycle to generate income through recycling. We are currently involved in a contest that could earn Garden Center an additional $750 in funds.
If you or your business has items to recycle, you may drop them off at the receptacles at the Main or Wesbrook buildings or contact us to have a receptacle placed at your work site. Planned Giving: You have likely heard about Garden Center’s planned giving program. It provides an easy way to make a future donation to Garden Center. To learn more about our planned giving opportunities, please contact Michele Hula at (708) 398-6506. Residential Expansion: Residentially all beds are full. We have members who will need this service as well as outside referrals. Additionally, thoughtfully increasing the number of persons Garden Center supports has helped us be financially stable during this difficult economic time. We are purchasing an additional home and ask families considering residential services to contact us soon. We are also starting a new model of residential support called Host Family. This is where families invite a person with a disability to become a part of their home. If you know any young families or couples that might be interested, please let us know. Lastly, I love talking about Garden Center and the incredible people that attend our programs. I’m spending more of my time these days sharing our story with any individuals or companies that might consider supporting our cause. I would so appreciate you sharing with me. If you know of a business or organization that would be interested in learning more about GCS’s shredding, printing, or recycling services, or if you would like to talk with someone about another opportunity mentioned here, please email info@gardencenterservices.org. A 5 0 1 (c ) ( 3 ) N onpr o fit organi z atio n