THIS MONTH’S ISSUE

On Monday, May 2nd, I am celebrating my eighth year anniversary as the executive director of Garden Center Services. I don’t think at the time that I accepted the position I had accurate insight into how much that decision would alter, and enhance, my life.

I believe having meaningful, honest, nurturing interactions with other individuals is the best part of being human, and one of the greatest gifts we can experience. Given the many opportunities I’ve had through the years of listening to and speaking with family members, staff, and mainly our consumers, my life has been truly enriched and I cherish the connections I have made.

The individuals that attend Garden Center have really helped me develop a greater awareness and keener insight into the needs, dreams, and capacities of persons with developmental disabilities. For so long I think most of us that work in this field have projected our own limited ideas about what’s acceptable, what’s possible, or what’s appropriate for the individuals we support. As we have worked on strengthening the consumers’

skills at self-advocacy, we are challenged more and more to make sure their voices are being heard and that they are actively involved in planning their own futures.

Certainly the number of individuals we support at Garden Center has significantly increased during my time here, but more importantly, the quality and variety of the programs we offer has improved. I cannot

thank the direct care staff at the day programs and residential sites enough for the constant care and support they provide. That being said, I know we can do better, and I’m looking forward to working with the skilled management team we’ve brought together to make this happen.

I also want to acknowledge and thank the Board of Directors for

their encouragement and guidance. They are playing an ever increasing role towards the advancement of the agency through their commitment to strategic planning and fund development. Finally, let me express my gratitude for the ongoing cooperation given by so many parents and guardians. It is an honor and pleasure to serve your loved ones.

THE LEAFLET

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.

The View From My Chair

Garden Center Family Spotlight

Party Plants Seeds for Growth

Around GCS

01020304

ISSUE MAY YEAR 2011

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

The View From My Chair

“

”

I believe having meaningful,

honest, nurturing interactions with other individuals is the best part

of being human, and one of the

greatest gifts we can experience.

Garden Center Family SpotlightFrank Olivo is a man with an amazing memory and a great sense of humor. He has been a part of the Garden Center family since he was a child. When Frank was eight, he lived in Chicago. “My mom couldn’t find schooling for me there.”, he explained. As a result, the Olivo family moved to Stickney Township and Frank began attending, what was then known as, Garden School for the Handicapped. The agency didn’t have vocational opportunities back then, so when Frank graduated, he left to take a job at a workshop in Chicago. Frank moved around to a few different worksites throughout the years as programs closed or moved. Eventually, when the workshop where Frank was working “moved to the boondocks”, Frank opted to find something closer to home that would enable him to continue participating in Special Olympics. That is when Frank found Garden Center again and returned to the agency’s programs in 2001.

Frank continues to be involved in Special Olympics. He was one of the first Special Olympians and has been in the program for 42 years! Since that time, Frank says he has tried “all the sports outside of the water events”. He even wrestled in the 60s. “I do the easy ones now”, he says, since a knee surgery has kept him out of the more physical sports. Frank is looking forward to the upcoming Special Olympics Spring Games for Track and Field this May where he will be competing in the walking 100M and the softball throw. Best of luck Frank - we are pulling for you!

FRANK OLIVO

Martin and Kristy enjoy Flower Power Day at Garden Center

FLOWER POWER at GARDEN CENTERThis April marked Garden Center’s first annual Flower Power Day. Consumers and staff sent a flower with a note of appreciation to people in the Garden Center family who they wanted to recognize. It was a big hit with all involved. Over 1000 carnations were sent agency-wide. We would like to thank Linda Sterns, GCS Board Member, whose generous donation of the carnations made this event possible.

GCS BULLETIN BOARD

Garden Center’s

ANNUAL WALK N’ ROLL-A-THON

Saturday, June 4, 201110:00am-1:00pm

Garden Center Services Main Building

8333 S. Austin Avenue

Burbank, Illinois 60459

If you would like to sponsor

this event, or if you need a

participant packet, please call

Debbie at 708-398-6504.

Join us at California Pizza Kitchenfor a flavorful FUNdraising event!Tuesday, May 17, 2011 (ALL DAY)

California Pizza KitchenCantera • 28258 Diehl Road(In front of Regal Cinemas)630.393.0852

Download a flyer from our website www.gardencenterservices.org, give the flyer to your server and 20% of your check will be donated to Garden Center!

SEE YOU THERE!

• If you can’t attend, but would like to send

a donation, we’ll take it! g Please mail or

drop off your donations at the main building.

Thank you for your support!

This past April 15th was more than just tax day. In Merrionette Park, it was also a day to celebrate Garden Center Services and connect with a new generation of potential supporters. The Garden Center Potting Party, held at 115 Bourbon Street, was the brainchild of Annmarie Caulfield, the niece of Sheri Kunkes who attends Garden Center Services. Annmarie’s Uncle, John Kunkes, is also a part of the Garden Center family where he serves on the Board of Directors. Annmarie will be graduating in May from Lewis University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Leadership. She chose to support Garden Center by creating and implementing the Potting Party fundraiser as the Capstone project for her degree program.

By all measures the Potting Party was a huge success! Over 225 people attended the event which featured a live band, food, drinks, raffels, silent auction, and an art auction of paintings by the artists of Garden Gallery, Garden Center Services’ art program.

The event brought in over $6,000 for Garden Center Services and introduced our programs to a new group of people with whom we hope to continue our relationship for years to come. We are grateful to Annmarie for her hard work on the event and wish her much luck with her upcoming graduation!

“Potting Party” Plants Seeds for Growth

Pool TableLarge flower potsPicnic tablesZoo passesSport/Theater/Event ticketsNew dishesFlat screen TVBookshelfNew bath towelsVacuum cleaner & attachmentsNew gardening toolsLaptop computersCraft suppliesWall art Frames for artworkBlank canvasesX-Box & dance gamesLiving room setXbox KinectGym Memberships or passesAssistance with club duesLiving Room Set

GARDEN CENTER’S

NEEDS LIST

Annmarie (center) takes a moment to enjoy the festivities

If you have an item to donate, please email Anne McFerron at amcferron@gardencenterservices.org

Over 225 people attended the Garden Center Potting Party

This April marked Garden Center’s first annual Flower Power Day. Consumers and staff sent a flower with a note of appreciation to people in the Garden Center family who they wanted to recognize. It was a big hit with all involved. Over 1000 carnations were sent agency-wide. We would like to thank Linda Sterns, GCS Board Member, whose generous donation of the carnations made this event possible.

Garden Center Artists auctioned off their work during the event

AROUND GCSWHERE WE GROW DIGNITY AND INDEPENDENCE

phone 708.636.0054

email info@gardencenterservices.org

web www.gardencenterservices.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Barbara Clarke 1st Vice President Scott Hardek 2nd Vice President Doug CombsSecretary Shelly ScintoTreasurer R. Pat Ballis

Members: John J. Kunkes Frances MientusLinda Stearns Daniel Wenzler

http://www.facebook.com/gardencenterservices

http://twitter.com/gardencentersrv

http://www.youtube.com/user/gardencenterservices

May 17th California Pizza Kitchen Fundraiser

June 4thGCS Walk ‘N Roll-a-Thon

Important Dates!

Ed and Gerry celebrate Ed’s retirement after 14 years of service to Garden Center

Jackie puts the finishing touches on her artwork in Garden Center’s Art Studio

Maria and Chrissy enjoy a night out Liz E.’ s group takes a picture for Ed’s retirement photo album

Jerry and Tim take a bowling break Cathy and Jackie

Rachel and Melissa Lynn and Julie

DETAILS INSIDE THIS ISSUE!