THIS MONTH’S ISSUE

THE LEAFLET

The View From My Chair

GCS Family Spotlight

Celebrate Me Home Benefit

Around GCS

01020304

ISSUE OCTOBER YEAR 2012

A 501(C)(3) NONpROfIT ORgANIzATION

a MESSagE frOM OUr ExEcUTIvE dIrEcTOr

A 501(C)(3) NONpROfIT ORgANIzATION

The View from My Chair

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.

Check out Gerry's Blog at www.GardenCenterServices.org

If there’s a Fall nip in the air, it must be time to begin thinking about our agency’s 56th Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon. I’m excited by some novel changes and additions to this year’s program and hope many of you will be able to join us on Sunday, Nov. 4th, at the Doubletree Hotel in Alsip. Being one of the agency’s two large fundraisers for the year, we obviously are hopeful about generating some much needed revenue for our programs; but this is also an opportunity for us to come together as the Garden Center family to celebrate our accomplishments and the individuals we are honored to support. I’m thrilled with this year’s theme, “EVERYDAY SUPERHEROES”, and look forward to sharing some of the stories I have about the superheroes I’ve encountered during my time at Garden Center!

I want to thank all of you that responded to our request to volunteer for this year’s

Knights of Columbus’ Tootsie Roll Drive. We now have four councils that we team up with, and as we’re able to provide persons that can work the various locations

assigned to these councils, we receive a percentage of the donations. Last year for our efforts we accepted checks from the Knights totaling $4,700. During such stretched economic times, these additional funds are so valuable.

I also appreciated those of you that went on line and voted for our agency to win one of the grants from Chase Bank. Even though we didn’t generate

enough votes this time, any opportunity to participate in contests like this where we share information about our services with family, friends, and colleagues raises awareness about the Garden Center, grows our friends list, and increases support from the community.

“[The Annual Fashion Show] is an

opportunity for us to come together as the Garden Center family

to celebrate our accomplishments and the individuals we are honored to support”

GCS Business CornerGarden 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 ShoppeSecond 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.

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, churches and charities. Items that aren’t usable in their current form are recycled for metal and other parts 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.

Second Chance has a Super Sale each month. During that sale all items are 50% off. Seniors receive a 50% discount every Monday.

Garden Center Family Spotlight

ROBERTHALL

Second Chance Thrift Shoppe

Address: 44 Stephen Street in LemontPhone: (630) 243-1279Store Hours: Mon. thru Sat. 10am-4pm & 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.

Fall items are on sale now. Christmas items will be out

October 14th.

Bonnie and Ron Nalepa

Second Chance offers a wide array of items from clothing, books, and furniture to collectables and toys.

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!

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.

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.

The Celebrate Me Home website continues to accept your donations toward this great cause. Just visit www.celebratemehomebenefit.com.

Thank you for your support!

Celebrate Me Home Benefit a HUgE Success! gardEN

cENTEr’S NEEdS LIST

Christmas lightsEmpty cereal boxesDigital cameras Electric oven Laptop Computers Sofa/ChairsUmbrellasFree-standing shelf unitsPrinterPhoneOffice deskMicrowaveBooksElectronic keyboards (music)Event ticketsCraft suppliesFrames for artworkBlank canvasesX-Box and Wii games

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

GCS BULLETIN BOARD

GCS 56th Annual Fashion Show

Sunday, November 4thDoubleTree Hotel

5000 W . 127th St.Alsip, IL

BUY TICKETS and SPONSORSHIPS ON OUR WEBSITE

Tinley Chamber Bag Crawl

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:

CARSON’s COMMUNITY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN!

Friday, Oct 5th 10am-noonFriday, Oct 19th 6pm-8pm

Thursday, Nov 8th 6pm-8pmFriday, Nov 2nd noon-2pm

or contact Michele Hula to make arrangements to purchase a coupon book at Garden Center (773) 941-4151 Ext. 212.

Downtown TinleyKiddie Boo Bash

Bring the family to visit Garden Gallery & Studio as we help put on the

downtown Tinley Kiddie Boo BashSunday, October 28thOak Park Ave. Train StationNoon to 4pm

Costume parade and contest for kids and pets, dancing, trick ‘or treating and more!

Sunday, Oct. 21stEvent 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

FIRST FRIDAY AT THE GALLERY

Friday, October 5th7pm to 9pm Garden Gallery & Studio

ANNUAL FASHION SHOW

Sunday, November 4th DoubleTree in Alsip at noon

Don’t Forget!

WHErE WE grOW dIgNITy aNd INdEpENdENcE

phone 708.636.0054

email info@gardencenterservices.org

web www.gardencenterservices.org

BOard Of dIrEcTOrS

http://www.facebook.com/gardencenterservices

http://twitter.com/gardencentersrv

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

http://gardencenterservices.wordpress.com/

AROUND gCS

Don and DeJuan work the Tootsie Roll DriveArtists at Garden Gallery get their creative juices flowing with some morning exercise

president daniel Wenzler

1st vice president Scott Hardek

2nd vice president doug combs

Treasurer r. pat Ballis

Secretary annmarie caulfield

Members: John J. Kunkes

Linda Stearns

Linda Sherwood

Sharon duncan

Jenny Wojcik

Shop GCS Businesses another way you can help us make a difference...

Bonnie poses with her favorite Harley

Chris, Andy and Humberto show off their rhythm in music group

For more information, visit www.GardenCenterServices.org/our-businesses.html

GCS Ink Cartridge and Small Electronics Recycling44 Stephen Street, Lemont

17459 S. Oak Park Ave. Tinley Park

COFFEE Co.COFFEE Co..Tastes Good. Does Good. Feels Good

For sale online, at day sites, & at Garden Gallery Gift Shop

17459 SOUTH OAK PARK AVENUE, TINLEY PARKwww.GardenGalleryandStudio.com 7 0 8 - 4 0 7 - 8 6 6 6

Art F O R A L L

Garden Gallery & Studio’s

First Friday at the GalleryLive Music, Wine & Cheese

Friday, October 5th from 7pm to 9pm

Garden Gallery & Studio is a support business of Garden Center Services, a provider of vocational and residential services for adults with developmental disabilities

$23,550

Program Relocationto Kedzie Goals 2-4

$44,000

Adam gets his wish to see a big rig up close

Make a donation at www.GardenCenterServices.org

50%OFF

everything

SECOND CHANCE

THRIFT SHOPPE

SUPER SALEOctober 21st 12pm-4pm

HALF OFF EVERYTHING IN THE STORE!

44 Stephen Street Lemont, IL