Seventy Years of Progress - And the Work Still Ahead
March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize progress, celebrate inclusion, and recommit ourselves to ensuring that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the opportunity to live full, meaningful lives in the communities they call home.
This year holds special significance for us at Garden Center Services as we are celebrating our 70th anniversary of serving individuals with disabilities.
For seven decades, our organization has walked alongside individuals and families - evolving, learning, and growing together. What began as a small effort driven by the compassion and determination of parents, has become an agency woven into the fabric of the communities we serve.
community integration. We have seen the expansion of employment opportunities, residential options, educational access, and selfadvocacy. Most importantly, we have seen individuals once marginalized become leaders, coworkers, neighbors, and friends.
These gains did not happen by accident. They are the result of persistent advocacy, visionary families, dedicated staff & professionals, and communities willing to embrace inclusion.
At Garden Center Services, we are profoundly grateful for:
Over the past 70 years, the landscape of services for individuals with developmental disabilities has transformed dramatically. We have witnessed the shift from institutionalization to
• The people we serve.
• The families who entrusted us with their loved ones and who have been our partners in advocacy and growth.
• Our extraordinary staff whose compassion,
Gerry & Margaret cut a rug at the Valentine Dance
GARDEN CENTER FAMILY
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH: Recognizing the People Who Help Garden Center Grow
April is National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize the extraordinary impact volunteers make in our communities and in our daily lives. At Garden Center, volunteerism is essential. It strengthens our services, enriches the experiences we offer, and helps bridge the gap created by insufficient state funding. Every hour donated and every skill shared directly supports our mission.
Second Chance Thrift Shoppe is a clear example of this impact. With 25 dedicated volunteers, the shop stays stocked, organized, and beautifully decorated for every imaginable holiday. The commitment of these volunteers helped generate more than $179,400 last fiscal year for Garden Center, funds that directly support programs and services for the people we serve.
Volunteers like Janice Kiska, an Art Instructor in our Community Day Services program, bring their talents and passions into our programming. By sharing her artistic expertise, Janice creates richer, more meaningful opportunities for participants to explore creativity, build confidence, and discover new interests.
Volunteerism at Garden Center extends far beyond our walls. Nearly 50 Community Day Program participants volunteer weekly at nine local charities, including Ronald McDonald House, The Children’s Farm, The Greater Chicago Ferret Association, Forest Preserves of Cook County, Meals on Wheels, and others. Through this program, participants build social connections, develop valuable skills, and experience the pride that comes from giving back to their community.
National Volunteer Month reminds us that service is powerful, and at Garden Center, it is transformative. Our volunteers help us grow, thrive, and continue providing meaningful opportunities for the individuals and families we support.
If you or your service/employee/church group are interested in volunteer opportunities at Garden Center, visit our website or email Michele at mhula@GardenCenterServices.org
GCS 70th ANNIVERSARY GALA
This year is GCS 70th Anniversary! In place of the 2026 Spring Fling, we are having a special anniversary celebration on June 28th at Gaelic Park. We will be celebrating our garden’s growth: past, present, and future.
Please save the date and stay tuned for more details!
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We’re working hard to direct as much funding as possible to the people we support and the staff who support them, but the cost of printing and mailing our newsletter makes that harder to do. You can help us stretch our resources by receiving The Leaflet via email.
Sign up on our website or send your email address to amcferron@GardenCenterServices.org.
Thank you!
Tracey, Genia & Karen deliver Meals on Wheels
A few of our dedicated Thrift Volunteers
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION
Inside Garden Center’s Collaboration with Moraine Valley Community College
LEADERSHIP TRAINING SERIES
Last April, 25 Garden Center Leadership staff embarked on an eight-month, grant-funded, leadership training series through Moraine Valley Community College. Coursework covered Fundamentals of Supervision and Management, Interpersonal Communication, and Building Skills for Effective Collaboration. Last Month, we celebrated the accomplishments of this esteemed group with a luncheon and certificate presentation. The group also discussed their experiences in the program and what types of trainings they believed would be beneficial for Garden Center supervisors in the future. We look forward to implementing new leadership trainings and congratulate the group on their accomplishments!
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT FOR GARDEN CENTER STAFF
This past July, Garden Center began offering tuition reimbursement at Moraine Valley for our staff. The college charges a in-area fee for GCS employees (regardless of their personal address). Garden Center pays 100% of coursework costs including the student’s books. If you are a Garden Center employee who would like to take advantage of this opportunity, contact your supervisor.
EXCITEMENT BUILDS AS GARDEN APARTMENTS NEAR OPENING!
A quick photo op in the apartment’s gazebo
In February, prospective residents of Garden Center’s Permanent Supportive Housing toured a nearby building similar to our Garden Apartments now under construction. Margaret captured the group’s enthusiasm: “I love them so much! I can’t wait!”
The visitors were impressed by the spacious, modern units and enjoyed imagining their future homes and how each might make the space their own.
Opening this summer in Worth, IL, Garden Apartments will include 16 units, 12 one-bedroom and 4 two-bedroom. The development will also offer on-site staff support for residents who require additional assistance.
Interested applicants should apply for a voucher through the Housing Authority of Cook County. After you’re certified and construction reaches 80% completion (expected in late April) applications to live in Garden Apartments will open on the housing authority’s website.
Follow the QR code or visit https://thehacc.org/residents/#housing-choice to get started now on your voucher.
Watch GardenCenterServices.org for notification when Garden Apartment applications open. Housing Authority
FOCUS
Cindy, Asia & Gerry celebrate
Growing dignity and independence
8333 S. Austin Ave. Burbank, IL 60459
10444 S. Kedzie Chicago, IL 60655
phone 773-941-4151
email info@GardenCenterServices.org
web www.GardenCenterServices.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT/CEO Gerry Beagles
CHAIR Jenny Wojcik
VICE CHAIRDr. Chris Grunow
SECRETARY Shannon Benaitis
TREASURER Mary Ann Lema
MEMBERS Kathleen Akin
Lisa Beemsterboer
John Considine
Rep. Mary Gill
Cindy Malloy
Kari Riordan
OUR MISSION
Advancing lives of connection, contribution, and meaning for persons with developmental disabilities and the individuals that support them.
SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SALES
MAR 28th APR 25th
General Store Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 4pm
Donation Hours: Thursdays & Saturdays 10am to 2pm
GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME Any time you can help is appreciated. If you can sign up for one three-hour shift a week, that would be terrific! Visit our website and follow the THRIFT link for more information OR reach out to Ray at 708-330-1849.
continued from page 1
professionalism, and daily commitment make independence and dignity possible.
• The generous individuals, foundations, and businesses whose financial support has sustained and strengthened our mission over the decades.
Because of this collective effort, thousands of lives have been enriched - and our communities are stronger for it.
Yet, while we celebrate progress, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie before us.
Recent funding and policy changes at the federal level have created significant fiscal pressures for agencies like ours. Across the country, nonprofit providers are navigating rising operational costs, workforce shortages, regulatory shifts, and uncertainty in reimbursement structures. For community-based organizations, even modest reductions or delays in funding can have profound impacts - not just on agencies, but on the individuals and families who depend on consistent, high-quality support.
The reality is simple: community inclusion requires community investment.
As we reflect during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we are reminded that progress is never permanent without vigilance. The rights, opportunities, and services that individuals enjoy today were secured through decades of advocacy. Sustaining and expanding those gains will require the same courage, collaboration, and commitment.
Garden Center Services remains steadfast in our mission. For 70 years, we have adapted to changing environments while keeping one constant focus - improving the quality of life for the individuals we serve. We will continue to advocate, to innovate, and to stand with the people and families who rely on us.
In this issue’s insert, you will see information from Fund Development Associate, Hailey Kmetty, explaining our kickoff of a Monthly Giving Initiative and how you can easily participate.
This month, we celebrate how far we have come. And we renew our promise to keep moving forward. Together.
