DSP Appreciation Week is Here!
You will see in the September/October issue of The Leaflet where Cindy Haworth, our Associate Executive Director, and several other leadership staff at Garden Center Services, started off as direct support professionals. I myself, after a life changing experience spent volunteering at a church program supporting children with developmental and learning disabilities, decided at the […]
Illinois Grants an Increase!
Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle. Happiness never decreases by being shared. Gautama Buddha Dear Friends of Garden Center Services; the picture of me this time is of me finding a fun way to announce to our wonderful employees the news regarding a substantial increase to our rates from the Illinois […]
20 YEARS!
Persons with developmental disabilities want help creating these five valued life experiences: belonging, respect, sharing spaces, contribution, and choice. John O’Brien Before coming to Garden Center Services twenty years ago today, I had many mentors and teachers that helped shape my vision of how individuals should be seen, heard, and supported. I am thankful to all of […]
I’ve got the best job in the world!
Acceptance is created from an empowered movement that educates others to embrace diversity and love life by seeing beyond abilities. -Annie Hopkins If you count the two years I spent volunteering at the Special Religious Education Program at Blessed Sacrament parish in Springfield, I have been working with and advocating for adults with intellectual and/or […]
Time is Flying By
Always remember people who have helped you along the way, and don’t forget to lift someone up. Roy T. Bennett As I write my article for this end-of-year edition of The Leaflet, I find myself very aware of how quickly time is flying by. It seems as if just yesterday I was writing my New […]
DSP Week 2022
Compassion is the keen awareness of the interdependence of all things. -Thomas Merton In a couple of weeks we, and all agencies like ours throughout the country, will be celebrating Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (September 11-17). It is a great opportunity to focus on the incredibly committed, attentive direct support workforce that is the […]