PROGRAMS

Our Programs

We provide Community Day Services, Employment Support, and Residential Services through our Day Program, Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA), and Intermediate Care Facility (ICF).

Residential Alternatives

It is a privilege, and a serious commitment, to accept the responsibility of working with an individual we serve to assist him or her with a major life change of transitioning into a different home. It is our belief that these homes need to be a part of the fabric of the neighborhoods in which they are located.

 

It is our duty to ensure that we are establishing safe and secure environments that facilitate the persons living there to explore the five valued life experiences as described by John O’Brien:

  • Sharing ordinary places
  • Growing in relationship
  • Making choices
  • Contributing
  • Being respected

 

We will be successful regarding our efforts to integrate persons into the community when the homes are identified by the gifts and capabilities these persons are sharing with their neighbors. Each of our 10 Community Integrated Living Arrangements, that support anywhere from three to eight individuals, are staffed full time by our dedicated employees that have successfully completed our comprehensive staff training program.

 

The agency also manages one Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled, that is home to fifteen individuals. Our philosophy and approach to service delivery is the same for this setting as it is for our other residential settings.


I'd like to speak with someone about Residential Services

Community Day Services

The individuals that attend our day program services are provided a supportive, and stimulating environment where they find a real sense of community, while being guided by our dedicated staff to enhance those skills and strengths which will bring them the satisfaction and self-assurance they strive for.


There is a fervent commitment to promote a wider acknowledgement and acceptance of the persons we assist in the hope that their voices will be heard, their dreams respected, and their contributions appreciated. For this to occur we must learn how each individual communicates, and listen deeply. Then, as a group of staff, family, and allies come together to play a part in the creation of the individual’s service plan, we will be postured to follow their lead, rather than direct their path.


Individuals participate in programs and activities in a classroom or community-based setting. Participants can focus on personal goals related to life skills enhancement, volunteer, and/or real work-for-pay opportunities. To accomplish this, the agency has invested in the development of a professionally designed multi-faceted, engaging curriculum that draws on the interests and input of our participants.


I'd like to speak with someone about Community Day Services

Supported Employment

Garden Center Services’ Supported Employment Program is a creative approach to employment for people with disabilities and a valuable resource for local businesses. Employees receive individualized job skills training and on-the-job support to ensure their performance meets employer expectations and encourages job retention.


After a careful assessment of an individual’s skills and vocational interests, a GCS job developer will conduct a job search in the community, assisting prospective employers in the identification of appropriate jobs and tasks to meet the needs of their specific businesses. A comprehensive job analysis is conducted to ensure a good employer/employee match. An applicant is referred followed by a job interview, after which the final hiring decision is the employer’s.

I'd like to speak with someone about Supported Employment
Is your business looking for a great employee?
  • Are you looking for employees that walk through the door each morning and are eager to do their job?
  • Are you looking for staff that get real meaning and joy from a job well done?
  • Do you want your community to experience your business as one that embraces and supports a diverse and inclusive culture?
  • Would you like an employee that motivates other employees and creates a friendlier work place with increased productivity?

 

If you said YES to any or all of these questions, you should contact Garden Center Services to learn more about employing a person with an intellectual and/or developmental disability.


YES - I'm looking for a great employee!

What our Employers Say

"The staff here are beaming ear to ear because Mary has joined our team! Her energy and positive attitude makes her a wonderful addition, and she is perfect for the hostess position."

Julie Harrigan

Manager, Original Pancake House Oak Lawn

“Stacey is loved and appreciated by everyone and she is totally dedicated to her job. She is always on time and never misses a day. Stacey lifts the morale of our employees, customers, and visitors with every contact she makes.”

Art Hannus

American Heritage Protective Services, Inc.

"The staff here are beaming ear to ear because Mary has joined our team! Her energy and positive attitude makes her a wonderful addition, and she is perfect for the hostess position."

Julie Harrigan

Manager, Original Pancake House Oak Lawn

“Stacey is loved and appreciated by everyone and she is totally dedicated to her job. She is always on time and never misses a day. Stacey lifts the morale of our employees, customers, and visitors with every contact she makes.”

Art Hannus

American Heritage Protective Services, Inc.

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