Garden Center Services

Garden Center Services' cila program provides eleven small family-sized homes in the chicago suburbs to over fifty inidividuals allowing them to exercise choice, participate in mainstream community life and share in overall household duties. Garden Center Services cila program recognizes that there is not a"one size fits all" living arrangement for the individuals served. For this reason, Garden Center Services provides a variety of housing options including single family residences, apartments and a townhome. Garden Center Services' cila program is designed to support individuals with daily living skills from our highly qualified staff, and encourage participaton in activities within the community. Such activities include participating in special olympic programs, sporting events, park district activites, vacationing with friends, going shopping and volunteering in the neighborhood where they reside. Our qualified staff is available 24/7 to provide guidance, direction, and encouragement to the residents, while supporting them to fulfill their daily living skills and reach their individual goals with confidence. Through community involvement, the individuals we serve find acceptance, love and friendship, which fosters a growing sense of independence.

Garden Center Services operates an intermediate care facility for adults with intellectual disabilities (icf/id). This home is licensed by the Illinois department of healthcare and family Services (public health) and provides 24 hour residential care to the 15 individuals whom live within the home. Specifically trained staff assist individuals with daily living and independent life skills, while also promoting independence in these skill areas. Individuals in the home have their own bedrooms, and may have their own bathroom or share a jack-and-jill style bathroom with their neighbor.. The supported individuals are active members of the community, often participating in park district activities, volunteer opportunities, sporting events, and local festivities. Most residents have lived at the icf for over a decade, and coupled with long term staff caregivers, meaningful relationships and friendships have formed over the years.

Community day programs - Garden Center Services operates our community day program which is a uniquely crafted experieince designed to nuture the mind, body and soul of each individual that enters our doors. With a commitment to personalized attention, our program caters to over 100 participants, offering a diverse range of educational, vocational, and social experiences. We prioritize individualized attention, ensuring that each client receives tailored goals and support to maximize their personal growth. In addition to the enriching activities within our Center, the community day program extends its impact by activiely assisting participants to find meaningful paid work opportunities across various local businesses. Over the past year, such businesses included a car wash, a children's museum, the local park district, and various fast food establishments. Garden Center Services takes pride in fostering community integration. Our aim is to empower individuals in achieving meaningful employment and enhancing their well being. Opportunites for social responsibily are also available for participants. Participants have volunteered to help with projects such as the cook county forest preserve cleanups, and meals on wheels. Garden Center Services is dedicated to the pursuit of excellance, and has been awarded technical assistance thru the national expansion of employment opportunities network (neon). This strategic partnership will enable us to enhance service offerings and opportunities. Garden Center Services also operates the second chance thrift shoppe which is located in chicago, Illinois. The shop provides training and integration opportunities for consumers. The thrift shoppe offers a variety of household goods, clothing, collectibles, and furniture at bargain prices. Over thirty volunteers participate in staffing the store and raising proceeds that support the programs of Garden Center Services. Volunteers are always welcome. Donations of new and gently used goods are accepted on thursdays and saturdays.