Special Thanks for Friends of

Exceptional Children

Monster Bash event for families, foodies & Bears fansGood Shepherd Center’s Monster Bash event on October 19 is one for the whole family. Bring your kids to enjoy the children area with professionally trained supervision while parents watch the Bears game and eat amazing meals from local Food Trucks at CD & Me in Frankfort. During the game, legendary ‘85 Bears Defensive Tackle Steve “Mongo” McMichael will make an appearance to liven the Bears excitement! Attendees can arrive anytime between 11:00 am – 5:00 pm at CD & Me located at 23320 S. LaGrange Rd. Frankfort, IL. Eat like a monster from the popular Babycakes Gourmet food truck and Yum Dum food truck. Throughout the years, Babycakes Chef/Owner Leah Wilcox has created more than 250 sweet and savory pancake

recipes, which include strawberry margarita, maple bacon, and chipotle chicken tamale. Yum Dum Chef/Owner Jeff Wang believes that food should be a culinary adventure and a cultural

experience. The theme is focused on dumplings offering all types of Chinese food and famous for their Kimcheesy Rice Balls. Wang has explained, “Yum Dum’s food comes from my mom’s home cooking; exactly what I ate growing up as a child. This is the food that I love to share and the story that I love to tell.”

Families should bring their “little monsters” with Halloween costumes encouraged. A kid area will be available with fall themed games and activities with professionally trained supervision. (Continued inside)

Thanks to you who take time to listen to difficult speech, For you help us to know that if we persevere,We can be understood.Thanks to you who walk with us in public places, And ignore the stares of strangers, For in your companionship,We find havens of peace.Thanks to you who never bid us to “hurry up”, And more thanks to you Who do not snatch tasks from our hands to do them for us, For often we need time rather than help.Thanks to you who stand beside us As we enter new and untried ventures, For our failures will be outweighed By the times we surprise ourselves and you.Thanks to you who ask for our help, For our greatest need is to be needed.Thanks to you when you assure us, That the one thing that makes us individuals Is not in our peculiar muscles, Nor in our wounded nervous systems, Nor in our difficulties in learning, Nor any exterior difference.But is in our inner, personal, individual self Which no infirmity can diminish or erase.

-Author unknown, but appreciated

(submited by Barbara Johnson)

Inside the CenterA Newsletter Highlighting Exceptional Children & Families Fall 2014

Wyatt of Frankfort enjoyed dressing up and playing with the games at Good Shepherd Center’s fall event last year.

This is the food that I love to share and the story that I love to tell.

-Yum Dum Owner Jeff Wang 2 food trucks with amazing food

The only way to be sure that program offerings for families at an agency remain effective in meeting their needs are to continue to question

exactly what the needs in the community are, as they are

always changing.

Since the close of the center-based Early Intervention Program it has become apparent that the largest loss in the service was the ability for families to meet each other and provide natural supports for each other. Another problem that we have identified over the years is the great difficulty families of a child with special needs face in securing high quality Child Care services.

Soon, we hope to remedy both of these problems as Good Shepherd Center has made an offer to a local child care provider to acquire their business and the offer has been accepted! While we are still in the process of working out all the legal details of the acquisition, it is our hope that we will initiate ownership of the business by December. This location will of course care for children with and without special needs as we continue to educate the community that all children are special.

While providing high quality services in a child care center can be a challenging task, we are excited to add up to 70 new families to our extended GSC family each year. We are very aware, at Good Shepherd Center, that only through change can we all continue to grow.

If you have any questions about our impending child care services please feel free to contact me at 708-335-0020 x26.

Sincerely,

Brendan McCormick

A Message from Good Shepherd Center Executive Director

Our evolving mission

I have been Board President of Good Shepherd Center since 2009 and I have been a member of the Board since 2007. Prior to serving in these capacities, my family became a Good Shepherd Center Family in 2001, when my son Joey was born with significant disabilities.

Good Shepherd Center entered our lives through a team of caring and professional therapists. As many of you know, the value of feeling that you are not alone cannot be measured and this is how my wife Katie and I felt about Good Shepherd Center’s impact on our family.

In 2003, our son Joey passed away but my family’s connection with Good Shepherd Center has continued. When Brendan asked if I would serve on the Board I jumped at the chance.

I find that being on the Board is extremely rewarding. I have the opportunity to work alongside some very intelligent people and help to shape the future of Good Shepherd Center. I am able to see firsthand how the agency is working to improve individual’s lives.

Perhaps most importantly, I feel as though I am giving back to Good Shepherd Center as Joey, the recipient of so much love, would want me to do.

We are always looking to add new and fresh ideas to our Board. I would encourage any of you reading this article to take a moment and think about serving on our Board. The commitment is extremely manageable - we meet 4 times a year with the occasional committee meeting. Our meetings are lively and productive plus there’s food!

If you have any questions you can contact Brendan at 708-335-0020 x26 or feel free to email me tylertallgrass@gmail.com Thank you.

Please Join Us in Making a Positive Difference

Josh Tyler, Board President

Find us online at gscenter.org & like us at www.facebook.com/gscenterkids

When my brother visits from Miami, he always has a gift for our daughters, Donae (6) and Rhonda-Rene (3). One particular visit he brought them a set of wooden, Russian Dolls. It was delightful watching them discover, what they presumed to be one doll, actually

being several nested within one another. I would liken their enchantment to my experience with Good Shepherd Center (GSC). It has been the gift that keeps on giving. Just when I think I’ve discovered it all, another treasure is revealed.

We thought GSC was a service to provide reprieve, and they are. However, we’ve gotten far more than a break since the first worker walked over our threshold last year.

They’ve become our village. Our team consists of Avery, Lorenia, Pam, Patricia, Tonya, Colette, and Robina. They’re all nurturing. My husband, Don, and I are hands-on parents. We invest a lot of face time with our kids. My initial concern was that they might be plopped in front of a television for entertainment. However, that’s not been the case. They engage our girls with various activities such as reading books, playing with puzzles, painting, drawing, and games.

Recently Donae said, “Mommy, today Ms. Patricia and I played a game where I killed a man.” Wide-eyed I replied, “Pardon me?” She pulled me by the arm to the outside patio saying, “See? I won. We played Hangman!” I smiled and thought, “What an excellent educational game to play.”

We can’t thank GSC enough. It has really helped our family in this special needs journey. We were happy to help raise money and awareness of GSC services by participating in this year’s 4th annual Fashion Show. We will continue to do all that we can to show our support and appreciation. Because of what GSC does, we now have a better quality of life. Thank you for making it your mission to see the abilities in those who have disabilities. Claudia Parker describes herself as a Christian, Wife, Mother, Author & Speaker. More information is available at ClaudiaParker.net. (If you would like to write about your family’s experience with Good Shepherd Center, please contact Kristen Bonk at kbonk@gscenter.org or call (708) 335-0020 ext. 20.)

Family Highlight:

The Parker Family and GSC Respite

Monster Bash cont.The Chicago Bears game against the Miami Dolphins will be aired at noon inside CD & Me on a 60” screen on the wall and the 50” screen behind the bar. Fans can enjoy the Monsters of the Midway by watching the game and meet 1985 Bears legend Steve “Mongo” McMichael. He will arrive around half time and will do signings and pictures. Bears items, such as 8 x 10 photographs, mini helmets, etc., will also be available for sale if attendees want to receive Steve McMichael’s autograph. After the Bears game, live music will be provided by local band Cloud of Shame, who describes their music as classic rock and today’s hits. Throughout the day teams of two people can participate in a bean bag tournament. The entry fee is $50 per team and the winning prize is half of the total entry pot. We are hoping to have 16 teams or more which would mean the winners could take home at least $400. Also at the event will be several raffles with opportunities to win cash and prizes. A silent auction with several

Bears items and fall baskets will be available as well. General admission to attend for ages 12 years and up is $10, under the age 12 is free. A limited number of tickets will be sold for the VIP experience at $100 which will include 2 free drinks, hour long meet and greet with Steve McMichael, 2 free samplings from the food trucks and front row seats to watch the game and band. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.Call Development Director Kristen Bonk at 708-335-0020 ext. 20 or email kbonk@gscenter.org to reserve your spot. Mention the number of adults and children. More information is available at www.gscenter.org/events/monster-bash.

by Claudia Parker

Parker sisters Rhonda-Renee and Donae helped model the latest fashions in Good Shepherd Center’s annual fashion show.

Parker Family are all smiles with help from

Good Shepherd Center’s Respite Care

In Loving MemoryFor an agency to be successful in meeting the needs of those served it must have dedicated and caring staff to

implement the mission statement. Over the years, Good Shepherd Center has been blessed with many of these types of staff however Mary Kay Brooks just seemed to stand out above the group as one of the cornerstones of the agency.

Mary Kay started at Good Shepherd Center in 1977 and for 30

years she served as an example for so many other staff to follow in providing service with determination, empathy and love.

A mother once shared her story with me about her daughter whom Mary Kay was providing Physical Therapy for in the following way, “I have wondered since my daughter was born, will she ever be able to walk? Will I ever see my daughter dance?

With assistance from Mary Kay this same mother shared, “within two years due of receiving the needed attention and therapy from Mary Kay, my daughter achieved all of her developmental milestones, including learning to walk, climb stairs and even run!”

Beyond being an important part of countless children and families lives, Mary Kay also informally served as the agency Human Resource department. Dozens of staff that have worked at the agency over the years and many that still work here today came to Good Shepherd Center because Mary Kay invited them to share in her joy.

In addition to her direct work with our children, Mary Kay could always be depended on to be at every family event and party; as our families had truly become hers. Her attendance would make the event more special for all. She truly understood that a person does not work at Good Shepherd Center; they become part of an extended family.

This past year at the agency Fashion Show we were pleased to present Mary Kay with the “Making a Difference” award which in the future shall now be called the “Mary Kay Brooks” award. Only a few weeks after that event, Mary Kay passed away leaving us all in shock and sadness.

It was my privilege to have provided her with the award on that day and certainly to have worked with her over the years. She is sorely missed by us all!

Thank You to All DonorsA tremendous thank you to the following individuals, corporations and service groups, who have donated to Good Shepherd

Center during the period of January 1 - October 3, 2014. It is always our intent to thank the people who share in our mission by making donations to the agency. If you found that we overlooked someone, please inform us so we can rectify that

situation. Good Shepherd Center cherishes each friend who gives, knowing that all gifts are given from the heart.

Mr & Mrs Paul / Gail BehrmanMr & Mrs Josh / Kristen BonkMr & Mrs Dave / Joanne BruffThe Honorable Anthony DeLucaMr Michael FrancisMr & Mrs Ernest / Carolyn GibsonMr & Mrs Donald / Marchelle GoensMs Mary E. HarlandMr & Mrs Wallace / Lois HeinMr & Mrs Steve / Gayle HombergMr & Mrs Robert / Patricia HoustonThe Honorable Fran HurleyMr & Mrs Robert / Dolores Jones

Honorable & Mrs Linzey / Gloria Jones & FamilyMr & Mrs David / Brook KlawitterMr & Mrs Brendan / Lorraine McCormickMr James MommsenMr & Mrs Tennes / Joanne NelsonMr & Mrs Kenneth / Amy NovanderMs Bev OlsonThe Honorable Al RileyThe Honorable Robert RitaMr & Mrs Robert / Pamela Rodey

Mr & Mrs David / Jackie RotondiMr John RyanMs Meghann SalusMr Richard SiwekMr Stephen / Sheila StanicekMr Christopher SullaMr & Mrs James / Lori SwartwoutMr James TylerMr & Mrs Josh / Kathryn TylerMr & Mrs James / Therese WelserMs Linda Witting

In Memory of Mary Kay BrooksDr. John BrooksMr. & Mrs. Leighton / Peggy BroxtermanMr. & Mrs. Michael / Janice CholkeMr. Patrick CondonMrs. Sharon CooperMs. Rachel CorbinMr. & Mrs. Thomas / Irene CostelloMr. & Mrs. Terry /Mary K. DavisMr. and Mrs. Walt / Sharon DeBoltAnonymous DonorsMr. & Mrs. James / Sue EatonMr. & Mrs. Josh / Andrea EisenbergMs. Leslie Engstrand-GucaMs. June Erdmier-SalenMr. & Mrs. FavelMr & Mrs Chuck / Sue GaskillMs. Erica GozziMs. Gina GraefenMr & Mrs Daniel / Deborah GreenbergMr. & Mrs. Keith / Sharon GrillMs. Suzanne HalpinMr & Mrs Jack / Marge HayesMs. Patricia HeathMs. Morgan HeningtonMr & Mrs Richard / Mary Kay HertzMr. & Mrs. Robert / Mindy HodgeMs. Mina IbrahimDr & Mrs Richard / Barbara JohnsonMr & Mrs Robert / Patricia JudgeMs. Pamela KappmeyerMr & Mrs Thomas / Joyce KolavoMr. David KozacekMr. & Mrs. Frank / Mary Margaret LangleyMs. Diane LauterbachMr. & Mrs. Ramone / Tiffany LewisMs. Raquel LopezMr. & Mrs. Tom / Daphne McCoyMr. & Mrs. James / Marianne NapoliDr. & Mrs. John / Carol NaydenMr & Mrs Dennis Martha O’BoyleMs. Margaret ParedesMr. & Mrs. James / Nancy PfiefferMr. & Mrs. John / Donna PiazzaMrs. Dana QuintanaMr. Suad RafatiMs. Sandra ReichMr. & Mrs. Michael / Carole RiceMr. & Mrs. Roy / Jeane RobbinsMr. & Mrs. RobertsonMr. & Mrs. Laphonso / Lea RobinsonMr. & Mrs. RoetersMr. & Mrs. John /Jennifer SagratiMr. & Mrs. Greg / Kerry SloyanMr. & Mrs. SteadmanMs. Joan SwartzMr & Mrs Edward / Doris SweeneyMr. & Mrs. Jim / Karen TapscottMs. Tiffani TateMr. & Mrs. Theodore / Frieda WongMr. & Mrs. James / Delores WoodMr. & Mrs. Bart / Joann Zona

In Memory of Eunice BudzinskiSeguin RCA

In Memory of Milton DesForgesMr. & Mrs. Roy / Barbara Goesel

In Honor of Ryan HoganMr. & Mrs. Michael / Barbara Hogan

In Honor of Robert & Kathleen JonesIllinois Retail Merchants Association

In Honor of Dennis KilleleaMr. & Mrs. Kevin / Kim Killelea

In Memory of Nancy Molander PriceMr. Doug Price

In Honor of Jason SchmitzMr. & Mrs. Richard / Susan Schmitz

In Memory of Gretchen StanicekThe Blair and Arlene Stanicek Charitable FundMr. Frank Stanicek

In Memory of Joey TylerMr. Kevin SmetanaMr & Mrs Jeffry Tyler

In Memory of James WardMs. Maureen Foertsch

In Memory of Pearl SonsMr. & Mrs. Anthony / Carol BrunoMr. & Mrs. Joseph / Georgia CasellaMr & Mrs Jack / Marge HayesMs. Patricia HeathMr. & Mrs. Robert / Stephie KlimasMr. & Mrs. Thomas / Lynn KlimasMs. Joyce LambertaMs. Olga MandichMr. & Mrs. Joseph / Deborah MarconiMr. & Mrs. Kenneth / Mary PetersMr. & Mrs. Dennis / Diana StansberryMr & Mrs Josh / Kathryn TylerMr. Richard Wiegand

Corporations & Service GroupsA.W. Management CompanyAmerican Eyecare CenterApple Chevrolet, Inc.Arlington International RacecourseAurelio’s Family Pizzeria- HomewoodBalmoral ParkBittyfotosBriosa BoutiqueCookie Lee JewelryCooper’s Hawk Winery & RestaurantsCostcoCritchell-Miller & Petrus, Inc.Ethan Allen Retail

Eye Level Learning Center of Orland Park NorthFleckenstein’s BakeryFlossmoor Community ChurchFlossmoor Service LeagueFlossmoor Station RestaurantFood Packaging WarehouseFrancesca’s FortunatoFresh Starts Restaurant & CateringFriends for JoeyGaido & FintzenGrady’s GrilleGreat Lakes Credit UnionHeart and Sole DanceH-F Racquet & Fitness ClubHinda IncentivesHodge Home MaintenanceHomewood DisposalHomewood-Flossmoor Park DistrictI-CAREIngalls HospitalJenny’s Steakhouse & PubJP Morgan Chase FoundationKenwood Liquors - Homer GlenKiwanis Club of Park ForestKoehler & Passarelli, LLCLane McVicker, LLCLeo Burnett Company Charitable FoundationLia SophiaLicensed MassageMak Design Group, IncorporatedMarszewski & Galvin LawMartin Whalen Office SolutionsMaster RollsMiller, Cooper & Co., LtdK of C Charities, Inc. Council #3761Olympia Fields Country ClubO’Neill, McFadden & Willett, LLPPACEPenny Lane Schools, LtdPrairie State CollegePrepared Girl Garment BagsRavisloe Country ClubRosebud RestaurantsSchaumburg Executive SuitesSeguin RCAStarbucksState Farm Insurance - Severo PedrosaSuburban Service LeagueSybaris Pool SuitesThe Clare Association of ChicagoThe Great Frame UpWalt’s Food CenterWindy City ThunderboltsWolf ’s BakeryZettlmeier Bakerei

(Thank You to All Donors Continued)

Non Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 14Flossmoor, IL

Good Shepherd CenterServing Children & Families Since 1963

17314 S. Kedzie AvenueHazel Crest, IL 60429

708-335-0020www.gscenter.org

Community Partner Program17512 Carriageway

Hazel Crest, IL 60429(708) 957-2600

Address Service Requested

Calendar of Events• Sunday, October 19 - Good Shepherd Center

Monster Bash at CD & Me in Frankfort, IL• Saturday, December 6 - Cookies & Milk with Santa - Location TBD• Saturday, February 28 - Strong Children ~ Strong Communities

Conference at Prairie State College Chicago Heights, IL• Saturday, April 18 - Good Shepherd Center 5th Annual Fashion

Show at Idlewild Country Club in Flossmoor, IL • Friday, June 12 - Good Shepherd Center’s 7th Annual Golf Outing

at Ravisloe Country Club in Homewood, IL All proceeds raised from these activities benefit families with exceptional children who benefit from

Good Shepherd Center services. To purchase tickets or for additional information contact Good Shepherd Center’s Director of Development Kristen Bonk at kbonk@gscenter.org or call 708-3350020 ext. 20 or write to

Good Shepherd Center 17314 Kedzie Ave. Hazel Crest, IL 60429.