The Sertoma Centre is a wonderful organization, and currently has two locations in Alsip, Illinois, and nine residential homes throughout the south and southwest suburbs. Sertoma Centre is a nationally accredited, not-for-profit agency that provides services to more than 650 individuals with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, and/or mental illness. These services include vocational evaluation, developmental training, community-based assessments, senior programming, work adjustment training, residential services, janitorial skill training, foster care, job placement services, supported employment, specialized services, school transition services, psychosocial rehabilitation,autism services, and a sheltered workshop program.
Sertoma Centre receives funding for its programs through state agencies, third parties, private pay, United Way and donations from service organizations, businesses and individuals. Contract work in packaging, assembly, and janitorial services also provides significant program support. Services are provided to individuals based on their eligibility and available openings, enabling people with disabilities, regardless of income, to benefit from the Centre's programs.
You might ask yourself, how can I support the Sertoma Centre? Here are some ways to do so:
1) Become a Silent Partner!
Supporting the work of Sertoma Centre on a very personal, quiet, and committed level, members give an annual gift of $500 or more to this program. For more information, call Amy Chmura, Director of Advancement and Communications, at 708-730-6206. There are currently close to 60 members, about a quarter of which are members of the Action Club. For more information, contact Melanie, or one of the Action Sertoma members. All members attend the Silent Partner dinner, which is a wonderful event, during which clients of Sertoma Centre serve a meal to the members. You also have the opportunity to attend the Silent Partner Golf Outing. So come on, what are you waiting for? Become a Silent Partner today!
2) Become a member of the Sertoma Centre Foundation Star Society!
Star Society members name the Centre Foundation as a beneficiary in a life insurance policy, in a will, or in a bequest. For more information on the Star Society, contact Amy Chmura, Director of Advancement and Communications, at 708-730-6206.
3) Shop at the Sertoma Centre "Good as New" Thrift Store!
Located at 4331 W. Lincoln Highway in Matteson, Illinois the thrift store offers wonderful bargains on "like new" merchandise. The store is open Monday - Saturday. So come on over and discover some great bargains - you need to shop anyway, why not help out Sertoma? And while you are at it, how about becoming a volunteer in the store? They can use your help for as many hours as you are willing to volunteer. Call the store at 708-481-5627.
4) Hop on the Sertoma Centre Fun Bus!
In March of eacg year, the "Fun Bus" leaves the Sertoma Centre on 123rd Street and heads downtown to McCormick Place at 4:00pm SHARP (returning at 9:30pm). Vendors at the Housewares Show generously donate entire booths of brand new merchandise for sale in the thrift store (see above). We are looking for individuals who would be willing to spend the evening packing up these items. You will receive a boxed dinner on the bus ride to Chicago. All volunteers must be over 18 years of age, and duties are based on your abilities. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact AmyChmura at the Sertoma Centre at 708-730-6206 or e-mail her at achmura@sertomacentre.org.
