The mission at Sertoma Centre is “to provide opportunities that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve personal success.”

Every day at Sertoma this mission is accomplished by those with developmental, physical, emotional disabilities and /or mental illness. Some of this success is major – like starting a job in the community or moving into their own apartment.

Other successes may seem minor to others, but to an individual with disabilities, getting dressed by oneself, learning how to make change at a vending machine, or mastering a new task in the workshop is a meaningful personal success!

For an individual with disabilities, each one of these victories represents another step in his/her own personal path toward greater independence and participation in their community. Sertoma Centre, Inc. has built its reputation on the many personal victories of the people it serves.

A non-profit agency, Sertoma Centre, Inc. is headquartered in Alsip, a south suburb of Chicago, Illinois. Based upon its reputation and achievements, individuals residing in parts of Chicago and its south and southwest suburban region receive the services provided by the Centre.

We hope you enjoy your visit to our website. We invite you to join us in our mission to provide opportunities that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve personal success.

We are proud to be founding member of Community Service Partners.

The BIG Event this Saturday!

 
Sertoma ready
for biggest fundraiser

Chicago
Tribune

Sertoma Centre Inc., which helps individuals with disabilities, is
gearing up for its 10th annual BIG Event, featuring a cook-off among
area firefighters, …

To view our different media offerings, please click any of the links below.

National Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk

Location: Montrose Harbor Chicago, IL

Date and time:  Sunday, September 9, 2012 10am


To learn more about any of resources, click on the links below.

Housewares Super Sale is Back!

June 1 and June 2 – Shoppers, enjoy deep discounts on brand new houseware items fresh from the 2013 International Housewares Show.

Like us on Facebook to check out some of the Super Sale Sneak Preview Items!

Be sure to come out to Sertoma’s Matteson facility at 4331 W. Lincoln Highway and stock up on great new items not yet seen in stores: cookware, dishware, cutlery, candles, décor, brooms, mops and much more. Check this list of vendors who donated!

The Housewares Super Sale will be held in the former Good as New Thrift Store from 10 am – 5 pm each day.   We hope to see you there.

To learn more about click any of the links below.

Volunteering for Sertoma Centre’s Super Sale

SET UP FOR THE SUPER SALE IS STARTING!

I know a lot of you have been asking when we will be setting up for the Super Sale after the Housewares Show in March and we have a schedule in place.  If you are interested in volunteering, please read through all this of this email as it contains procedures  in order to hopefully run smoothly.

Below is the current schedule of dates and times for volunteer set up of the Super Sale.  If you pick a particular day(s) you do not need to stay for the entire duration as we will be working most days at 10 hours.  We are really flexible with how many hours you can spend with us and we really appreciate you coming out to help us set up for the sale.

SCHEDULE: The dates and times are as follows:

Monday, May 6th   9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Wednesday, May 8th   9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Thursday, May 9th    9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Saturday, May 11th   9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Monday, May 13th     9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Wednesday, May 15th   9:00 am to 7 :00 pm

Thursday, May 16th  9:00 am to 7:00 pm

 

LOCATION: At the former Good As New Thrift Store location
4331 West Lincoln Highway ( On RT. 30 between Pulaski and Cicero) in Matteson, IL

RSVP AND CONFIRMATION:

We are looking to have at least 15 to 20 volunteers a day helping us unpack and set up items in designated spots within the store.  PLEASE email me, Laura Gardner, the date and time you would like to volunteer.  This will help us plan accordingly. Of course we know things come up after you sign up to volunteer–so if for some reason you cannot make it on the day you confirmed with us, no problem, just email Laura to let her know.

THE DAY YOU VOLUNTEER

We will be having all volunteers sign in when they arrive and sign out when they leave.  This will help us gauge how much time it takes and the man power we need to complete the job for next year.  Please sign in when you arrive and you will also be asked to give us your address so we can cross reference our data base with accurate information as we prepare for next year’s Housewares Show.

Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes.  We also suggest that you bring a water bottle with you to stay hydrated.   We will have light snacks available but eating a good meal before you arrive is advised.

FUN STUFF:  VOLUNTEER PREVIEW NIGHT

We love our Sertoma Centre Volunteers and because you guys all ROCK we are having a special pre-view night just for volunteers.  If you volunteered at the Housewares Show and or volunteered for the Super Sale set up OR have volunteered with us in the past at all, we want to invite you to a Rocking Great Time!

Super Sale Pre-View and Volunteer Thank You Party
Friday, May 31 st from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
25% Discount Just for Volunteers

TELL ALL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS:  PUBLIC SALE DATES

The open to the public sale is on Saturday, June 1st from   __________________________and on Sunday, June 2nd _________________________

LAST THING:  Even though I am coordinating the volunteers and all the emails will be coming back to me–I will be on vacation from May 1st to the 12th.  Please continue to email this address if you want to sign up for a day, switch a day or cannot make a scheduled volunteer day.  This email will be checked each day I am on vacation and changes will be made to the schedule if necessary and all your questions will be answered.

As an FYI, Sertoma staff who will be at the Thrift Store during volunteer hours will be either, Amy Chmura, Suzan Simmons or Diane Sak who some of you know for her previous work in Sertoma’s Advancement department.  We have hired Diane as a consultant to provide supervision of the Super Sale set up and Sale itself.

THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR POSSIBLE INTEREST IN VOLUNTEERING FOR THE SUPER SALE SET UP  ~  I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!!~  LAURA

 

 

 

APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

Autism Awareness Cake

Sertoma Centre launched Autism Awareness Month with a great big delicious cake beautifully decorated with Autism Colors. Everyone in the agency got to try it!  Like Sertoma on Facebook and show your support by commenting: You support Autism Awareness!

Tomorrow, April 2 is Wear Blue and Celebrate - check out this link to learn more.

April 12 – Autism Health Awareness

April 19 – Autism Walk

April 26 – Autism Jamboree

We have activities planned all month and we invite you to celebrate with us! Click this link to download the Autism Awareness Calendar.

 

2013 Housewares Vendor List

Check this out!  The Housewares Super Sale will feature brand new merchandise from these manufacturers.

Aladdin/PMI

ARC International

CCA International

Certified International Corp.

Focus Electric

Goddards

Godinger

Hanna’s Candles

Home Essentials

Libman Company

Lipper International

Northern Labs

Old Williamsburg Candles

Polder

Prodyne

R Squared (Formerly Zrike)

Regents

Salter

Stonewall Kitchens

Taylor

Vessel Glassware

Willert

Wilton Armetale

WE NEED IMMEDIATE CALLS TO REPRESENTATIVES TO URGE THEM TO SUPPORT INCLUDING MENTAL HEALTH IN A SUPPLEMENTAL
During the recent lame duck Session of the previous General Assembly, many of you made calls, sent emails & faxes, and wrote letters to your
Senators and Representatives urging them to pass a state fiscal year 2013
supplemental spending bill that restored $12 million in cuts to
community-based mental health programs and included language to move
supportive housing projects that are currently at a standstill forward.
While we were unsuccessful in getting a supplemental bill passed during
that frantic week of session - we know for a fact that your efforts built broad
bipartisan support in both chambers of the legislature for passing such a
supplemental!
Now that the new 98th General Assembly has been sworn into office, we need
to keep the momentum we built going by reminding existing legislators of
their support AND convincing new legislators of the importance of taking
immediate action to pass a supplemental bill!
We need to focus immediate outreach on Members of the House of
Representatives to get them to support including our mental health
supplemental request in a broader supplemental that may be negotiated in
early February.
The good news is we have a bill filed - HB 149 -
that includes the items we all need to see included in a supplemental bill.
We can use that in our communications with Representatives over the
next few days.
Please take the link below to take immediate action to secure support for
including mental health in a supplemental!
Click the link below to log in and make your call:
Good as New Thrift Store Will Close Feb. 1

Sertoma Centre, Inc. has operated its Good as New Thrift Store and Training Centre in Matteson for several years. Although there have been recent initiatives to increase sales and decrease expenses, the store, from a business perspective, had not met certain goals and objectives. After a careful analysis of the long-term sustainability of Good as New, a decision was made that the store should close allowing Sertoma Centre to refocus its resources on additional programs and services to best meet the needs of the individuals we serve. We are grateful to the staff who worked so hard to promote and operate the store, and for the donors and supporters who helped us in this endeavor.

The store officially closed to the public on February 1. Sertoma Centre staff is evaluating future uses for the space to accommodate the demand for services within our programs currently experiencing growth.

Sertoma Centre will also continue to be a preferred charity for the International Housewares Show at McCormick Place in Chicago. New houseware items will be sold through a Super Sale similar to events held prior to the opening of the store.

Watch for upcoming announcements about a date and location for the sale.

Sertoma Centre Executive Director Named to State Association Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Alsip, IL January 2, 2013: Sertoma Center Executive Director Named to State Association Board

Gus van den Brink, executive director of Alsip, IL -based Sertoma Centre, Inc., has been named to the Board of Directors for the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF).

IARF is a leading trade association comprised of community based organizations whose missions are to support individuals with disabilities and/or mental illness in achieving their maximum independence and live their lives to the fullest in communities throughout Illinois.

The Board encompasses talented individuals from across the state who lead organizations that support individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities, and persons with mental illness. With the membership’s diverse perspectives, IARF and its members are prepared to lead in these times of change.

“What Illinois needs now, more than ever, is leadership,” said Janet Stover, president and CEO of IARF. “Many changes are occurring in the way supports are provided and when you top that with the anticipated numbers of newly eligible individuals coming into the system in 2014, it can be overwhelming. The IARF Board of Directors is fully engaged in the discussion of these important issues and with the strong support of staff are crafting solid policy and advocacy goals to prepare our membership for the future.”

Van den Brink, of Orland Park, IL, has served as executive director of Sertoma Center for 20 years. Sertoma Centre serves more than 725 individuals annually through 14 programs including autism services, developmental training, employment services, residential programming, mental health services, school transition, senior services and more. The mission of Sertoma Centre is to provide opportunities that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve personal success.

Sertoma Centre provides services through two facilities in Alsip, IL, one in Matteson, IL and 10 residential homes in the south and southwest suburbs. They serve 45 communities in the suburbs and parts of the city of Chicago.


Sertoma Centre, Inc. is a nationally-accredited, not-for-profit agency that provides services for more than 725 individuals with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, and/or mental illness. For more information, to schedule a tour, volunteer or to make a donation, please contact Amy Chmura, Director of Advancement and Communications, Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip, IL 60803. (708) 730-6206, or achmura@sertomacentre.org. For additional resources visit www.sertomacentre.org.


Gus van den Brink, executive director of Sertoma Center has invested a lifetime in the service to individuals with disabilities.

THANKS A MILLION!

Some of our wonderful volunteers!

Submitted by Laura Gardner, Holiday Bazaar Head Elf

I could not let this opportunity go by without thanking everyone for making the Holiday Bazaar such a success.  So many people were involved in creating this wonderful event and I would be remiss not to mention them.

First and foremost I have to thank our Volunteers for whom without you, the Holiday Bazaar would not have been possible.  There were over 25 volunteers that came together that day who put on a marvelous event.  Family, friends, co-workers new and old and even a few high schoolers and one middle school student volunteered in any and every capacity you could think of to create a successful event.

To all our customers who shopped and supported our vendors and programs, thank you for choosing the Holiday Bazaar as one of your shopping destinations this year.

I would also like to thank our Janitorial crew at Sertoma who do a
marvelous job every day, but really helped us out with set up and take down and everything in between.

A big thank you to the transportation department for bringing over consumers from 127th street and Matteson to enjoy shopping at the Bazaar.

Thank you to the 123rd street consumers as they gave up their lunchroom for the day.

We appreciated all the help the team from Good as New provided with set-up and moving the Bazaar materials to the second floor!

Also a HUGE thank you to all our vendors who created and tinkered and glue gunned and crafted to make such lovely gifts for all to buy.  We hope to see more in house vendors next year.  A huge “WAY TO GO” to all our gift wrapping elves, especially from PepsiCo and our community who wrapped all gifts purchased at the Bazaar for FREE.

And of course to all the staff, family and friends who donated gift wrap, tissue paper, holiday bags, tape, ribbon, decorative boxes, craft items, Good as New items, and of course baked goods (YUM) a super duper colossal THANK YOU!! I keep asking and you keep delivering—your generosity is AMAZING!

I would also like to thank my wonderful Advancement team mates for keeping me sane and for all you did to help pull this Bazaar together:  from creating crafts at Good as New, to making beautiful signs, to hanging decorations in stocking feet – you all make my job a wonderful thing to treasure!  Thank you again to everyone who helped make the Winter Wonderland Holiday Bazaar such a phenomenal success!

With much gratitude,
Laura Gardner
Holiday Bazaar Head Elf

Good as New Thrift Store – Open on Sundays

Sertoma Centre’s Good as New Thrift Store is now open from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm on Sundays!


More time to Shop – More time to Save!
Enjoy shopping on Sundays again and stop in for a free cup of coffee and cookies.

Good as New is located at 4331 W. Lincoln Highway, Matteson, Illinois 60443

Phone: (708) 481-5627

LOCAL SERTOMAN HONORED AT REGIONAL CONVENTION
Joe Varanauski, of Oak Forest, was named “Regional Outstanding Sertoman of the Year” at the Great Lakes Regional Sertoma Convention held recently in Indianapolis.

Pictured from left to right; Kathy Varanauski, Joe Varanauski and Cheryl Cherny, National Director of Sertoma
He was nominated by his local club, Action Sertoma, where he was also awarded the club’s “Outstanding Sertoman of the Year” award.
Varanauski is described in his nomination as a loyal, dedicated and enthusiastic Sertoman. He has been a member of Action Sertoma for 22 years during which time he served as a club board member in various positions. He has contributed to the growth of the organization personally recruiting more than 10 new members. He is also a leader in the amount of time volunteered for the club serving as the chair of the annual golf outing since its inception 12 years ago and leads the Publicity and Bereavement committees.
He supports the other area clubs by attending their fundraisers and events and is active in the District PAC meetings. A strong believer in community service, Varanauski is also active in the men’s club at St. Damian’s Church in Oak Forest, has served as a Cubmaster for Boy Scouts, coached Little League and is a U.S. Army veteran. He is an active supporter of Sertoma Centre, Inc., based in Alsip, Ill., is a member of their Silent Partner giving society and has served for eight years as a member of the Sertoma Centre board of directors.
Sertoma Centre is a social service agency dedicated to empowering the lives of individuals with disabilities. Sertoma Centre offers programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness through 13 programs at three day facilities and 10 residential homes.
Action Sertoma is a not-for-profit club formed in 1967 to raise funds in support of those in the community that are less fortunate. Action Sertoma was one of three clubs instrumental in the founding of Sertoma Centre.
“I want to thank the members of both organizations for this prestigious honor as I am proud to be a Sertoman for the past 22 years,” Varanauski said.
He and his wife Kathy have two sons and four grandchildren.
For more information regarding the Action Sertoma Club please visit www.actionsertoma.com. For more information regarding Sertoma Centre, to schedule a tour, volunteer, or to make a donation, please contact Amy Chmura, Director of Advancement and Communications, (708)730-6206 or achmura@sertomacentre.org. at Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip, IL 60803. www.sertomacentre.org.
WHO’S UP FOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING???

Yes, Christmas Shopping. This is not a misprint although some of us would like it to be as the holiday season quickly approaches. But have no fear, Sertoma Centre has all your shopping needs covered this year. Introducing Volunteer Services’ Winter Wonderland ~ A Holiday Bazaar and Shopping Extravaganza. Who ever coined the phrase, “Go Big or Go Home” was right and we are going BIG this holiday season. Please join us on Friday, December 7, as we offer a unique opportunity for consumers, family members and the local community to shop for holiday items while also supporting the different services and programs at Sertoma Centre. We will be offering a Craft Fair and Shopping Bazaar composed of many different items: ornaments, holiday décor, stocking stuffers and boutique items. We’ll also be bringing our Good As New Thrift Store to you. Here are the details:

 

Friday, December 7, 2012
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
4343 W. 123rd St.
Upstairs Lunchroom and Board Room

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

We need volunteers and small donations to make this Shopping Extravaganza possible for our consumers who may not be able to get out and do traditional Christmas shopping. Below are just a few of the volunteer jobs and donated items we need to be a success:

Santa’s Helpers: Now through December 7, we need volunteers to assist consumers in creating and making the crafts they will be selling at the bazaar.

Gift Wrapping Elves: We will have a FREE gift wrapping service to all who purchase items at the bazaar.

Rudolph’s Reindeer Boutique: Set up Good as New Thrift Store items the day before the event and/or help work the boutique on day the of the Bazaar.

Mrs. Claus’s Bake Shop: We need baked goods and people to manage this area.

North Pole Café: Snack food will be available for purchase.

Donner’s Donations: Simple donations are needed to make this a magical time for our consumers: craft items (please call for specifics), holiday themed wrapping paper, tape, ribbons, Christmas tags, baked goods, gift cards to local craft stores, etc.

Spread some holiday cheer this year by donating your time, treasures and talents to the Holiday Bazaar before or on December 7. If interested in volunteering or donating, please contact our Head Elf, Laura Gardner in Volunteer Services at (708) 730-6211 or email her in-box at the North Pole: lgardner@sertomacentre.org. Hope you can join us in some way to support our Winter Wonderland!

WISHING YOU AND YOURS A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!!