Please continue to keep our needs in front of your legislators. Even if they say they already support us and make statements like you should not be bothering to contact them, remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease and legislators keep count of the number of calls/contacts they get on various issue.
As always thanks for taking the time to support community services for individuals with disabilities.
Gus van den Brink
Executive Director
Sertoma Center, Inc.
708 371-9700 Ext. 216
Starting today for as long as legislators are away from Springfield, we need to call our legislators at their District Offices and tell them they must approve an FY11 budget that:
- preserves funding for community services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities and mental illness at FY10 levels; and
- provides for a timely and consistent payment cycle for services provided!
Click the link below to log in and make your call:
http://www.votervoice.net/link/target/iarf/FyM7yQ6t.aspx
Please review the information below and click on “Grassroots Action Alert” in the update below to contact your legislators. There is very little talk among our legislators about helping community services. It seems to be all about education. We must have our voices heard and this is our chance to do it if the adjourn on May 7th as scheduled.
As always thank you for your support or community services for individuals with disabilities.
Gus van den Brink
Executive Director
Sertoma Centre, Inc.
708 37109700 Ext. 216
THIS IS A CALL TO ACTION!
Subject: FW: CATASTROPHIC CUTS TO HUMAN SERVICES!
Hi Everyone,
As you are probably aware the Governor’s introduced budget has big cuts for human services and education. Sertoma Centre alone is estimated to see a funding reduction of $215,000.
We are now a member of a broader human services coalition, Illinois Partners for Human Services. This is a Call to Action from them to contact your legislators to tell them this is unacceptable.
Please click the “Take Action’ icon and send a message to your legislators.
Thanks for taking the time to support human service and in particular community services to individuals with disabilities.
Gus van den Brink
Executive Director
Sertoma Centre, Inc.
Take Action!
Dear Illinois Partners Member
The latest news out of Springfield keeps getting worse… Illinois is facing catastrophic cuts to human services and even bankruptcy.
We need you to contact your legislator immediately and tell them we need them to BE A LEADER and VOTE NO ON ANY BUDGET WITH CATASTROPHIC CUTS TO HUMAN SERVICES.
• Proposed cuts to human services are now expected to exceed last years’ cuts and could be permanent.
• Providers could be put in the position where they are asked to sign year long contracts but with only 6 months pay guaranteed, at best a 50% cut.
• Tax increases won’t likely be considered until Jan 2011, so there is no guarantee the funding will be there when you need it
Contact your legislator via Capwiz (Take Action link) immediately and let him/her know how the catastrophe will unfold in your district if services are cut more and how many jobs will be impacted.
Sertoma Centre, Inc. was featured with Karen Meyer from ABC 7 News in the Disabilities Segment which aired on May 31, 2012
The segment featured Sertoma’s Seniors who participate in the Bridge Program. Click this link to see the video:
We are extremely proud of our Seniors and Staff who participated in this segment. We thank everyone who contributed to its success.
National Center for Assisted Living website – www.nalw.org
National Family Caregivers Association website: www.nfcacares.org
Vote for Sertoma Centre, Inc. before Wednesday, September 19, to help us receive $25,000 in grant money to support programs and services that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve personal success.
Chase customers with an online Chase account and Facebook users can vote. Go to Facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving or https://www.chasegiving.com/ .
Please share with your Facebook Friends so they can vote for Sertoma Centre, too! Visit www.sertomacentre.org to learn more about our work.
The Smartest Card Campaign runs from September 1 – October 31, 2012.
Good as New Thrift Store in partnership with the Matteson Public Library asks you to shop at Good as New and you will receive 25% off your purchase.
Sertoma Centre’s Good as New Thrift Store
4331 West. Lincoln Highway
Matteson, IL 60443
708-481-5627
Shop smart with the Smartest Card. Show your Matteson Public Library card at participating Matteson businesses in September and October and receive lots of special offers.
http://mattesonpubliclibrary.org/
Matteson Public Library
801 School Ave.
Matteson, IL 60443
Phone: 708-748-4431
McCormick Place?
Be a Sertoma Rock Star!
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.
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Sertoma United Members (left to right) Baltazar Alpuche, Archie Garrett, Derrick Hudson and Tanya Crew, delivered a vanload of food, diapers, clothing and personal hygiene products to Together We Cope in Tinley Park, IL.
Sertoma Self-Advocates Pay It Forward
Sertoma Centre, Inc. is a social service agency serving individuals with disabilities which depends on the community for support. Those who provide financial support or donate their time often feel good about making a difference in the lives of others. Sertoma United members also enjoy the feeling of paying it forward. On Friday January 4th members of Sertoma United delivered a vanload of non- perishable items to Together We Cope in Tinley Park, IL. This is their 3rd food drive and the second year they donated to Together We Cope.
Their timing could not have been better with so many food pantries and crisis centers running on empty after the holidays. The group also felt that since our country has been struggling through tough financial times, there was no more important time than now for this project. Sertoma United is Sertoma’s Self Advocacy program which encourages its members to advocate for themselves and others. Member, Derrick Hudson said, “I want to thank Together We Cope for helping to get food to those people who need it. I would like to participate with Together We Cope more in the future.” The program seeks to teach individuals with disabilities at Sertoma Centre the skills to advocate for their goals and desires in life. For more information about this program please contact Melissa Sands at 708-730-6343 or msands@sertomacentre.org.
Together We Cope is a not-for –profit that serves families and individuals who are going through a crisis. The organization provides clothing, food, financial assistance and guides families in more than 20 communities throughout Bremen, Palos, Orland and Worth townships.
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.
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.
Spread some awareness in your world. Since many people with disabilities rely on publicly funded services to fully participate in their communities, policy makers need to know you are concerned about continuing those services in the face of budget cuts during difficult economic times. Contact your legislator today and let them know you expect them to enact public policy to assist people with Intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can make a difference.
You can also support Sertoma Centre, Inc. an organization whose mission is to “to provide opportunities that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve personal success,” by commenting on the Sertoma Centre, Inc. Facebook and Twitter pages.
To learn more about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities visit http://www.thearc.org/. Link to additional resources.
WHICH WILL IT BE?
Contributed by Sandra Baker, Direct Service Professional (DSP)
- Italian Sausage with green peppers, onions and fresh garlic?
- Spaghetti with meat sauce?
- Homemade chicken soup?
Linda, Ivery and Donald take turns preparing the ingredients for today's entree.
Every Tuesday the consumers in our DT program area, patiently await the chance to give their suggestion for Thursday’s cooking class. The choices are recorded, then they vote.
On Wednesdays our shopping list is completed, 6 consumers and 1 staff head out to the grocery store. The consumers locate the ingredients, check the quality of items, and learn how to get the most value for their money.
Erik carefully chops the onions.
It’s finally Thursday….. After completing exercise, the consumers set up the cookware and utensils needed. Each consumer puts on a pair of gloves and participates in preparing our entrée. They clean and dice the produce, add the ingredients using measuring spoons, and cups, and assist in cooking the meat. During preparation the staff teach and quiz the consumers on the type of meat that we are preparing, where it comes from , how the produce is grown, and the importance of following proper temperature guidelines.
Ivery enjoys the soup she helped prepare.
After the entrée is finished, the consumers all sit together and enjoy the meal that they have prepared.
Sandy, Pam, and Lauren also cook breakfast every Monday for the consumers to make sure they start the week off right!
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.
Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 28th Annual Business to Business Expo “Advocacy In Action”. Sertoma Centre will be exhibiting a variety of services and products at Booth # 603-703, please stop by and say hello.
Tinely Park Convention Center, 18451 S. Convention Center Drive
7:00 – 7:00 pm – Exhibit Hours
5:00 – 7:00 pm – Business After Hours
| SouthtownStar Newspaper |
| Aileen S. Andrew Foundation |
| Action Sertoma Club |
| Chicago Lawn Sertoma Club |
| Lemont Sertoma Club |
| POW-R Sertoma Club |
| Hickory Hills Sertoma Club |
| The Lombard Company |
| MPS Mulcahy, Pauritsch, Salvador & Co. |
| Proven Business Systems |
| Knights of Columbus |
| Great Lakes Bank |
| Ram Products, Inc. |
| D.M. Dykstra & Company |
| ESPO Engineering Corp. |
| Plastipak Packaging, Inc. |
| EXPO Answers |
| Tinley Park Sertoma Club |
| City of Palos Heights |
| Beggar’s Pizza |
| Denton Cartage |
| Pronger Smith Medical Care |
| Alliance Insurance/ Dom Porto |
| Stronghold Construction |
| Ultra Foods |
| Willow Florist |
| Mike’s Barber Shop |
| American Heritage Sertoma Club |
| Budget Sign Service |
| Fanning Communications |
| G & L Fire Gifts |
| Game Pazzo |
| Image Pact |
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
