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Sertoma ready for biggest fundraiser Chicago Sertoma Centre Inc., which helps individuals with disabilities, is |
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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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 t
o 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.
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.
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
- Pictured from left to right; Kathy Varanauski, Joe Varanauski and Cheryl Cherny, National Director of Sertoma
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!!
Sertoma Centre celebrated National Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week by recognizing the 115 Direct Support Professionals who are committed to serving the individuals with disabilities.
Special activities and treats were provided each day of the weeklong celebration.
On Monday, all DSP staff received “Great People” buttons and banners were hung at all the Sertoma locations thanking “Great People Doing Great Things”.
Tuesday included a “Lunch on Us Raffle” where winners at each location received a gift for a free lunch.
On Wednesday there were 
beautiful cakes served at the Sertoma locations and cupcakes for the CILA homes.
Thursday morning, DSPs enjoyed complimentary coffee and snacks served in the staff lounge – which was decorated like a Coffee Cafe.
The finale on Friday included a tailgate lunch and Jersey day – which featured grilled burgers and dogs, plus tons of delicious side dishes provided by Sertoma Staff. Sandra Baker, a Direct Support Professional with 
Sertoma for eight years said, “[The week was] very nice, and much appreciated. Thanks to all who took the time to make us feel appreciated.”
Sertoma Centre is extremely proud of our DSP staff and thank them for the Great Work they do each day.
Regina Robinson, Lynn King, Laura Gardner, Amy Chmura were thrilled to be awarded the Abby Foundation Grant.
The luncheon included an exhibt area where Sertoma Centre provided attendees an opportuntiy to learn more about the many programs and services Sertoma Centre offers individuals with disabilities in the community.
The Abby Foundation’s mission: raise money and distribute it to established nonprofit organizations, who apply for a grants that help women and their children and fund scholarships for both young women and returning women.
Sertoma Centre requested the grant to expand the “Our Rights, Right Now” Healthy Relationships Group which focuses on prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault for women with disabilities. The goal of this group program is to educate women with disabilities about domestic violence and sexual assault awareness and prevention, rights and resource options. The expansion of the program will include curriculum materials to add training modules focused on healthy relationships, sexuality, family planning and communication and interactions with significant others (such as partners, family members and legal guardians).
Funds will also be used to develop a speaker’s series with professionals in various related industries and an agency-wide awareness and education event that will be planned and implemented by the women in the group.
http://youtu.be/mamIGWbB9gE
Contact Frank Tomecek 312-259-2581
POW-R Sertoma Union Station Candy Day
Friday July 13, 2012
Morning Shift
Meet in Parking Lot 6:00 AM
517 W. Jackson Blvd
Or meet on South train platform 6:15 AM
Collection time is 6:15 to 9:00
Breakfast at Lou Mitchells 9:15
Afternoon Shift
Meet in Parking Lot 3:00 PM
Collection times 3:15 to 6:00
Contact Frank Tomecek 312-259-2581
Pictured: Student - Amber Barajas, Director of Admissions-Ross Rosenberg, Sertoma's Executive Director-Gus van den Brink, Student-Kimberly Milan, and Bernadette Fumbanks, Admissions Representative Campus Sr. from Everest College in Merrionette Park.
Everest College in Merrionette Park, IL hosted a Hygiene Products Drive for Sertoma Centre.
On the 3oth of May, representatives from Everest College dropped off bins of hygiene products including soap, tissue, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. ”We were more than happy to make this wonderful contribution,” stated Bernadette Fumbanks, Admissions Representative Campus Sr. Accompanying Bernadette were Ambassador honor roll students, Amber Barajas and Kimberly Milan, and the Director of Admissions, Ross Rosenberg.
These products will be given to the individuals with disabilities served by Sertoma Centre in the Residential Services Program which includes Community Integrated Living Arangements, (CILAs) providing 24-hour residential support and Intermittent CILA, (ICILA) which provides part-time support to those individuals who wish to live more independently.
Pictured: Curtis Harrell, Lorez Stevens, Rev. Kenneth Lee, Suzan Simmons and Andre Moore
On Saturday June 8th, the classmates of Carver High School Class of 1982 celebrated their 30th graduation anniversary at Orland Chateau. Wishing to make a difference and give back, the class reunion organizers decided to collect donations for a cause near and dear to their hearts, children with autism.
One in every 88 children in the US has autism. It is estimated that approximately 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. has autism. Several classmates spoke that evening of how their lives have been effected by having a child on the autism spectrum.
Rev. Kenneth Lee graciously invited Sertoma Centre to stop by their reunion and speak briefly about Autism. Sertoma Centre sincerely thanks Rev. Lee for including us in their celebration and the Carver High School Class of 1982 for their generous donation to the Autism Services Program.
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.
The Thrift Store will pick up furniture donations within the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago free of charge.
Perhaps you bought a new television and that old stand is way too small? Are your children outgrowing the bunk beds? Are you ready to update your home décor and wish to find a new home for your favorite recliner, chest of drawers, tables, sofa or loveseat? Looking to downsize your living space now that the children have moved out or need to empty a room to make room for a nursery?
Why pay rental fees on a storage unit for your gently used furniture or have them collect dust in a basement. Sertoma Centre’s Good as New Thrift Store is seeking donations of furniture and other household items in good condition. The store’s furniture section normally features a wide-variety of quality finds for bargain hunters or someone just starting out in an apartment or home, but this past month there has seen a surge in furniture sales; and the store’s supply of furniture is low.
Donating furniture can make a huge difference in the lives of the nearly 700 individuals with developmental, emotional and physical disabilities and/or mental illness that are served by Sertoma Centre. Sertoma Centre is a not-for-profit agency that provides services to adults with disabilities from ages 16 and up. The Centre provides programs such as autism services, senior programming, developmental training, job placement, school transition and residential housing to empower individuals to achieve their own personal successes.
Proceeds from the Good as New Thrift Store, at 4331 Lincoln Highway in Matteson, go directly to supporting the 14 programs offered by Sertoma Centre. The store also serves as a training program for consumers at Sertoma to allow them to gain retail experience and transition into permanent retail jobs.
Donating furniture to Sertoma Centre’s Good as New Thrift store is easy. The Thrift Store will pick up furniture donations within the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago free of charge. To make an arrangement to make a tax deductible donation of furniture to Good as New, call 708-481-5627. Your donation will can make a difference in the lives of many.
Sertoma Centre and Sertoma Speech and Hearing Center will accept pre-paid reservations for the June 1, 2012 High Tea event until May 29th!
Cost is $40 for the event and RSVPs must be received no later than May 29th.
The event is held at Crystal Tree Country Club in Orland Park and starts at 11:00 am with a selection of vendors introducing their unique products and services. High Tea will be served at 12:00 and includes musical entertainment, fashion show, and a presentation by Kimberly Bond, owner of Kimberly Bond Boutique. Each guest will receive a complimentary photo and thank you gift for attending.
For more information on the High Tea; to request an invitation or to make your reservation, call Special Events & Grants Manager, Regina Robinson at Sertoma Centre, 708-730-6210, Fax: 708-371-9747 or rrobinson@sertomacentre.org. Profits from this event go towards funding programs at Sertoma Centre, Inc. and support for sliding scale fee patients at the Sertoma Speech and Hearing Center.
Sertoma Centre, Inc. is a nationally-accredited, not-for-profit agency that provides services to nearly 700 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, (708)730-6206 or achmura@sertomacentre.org. at Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip, IL 60803. www.sertomacentre.org.
And be a part of the 2012 Consumer Garden Project.
The bricks will become part of the history and add beauty of the Consumer Garden.
Last fall the response to the Consumer Garden Project was overwhelming and we decided to expand the size of the garden to accomidate the requests, we can now offer you the opportunity to purchase the small brick for $50.
Dedicate a brick to your loved ones- Have one made with your favorite saying
- Celebrate an anniversary
- Honor the memory of someone important to you
Click on the brick order form to order or your brick or call 708-371-9700.
FOR HEARING HEALTH – Benefits Sertoma Speech and Hearing Center
Moraine Valley College
Enter at 111th St. and College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL
- Registration begins at 9:00 am
- Walk/run begins at 9:45 am
- Celebration begins at 10:45 am
From left to right:
BIG Event 2012 – Highlights From SouthtownStar Newspaper’s Casey Toner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Local Celebrity Judges Determine the Fate of Firefighter’s at Cook-off on April 28th.
Mayor Patrick E. Kitching, of Alsip, and Mayor Robert S. Straz, of Palos Heights, Illinois will participate as judges for the Firehouse Cook-off at Sertoma Centre’s BIG Event. Joining them on the judge’s panel is the award winning columnist, Phil Kadner and reporter Casey Toner, both from SouthtownStar Newspaper.
BIG Event is not just a chili cook-off, the participating firefighters from Chicago and the suburbs present the attendees with a wide variety of tasty dishes to sample. In addition to the great food the event offers:
- Dave Fleming, magician and juggler
- Live music by Sound Barrier
- Boomer from Windy City Thunderbolts
- Kids crafts, activities, video gaming and face painting
- Raffles and fun for the entire family
BIG Event 2012, is sponsored by SouthtownStar Newspaper, the Aileen S. Andrew Foundation, Chicagoland area Sertoma Clubs and many local businesses. Please join us on Saturday April 28th, from 5 – 9 p.m. at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL. Adults are $10 for entry fee donation/food sample tickets, children 12 & under $5, children under 3, free. Proceeds from the event benefit nearly 700 individuals with disabilities served by Sertoma Centre, Inc.
For more information, call 708-730-6206 or go to www.sertomacentre.org. Sertoma Centre, Inc. is a nationally-accredited, not-for-profit agency that provides services to individuals with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, and/or mental illness.
On Wednesday, February 1st, 2012, Jason Clark, Sertoma Centre’s Director of Employment Services sat down and spoke with cable show host, Joseph Ficaro, JR. about Insite Training Systems which is the community employment division of Sertoma Centre.
Workers benefit, business benefits, and the community benefits
The goal of Insite is to support adults with disabilities to achieve success within the community and workplace. We train, place and supervise hard working adults in local businesses, providing valuable resources to these companies and the communities in which they work.
We appreciate Joseph Ficaro and the Tinley Park Chamber Cable TV Show for offering Sertoma Centre the opportunity to explain how the employment services offered can benefit individuals with disabilities and the community.
The Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce Cable show airs on channel 19 on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm. the segment featuring Jason should air some time in March. We will update this post when we have the air date.
On February 28, 2012, Karen Meyer and her film crew will be visiting Sertoma Centre, Inc. The reporter responsible for the weekly disabilities segment will be here to learn more about the programs and services offered seniors with disabilities. Staff and Consumers are are thrilled to have Karen visit Sertoma Centre and look forward to the opportunity to tell her all about what we do here and how we can make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities from 16 to 80+.
Karen Meyer, ABC7 Chicago and Motesem Mansur
Motesem Mansur, who attends programs at Sertoma Centre was featured in a Disabilities Segment last October. Karen and her crew filmed Motesem while he was reading one of his books for a group of children at Woodgate School in Matteson, IL. He is a published author of several children’s books and a gifted artist.
