MISSION
The mission of Sertoma Centre, Inc. is to provide opportunities that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve personal success
Vision
Sertoma Centre, Inc. envisions communities where all people with disabilities live, work, and fully participate
Mission & Vision in Action
Please help us continue our mission and vision by making a gift today for the next 50 years. Your support will enable us to create programs so Consumers can live, work, and fully participate in their communities.
Core Values
The following values are essential to the success of Sertoma Centre:
- We are committed to the Empowerment of Consumers First and foremost, in an environment that promotes Self Advocacy and personal success. We value our continuing relationship with the sponsoring Sertoma Clubs and their core value of SERvice TO MAnkind.
- We demonstrate Integrity through honest and fair interactions and by taking Responsibility for our actions.
- We embrace an environment that encourages Respect for all.
- We foster Innovation and the free exchange of ideas among stakeholders.
- We believe in the power of Teamwork.
- We provide excellent Customer Service through our commitment to positive relationships with all stakeholders.
Racial and Social Equity Statement
Sertoma Centre, Inc. is dedicated to providing an environment where race, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, physical ability or class plays no part in determining a person’s value. Sertoma is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in an environment that is free of bigotry and intolerance.
The values we express will continue to be reflected in the operations and activities of the organization, and embedded in our policy development, decision making, and institutional framework.
In the pursuit of this goal, we will draw from the knowledge and experience of our community members to make changes that strengthen our culture and weaves these ideals into the fabric of our identity.
History
In 1971, three local Sertoma Clubs created a sheltered workshop in Alsip, IL called Sertoma Job Training Center. The purpose of the facility was to create a place for individuals with disabilities to work. The 3,000 square foot facility was built on land donated by the Lombard family and opened with 11 individuals and four staff. In 1987, the name was changed to Sertoma Career Center, and served over 200 consumers. The facility also expanded to 43,800 square feet. Throughout the 1990s, additional programs were added and Residential Services opened Sertoma’s first Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) home. Sertoma Centre opened its second location in 2000, on 127th street in Alsip. This facility is home to sub-contract packaging and training services, developmental training and school transition. After renovations at the 123rd street building were completed in 2002, additional programs such as our Senior Services, Bridge Program, Developmental Training, Administration, Transportation and Janitorial Services (J-Team) were expanded or added. In 2009, Sertoma Centre moved its Mental Health Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program to Matteson, Illinois and expanded in 2014 to become a comprehensive community mental health center. In 2016 we opened our first Permanent Supportive Housing unit. We continue to grow and expand our services.