COVID-19 Response and Resources
Programming Schedules Update, December 30, 2021
Executive Director Update, July 2021
Executive Director Gus van den Brink sent staff the following message regarding COVID and moving forward at Sertoma Centre. Please click on the image below to read this thoughtful reflection.
Executive Director Update, October 2020
Executive Director Gus van den Brink provides the latest changes that have taken place at Sertoma Centre as we continue to navigate reopening and finding a new normal for us all. Please click on the image below to read this important communication.
Sertoma Centre’s PHASE 3 Agency Plan, September 2020
This document outlines the health and safety protocols being taken that ensure consumers, staff, and customers can remain safe in our Sertoma Centre buildings. It incorporates guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities (IDHS-DDD), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Restore Illinois Plan.
Executive Director Update, August 2020
Executive Director Gus van den Brink shared the following letter with the Sertoma Centre community. It contains important information on how Sertoma is moving forward with reopening as well as programming. Please click on the image below to read this important communication.
Current Program Opportunities
Community Mental Health and Counseling Program Services
START Onsite Mental Health Program
Our START program (Supporting Treatment and Recovery Together) started running small groups onsite on August 24 to address improving mental health and managing symptoms of mental illness. Services are being offered onsite Monday-Thursday from 8:30am-12:30pm. Virtual counseling, skill-building groups, and community support continue to be offered Monday-Friday. Transportation to or from our facility will NOT be provided but we will provide support in obtaining paratransit or insurance transportation as needed.
Individual Therapy Services
Individual therapy services have resumed onsite, but can also be provided virtually by video or phone. Please indicate your preference and schedule therapy appointments with your counselor.
Mental Health Group Services
Therapy and skill-building groups are running at a limited capacity onsite Monday-Thursday for 2 shifts (8:30-11:30am and Noon-3:00pm) and each group schedule runs for 6-8 weeks. We have started specialized programming on Mondays and Wednesdays. Our Pathways program started on 8/31 and focuses on teaching skills for community integration, job readiness, and illness self-management. These groups are offered on Monday and Wednesday mornings. Our Young Adult Recovery track offers groups on Monday and Wednesday afternoons and supports young adults with processing personal experiences and transition into adulthood while coping with a mental illness. General therapy groups continue to operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Additionally, we continue to provide virtual group therapy services and the most recent schedule can be found below: (insert virtual group schedule).
Youth Mental Health Services
We are excited to announce that we are open to accepting referrals for youth mental health counseling at our Matteson location as of 9/1! We are providing individual counseling services to youth over the age of 5 on Monday-Friday 8:00am-7:00pm. These services can also be provided virtually by video or telephone as needed.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Community Program Services
Please see the list of our current and upcoming services. If you are interested in any of these services please contact your service coordinator for more information.
Day Program Services in Residential
All of our residential consumers are currently receiving community day services within their home facilitated by our community day services team.
Day Program Part-time Services Onsite Phase 1
Our Community Day Services will reopen in late September or early October. We will facilitate small groups of consumers in two shifts daily. Shift 1 is from 9:00am-Noon and Shift 2 is from 1:00-4:00pm. Transportation to or from our facility will NOT be provided but we will provide support in obtaining paratransit services as needed.
Home Based Services Community Groups
Small recreation groups in the community will be offered once per week beginning in October. This will be available to our families through their home-based funds. Home-based families will receive a calendar of activities scheduled.
Onsite Supported Employment Groups
Employment services will be running a small group of consumers once per week for 4 months starting in October. Consumers will work toward developing interest and skills for community integrated employment.
Janitorial Training Program
Employment services will be implementing a six-week training program for consumers interested in obtaining employment with our janitorial business starting in October.
START Onsite Mental Health Program
Our START program (Supporting Treatment and Recovery Together) started running small groups onsite on August 24 to address improving mental health and managing symptoms of mental illness in two shifts daily. Shift 1 is from 9:00 am-Noon and Shift 2 is from 1:00-4:00 pm. Transportation to or from our facility will NOT be provided but we will provide support in obtaining paratransit or insurance transportation as needed.
Face Mask Guidance
As of May 1, 2020, Illinois residents will need to wear a face mask or face covering when in public, when you are unable to socially distance. Below are links to the CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health websites for guidance on face mask use.
CDC Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 »
Testing Info & Locations
State of Illinois Testing Sites »
IDHP Map of Testing Locations »
Questions about COVID‐19?
Call 1‐800‐889‐3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov
Mental Health Podcast
Listen to Podcast:
Let's Talk About Mental Health in the Midst of COVID-19 »
In this episode, hear about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health as well as learn some tips on how one can manage stress and/or support a loved one who may be struggling. This podcast is brought to you by Sertoma's Gia Washington, LPC, and Sarah Wiemeyer, PsyD, LCPC, MT-BC, Director of Mental Health and Counseling at Sertoma Centre, Inc.
View tips »
We also invite you to check out our other Elephant in the Room podcasts »
Emotional & Mental Support
NAMI Chicago support groups for essential workers »
Call4Calm »
The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Mental Health Division has launched a free-of-charge emotional support text line, Call4Calm, for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19. Individuals who would like to speak with a mental health professional can text “TALK” to 5-5-2-0-2-0, or for Spanish, “HABLAR” to the same number: 5-5-2-0-2-0. Individuals can include key words such as “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” and will receive information on how navigate and access supports and services. Call4Calm is free to use, and individuals will remain anonymous. Once a resident sends a text to the hotline, within 24 hours they will receive a call from a counselor employed by a local community mental health center to provide support.
Enrichment & E-Learning
Arts of Life Remote Program »
Arts of Life advances the creative arts community by providing artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities a collective space to expand their practice and strengthen their leadership.
Sertoma CMHC Virtual Sessions »
Current CMHC consumers can enroll in our virtual group sessions. Click here to view sessions. To enroll, contact 708-748-1951 ext. 455, IntakeCMHC@sertomacentre.org, or get in touch with your counselor.
Resources
Stay Informed
For up-to-date information about the COVID-19 virus, please visit the following sites:
> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention »
> Illinois Department of Public Health »
> Cook County Department of Public Health »
> Cook County Resources and Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) »
Unemployment Services
The Illinois Department of Employment Securities (IDES) has up-to-date information for those needing these benefits.
Emergency Child Care
The Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development has information on applying for an emergency childcare stipend as well as other child care resources.
Stimulus Checks
Information is available regarding the Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments including checking the status of payment and FAQs.
The ARC of Illinois »
This advocacy group has excellent resources on COVID-19 for families, including webinars, news, and links to important information.
Sertoma Centre is working to keep our community informed on our status as well as provide relevant resources that we believe will be useful for consumers and families navigating these stressful times. Our hope is to compile a directory of sorts so you do not have to go searching for this information. Check back often as this page will be updated with the most current information we have available.
Sertoma is committed to being available to our consumers and families during this unprecedented time we are facing. If you have any questions or would like additional information about this page, please email info@sertomacentre.org.