During this time of year, perhaps more than any other, we think about the blessings in our lives. We find ourselves reflecting on the people and experiences that have touched our lives and transformed us into better versions of ourselves. This reflection process often motivates us to tell our story and share the joy we have felt with others.
This year, our holiday message provides a peek into a few lives that have been impacted by the Sertoma experience–each in their own unique ways. The Consumers of Services featured below wanted to share their stories so others can understand just how much a life can be impacted through acts of kindness and understanding.
We hope you are as inspired by these stories as we are, and we can’t thank you enough for being a part of our Sertoma community. 
From The Linares Family
“Maria began her journey in 2004, when we placed her in Sertoma Centre’s senior day program. While attending the workshop Maria increased her understanding about her strengths and began to act on these skills. She began to increase her independence, communication, and vocalize her wants and needs to her staff. She realized that when acting on these skills, attitudes, she would have a greater control over her life and be successful.
Her staff enabled her to set goals, and understand her abilities. She learned that the personal process of learning, using and self-evaluating her skills was the heart of her self-determination. In 2011, Maria was placed in Sertoma Residential home, she says that being in her home has provided her with opportunities for socialization, to bond and develop relations ships with her room mates and staff to work together and be more independent.
Maria hobbies include listening to music, singing, dancing, wedding shows, watching her favorite movie “Salina”. Maria loves to get her nails done.
Maria wants everyone to know that she is grateful for Sertoma Centre for giving her the opportunity to build her strengths and be successful! She wants to thank all the donors for giving to Sertoma that they are changing lives!”
From Larry and Charmaine Owens
“Our daughter Ashley was diagnosed with Autism when she was two. After hearing the news, we immediately began advocating for her to receive every opportunity that would maximize her potential and quality of life.
Ashley participated in Special Education programs throughout her elementary and high school years. When Ashley was in high school, she was selected to participate in Sertoma Centre’s program to help her transition into adult life and services.
As an adult, Ashley moved into one of Sertoma’s residential homes in the community. It’s there that she learned to engage and establish interpersonal relationships with her housemates and staff. Ashley is now able to speak in full sentences and communicate effectively.
Sertoma is important to Ashley and the Owens family because of the new independence levels she has attained. She continues to grow and improve through the programs that have been specifically created for her. We have seen her growth every step of the way. We are positive that Ashley will be well taken care of even after we are gone.
We just want to say “Thank You” for all you do to keep Sertoma Alive and people like our daughter living happy, independent lives!”
“After receiving my diagnosis of mental illness years ago, I began to experience a range of emotions. This news was a major blow in my life. I began to experience fear, anger, denial, sadness, and I wondered, “Why did this happen to me”?
Since beginning Sertoma’s Community Mental Health and Counseling (CMHC), I have the strength to accept my mental illness and to know that I am a valuable human being. Above all else, the counselors helped me feel stronger in the face of challenges and change behaviors that have held me back in the past.
I now have new ways of thinking that affect how I feel. I’ve healed from past pains, developed relationship skills, created goals, strengthen my self-confidence, and enhanced my coping and problem-solving skills. I have realized that I am not alone with this diagnosis. I know now that being told that you have a mental illness is not the end of the world. The therapy, compassion, and emotional support I receive has helped me move towards recovery and achieve my life’s ambitions. Sertoma Centre is my new family, and I am now proud of who I am.
Please know that your donations make a difference in the lives of the individuals that Sertoma supports each day living with mental illness.”
“I contacted Sertoma Centre Community Mental Health Center in January of 2018, after transitioning out of high school due to many issues stemming from my mental health status and being in and out of mental health hospitals. Since coming to Sertoma, I feel that it has given me a sense of belonging and has enhanced my ability to establish positive relationships with peers and staff.
Sertoma staff has shown me so much positivity and kindness. It is amazing to be accepted and appreciated for who I am. Since beginning with my therapy, I have more confidence and an increased sense of joy and am happy about life again! I have made positive connections at Sertoma and learn new coping skills.
Sertoma is a safe and secure haven to explore and address issues. It offers a great environment where deeper connections and healing can happen in one’s life. I feel empowered and restored by the services that I have received. The staff are compassionate and loving and have provided me with an exceptional level of care.
I want all our donors to know that your on-going support has impacted my life in a positive way! Please continue to give to Sertoma Centre and bring hope to other individuals with mental illness.”
