Sertoma Centre, Inc is a 501 ( C ) 3 non profit, community service agency with two day facilities in Alsip, IL. We provide twelve programs to over 600 individuals with developmental, physical, emotional disabilities and/or mental illness that come from the city of Chicago and over 45 south and southwest suburbs. In addition to the day facilities, Sertoma Centre also operates nine residential homes as well as the Good as New Thrift Store in Matteson, IL.

In the spring of 2009, the mental health program will move from Alsip to over 8,000 square feet of space in the Matteson building. This will allow many individuals currently on waiting lists to attend one of the twelve programs in Alsip.

Sertoma Centre was founded as a sheltered workshop in 1971 by local Sertoma clubs with eleven individuals and four staff members. Over the years, programs were added for those that wanted community employment, social and daily living classes, and residential opportunities.

Those who come to Sertoma Centre range in age from 16, in the high school transition program, to those in their late 80s in the "Young at Heart" seniors program. One of our newest programs is exclusively for individuals on the Autism Spectrum.

In 2007, Sertoma Centre, Inc opened the Good as New Thrift Store and Training Centre. Here, individuals can receive their first job experience before going out in the community to apply for employment. In the first year alone, over 50 community based assessments were done to prepare individuals for job interviews and employment.

Insite Training Systems, the employment arm of Sertoma Centre, has job developers, job coaches, and extensive training opportunities to help the over one-third of individuals at Sertoma Centre who want a job in the community. Employment is also available through our janitorial program that offers services to the community year round for both business and residential customers.

Sertoma Centre's mission is to provide opportunities that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve personal success. For some, that is a job in the community or working in the packaging and assembly areas of the day facilities. For others, it is learning how to cope within a social environment. Regardless of what their goals are, Sertoma Centre staff is committed to supporting them on the road to success.

For more information, visit our website, www.sertomacentre.org or call Melanie Jones, Director of Advancement/Communications at 708-371-9700 ext. 206.