On June 16, Sertoma Star Services hosted the 2nd Annual Night at the Park, where Indiana families enjoyed a Gary SouthShore RailCats game. The weather was perfect, the night was filled with smiles, a few baseball souvenirs were caught, and to top it all off, the RailCats brought home a big win.

This special outing was made possible through the generosity of a donor who is deeply committed to the individuals we support and to advancing our mission. Their support helps create meaningful opportunities for connection, community, and unforgettable experiences, and we are truly grateful.

We were also pleased to welcome staff from The Arc of Indiana who visited our chapter and joined in the fun. Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a memorable success.

Sertoma Star Services Hosts Unique Wellness Event Designed Specifically for First Responders and Their Loved Ones

First responders are trained to answer the call when others need help. Yet the emotional toll of serving on the front lines often extends beyond the individual, impacting marriages, families, and personal well-being. To address this often-overlooked reality, Sertoma Star Services is hosting Responding First to Each Other: Wellness for First Responders and Their Loved Ones (ages 16+,) a free wellness event created specifically to strengthen relationships and support the mental health of first responder families.

The in-person event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 12,  at the Bremen Township Senior Complex, 15350 Oak Park Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois. Attendance is free, but advance registration is required.

There is a growing need for resources that focus not only on the well-being of first responders but also on the families who share in the challenges of the profession. While many wellness programs are designed for first responders alone, this unique event brings first responders and adult family members together to learn, connect, and build strategies for navigating the stressors that come with careers in law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, and other emergency response professions.

First responders regularly face trauma, long hours, unpredictable schedules, and high-pressure situations. These realities can create communication barriers, emotional strain, and increased stress at home. Responding First to Each Other was developed to help families better understand these challenges and equip them with practical tools to strengthen communication, build resilience, and support one another through the demands of the profession.

“First responders are often expected to be strong for everyone else, but the reality is that the stress, trauma, and demands of the profession don’t stay at work—they come home,” said Gia Washington, Director of Community Education at Sertoma Star Services. “While there is growing awareness around first responder mental health, there are still very few opportunities that bring first responders and their family members together to learn, heal, and strengthen their relationships as a team. This event fills an important gap by recognizing that wellness isn’t just individual—it extends to families. When first responders and their loved ones have the tools to communicate, support one another, and build resilience together, everyone benefits.”

Through expert-led presentations, interactive discussions, and wellness-focused activities, participants will gain valuable insights into maintaining healthy relationships while balancing the unique responsibilities of public service. The event also provides a rare opportunity for first responder families to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

As awareness grows around the importance of mental health and wellness in public safety professions, programs that include spouses and family members have become increasingly recognized as an essential component of long-term resilience. Sertoma Star Services is proud to offer this innovative event as part of its commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of the communities it serves.

Sertoma Star Services is a leading provider of programs and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness. Serving more than 2,000 individuals, the organization operates locations in Alsip, Chicago Heights, Crete, and Matteson, Illinois, with an office in Merrillville, Indiana. Through vocational, educational, therapeutic, and residential services, Sertoma Star Services empowers people ages 5 to 95 to achieve greater independence and meaningful inclusion in their communities. Learn more at sertomastar.org.

Sertoma Star Services Welcomes Danielle Kane as Chief Financial Officer

Danielle joins Sertoma Star Services after more than a decade with CTF Illinois, a nonprofit organization serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Illinois. During her tenure, she served as Controller before advancing to Chief Financial Officer, where she provided financial leadership for a $33 million organization.

In her previous role, Danielle worked closely with executive leadership and the Board of Directors to guide financial strategy, strengthen organizational performance, and support long-term sustainability. She oversaw budgeting, financial reporting, government contracts, Medicaid reimbursement, grants management, and financial planning while leading a team of finance professionals.

Throughout her career, Danielle has demonstrated a strong ability to identify opportunities for improvement, streamline operations, and develop financial systems that support smarter decision-making. Her experience includes strengthening internal controls, improving financial reporting processes, implementing new technologies, and building collaborative relationships across departments.

But Danielle brings more than financial expertise to her new role. She also brings a refreshing perspective on what financial leadership can accomplish.

Danielle believes finance doesn’t have to be boring and organizational change doesn’t have to be painful. She enjoys solving complex challenges, finding efficiencies, and transforming financial information into meaningful strategies that help organizations achieve their goals.

As Chief Financial Officer, Danielle will play an important role in supporting the financial health and long-term sustainability of Sertoma Star Services. Her leadership will help ensure the organization continues to use its resources responsibly while advancing its mission to empower individuals with disabilities, their families, and those living with mental illness to achieve personal success by providing choices and opportunities.

Danielle holds a Master of Science degree from Governors State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lewis University. She is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Her commitment to community extends beyond her professional work, with involvement in organizations including Northern Illinois Food Bank, Girls on the Run, and Jim’s Bridge to A Brighter Future.

Please join us in welcoming Danielle to Sertoma Star Services! We look forward to the expertise, innovative thinking, and collaborative leadership she brings as we continue challenging limits and changing lives.