Check out the photos from our 2025 event.

(click to enlarge photos)

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 Nicole M. Dunham as Chief Human Resources Officer

As Chief Human Resources Officer, Dunham will lead the organization’s human resources strategy, including talent acquisition and retention, employee engagement, leadership development, compliance, organizational culture, and workforce planning. Her leadership will play a critical role in supporting Sertoma Star Services’ dedicated employees as they advance the organization’s mission of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness.

Dunham joins Sertoma Star Services following several executive leadership positions, most recently serving as Chief Human Resources & Compliance Officer for One Hope United, a multi-state nonprofit serving more than 10,000 children and families annually. Throughout her career, she has successfully guided organizations through growth, organizational transformation, workforce development initiatives, compliance management, and strategic planning while fostering positive workplace cultures and high-performing teams.

“We are excited to welcome Nicole to the Sertoma Star Services leadership team,” said Kelly Berardelli,  President/CEO. “Her extensive experience, strategic vision, and passion for people-centered leadership will help strengthen our organization and support our continued growth.”

Dunham holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Lewis University, a Master of Science in Human Resource Development and a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communications and Marketing from Indiana State University. She is a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management.

“I am honored to join Sertoma Star Services and contribute to an organization with such a strong mission and impact,” said Dunham. “I look forward to supporting the talented employees who make this work possible and helping build a workplace culture that enables both employees and the individuals we serve to thrive.”

Sertoma Star Services empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness to live meaningful, independent, and productive lives. Serving nearly 2,000 individuals throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, Sertoma Star Services provides a wide range of programs and services focused on community inclusion, employment, residential support, therapeutic activities, and personal growth.