Arc of Indiana Membership
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities? Do you want to be part of something big? Join The Arc of Indiana through Sertoma Star Services, Northwest Indiana’s chapter. Become part of a network that empowers people and inspires change!
When you become a member of The Arc you become part of a network of over 30,000 Hoosier members and thousands of members nationwide – families, self advocates, and individuals who provide support, information and encouragement to one another. Membership in The Arc provides a sense of purpose and belonging.
Members receive the quarterly newsletter, The Arc News In Indiana and The Arc US newsletter, Empower.
It’s Free!
Announcement from the Board of Directors
Kelly Berardelli has been appointed as the President/CEO of Sertoma Star Services, effective July 1, 2024. With her extensive background and experience working in the field serving people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, Kelly Berardelli brings a unique insight to serving the people Sertoma Star Services supports on multiple levels.
In the months following the untimely death of CEO Dan Strick, the Board of Directors conducted a thorough vetting and interview process to fill the role of President/CEO. To guide them, the board hired a consultant who specializes in recruiting executives in the IDD field. After multiple interviews with the consultant, the board’s executive committee, and the entire board of directors, the board chose Kelly, who served as interim Executive Director, as the unanimous choice to lead Sertoma Star Services.
“Kelly’s appointment as President/CEO of Sertoma Star Services brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion to the organization,” said Bob Straz, chair of the Sertoma Star Services board of directors. “Her leadership will undoubtedly steer Sertoma Star Services towards a new future and contribute to the agency’s continued success in providing exceptional services to our community.”
Kelly, who has a master’s degree in sociology, has more than 30 years of management experience in social service which includes most recently serving as Chief Program Officer and prior to that Vice President of Program Services. During that time, she led efforts to enhance the agency’s approach to service delivery to fully support community integration as a way of life focusing on each person’s right to lead and make choices about their own lives.
Previously, Kelly worked with children and youth with a variety of intellectual/developmental disabilities as a manager/administrator of therapeutic foster care programs.
“I feel a deep sense of responsibility to not only the people we serve but to the agency,” Kelly said. “I look forward to leading the process to strategically position Sertoma Star Services for continued changes within our field and to seek out growth opportunities.”
Gus van den Brink, the agency’s interim President/CEO will retire on July 1 but will continue to work on integrating policies for the agency.
“Kelly has the ability to lead through change,” said van den Brink. “And that skill will be particularly helpful as the agency continues to navigate the post-merger integration process. The board was looking for someone to bring both a vision for the future as well as leadership and stability after Dan’s passing.”
Consumers representing Sertoma Star Services had a great weekend at the Special Olympics Illinois- Region E Spring Games on May 4 and 5 at Thornwood High School in South Holland. The Spring Games include outdoor track and field events such as running, shot put, softball throw, mini javelin, and short, long, and high jump.
Sertoma Star’s Olympians did a wonderful job, and we are so proud of the coaches and all the participants.
Please join us in congratulating the following athletes:
- Ally competed in the Softball Throw, placing 3rd, and ran the 50-meter race, also placing 3rd.
- Jason took 5th place in the 100-meter event.
- Stacy won 1st place in the Softball Throw and will advance to compete in the Summer Games.
- Karen competed in the Tennis Ball Throw and came home with a 2nd Place finish.
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports. Athletes compete at their Region Qualifier and those earning a gold medal may advance to the next level of competition which in most cases is the State Championships.
The members of Sertoma Star Services Circle of Friends Giving Club gathered for an appreciation dinner on May 3, 2024. The intimate event was held in honor of donors who provide regularly scheduled gifts and were joined by members of the board of directors, executive team, and consumers supported through our residential program. Without the support of these benefactors, we would not be able to provide the vital programs and services for individuals with disabilities and those living with mental illness at our agency.
The spring-themed dinner was a chance to remark on the successes of the past six month since the official merger of Sertoma Centre and New Star, as well hear from staff members on why monetary support is so meaningful to the work we do. Interim Executive Director Kelly Berardelli provided updates on our Intellectual and Developmental Disability programs and Senior Vice President, Community Mental Health and Counseling Kirk Hanson told an inspiring story of a consumer who is benefitting from the support he is receiving. Guests also heard from Board of Directors Chair Bob Straz and Chief Development Officer Patricia Trebe.
Additionally, longtime agency supporters, The POW-R Sertoma Club, presented a donation check during the dinner. POW-R Sertoma, represented by club member Alan Haraf, presented a check for $4,000 to Interim Chief Executive Director, Gus van den Brink. Originally, the agency was founded by local service clubs, including POW-R, seeking opportunities to provide job training to individuals with disabilities.
Statement from the Board of Directors
In the aftermath of Dan Strick’s untimely and tragic passing, the Board of Directors unanimously approved two interim leadership roles for Sertoma Star Services.
Gus van den Brink will assume the interim position of President/CEO, and Kelly Berardelli will take on the role and expectations of interim Executive Director.
While Gus will provide the overall leadership of the organization, Kelly will support Gus in overall agency functions. Gus served as Sertoma Centre’s Executive Director for 30 years and has returned from retirement to take on this interim position. Kelly has been with New Star since 2010 and has served as Chief Program Officer since 2022.
The board has decided to appoint these interim roles to ensure for the most effective and transformative work possible during this transition.
During this time of deep sorrow, we are immensely grateful to both Gus and Kelly for answering the call to lead the Sertoma Star Services community forward.
Sertoma Star Services has recently partnered with South Suburban PADS (SSPADS) as part of a grant expansion of their Southland Permanent Support Housing (PSH).
The Southland PSH is a component of the Continuum of Care (CoC) Expansion in South Cook County. It is an all-encompassing system of care that assists homeless individuals and families by providing a wide range of housing and services. The objective is to prevent and bring an end to homelessness by guiding and monitoring the progress of these individuals through the system.
Sertoma Star Services, an agency supporting individuals with disabilities and those living with mental illness, will provide mental health support and services for SSPADS as part of the partnership. As part of the collaboration, Sertoma Star Services will provide a full-time Residential Mental Health Case Manager who specializes in mental health to provide support to individuals who are homeless and transitioning into Permanent Support Housing. The Residential Mental Health Case Manager will provide support in the community and through home visits.
“This new partnership with SSPADS will support individuals with mental illness who are impacted by homelessness,” said Kirk Hanson, Senior Director of Community Mental Health and Counseling. “Mental health is often a hurdle for individuals but by offering the services of a Residential Mental Health Case Manager, we can provide support with benefits, linkage, and other services that, unfortunately a large part of the population needs.”
SSPADS (South Suburban Public Action to Deliver Shelter) is a not-for-profit organization that works to prevent and end homelessness in the south suburbs of Chicago. Over the past 28 years, the organization has provided shelter and meals to enable over 18,000 people to survive homelessness.
Sertoma Star Services is a newly merged agency through the alliance of two long-standing organizations of Sertoma Centre, Inc., Alsip, and New Star, Chicago Heights. Sertoma Star’s Community Mental Health and Counseling is based in Matteson and serves the south suburbs, offering support and education to enable people with mental illness to participate in a personal recovery process.
This past year was a pivotal one for Sertoma Star Services. It was the birth of a new agency that combines the strength and dedication of two quality agencies, Sertoma Centre of Alsip and New Star of Chicago Heights. The positive outcome of the merger was made possible by the exceptional staff who prioritize the care of the individuals with disabilities and those living with mental illness that are supported by the agency.
At a staff holiday gathering, awards were given to those who have made outstanding contributions throughout the year and the recognition of employees who have completed significant years of service.
These awards are peer-nominated recognitions that acknowledge the exceptional service and contributions made to our organization. The following awards were given to employees:
Leadership: Miquel McGhee
Bridge Builder: Shakisha Starks
Customer Service: Sheila Kennedy
Consumer Empowerment: Patricia Grenier
Consumer Champion: Dawn Carrasco
Above & Beyond-Janitorial Services: Javier Cortes
Above & Beyond – Community Mental Health and Counseling: Steven Wilson
2023 is the first for the STAR Award created to recognize individuals who exemplify the qualities in the previous awards and contributions made to the agency as a whole: Jennifer Jinkensen and Al Steele.
The event also acknowledge the long-term service of employees. With the 5-, 10-, and 15-year service honorees, the Sertoma Star Service employees have a combined experience of over 650 years. The following employees have reached remarkable milestones:
30 Years of Service: Gus van den Brink
25 Years of Service: Monica Aguilera, Katie Peterson, Kara Pierce, Ralph Rogers, and Anthony Sanders
20 Years of Service: Donna Bailey, Michael McNicholas, Patricia Murphy, Rick Phillips, Helene Quinn, and Clinton Trask
Sertoma Star is fortunate to have such committed staff who make numerous contributions to the success of our agency
This holiday season was made even more special when consumers and staff joined forces to decorate a tree in the City of Palos Heights, IL. Sharing their favorite things, these words were transformed into fun ornaments that hang on the tree. Their creativity and enthusiasm earned them a well-deserved 3rd Place in the decorating contest. Well done!
The decorated trees were on display in the Community Park near the gazebo across from City Hall through the holiday season.
Sertoma Star Services consumer Lexi Westerfield was honored with the Darcus Nims Self-Advocate of the Year Award! She received the award at the The Arc of Indiana and Self-Advocates of Indiana Impact Awards program in Muncie, Indiana. We are immensely proud of Lexi’s achievements and her contribution to promoting self-advocacy for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Dan Strick, President/CEO, Kara Pierce, Al Steele, Christine Rechsteiner and many other supporters were there to see her accept the award. We appreciate the support of Julie Olthoff, District 19 Representative, for being a true advocate for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Sertoma Star Services is proud to be one of the 18 benefiting charities!
First Look for Charity is a black-tie event hosted by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association that is held the day before the Chicago Auto Show opens, allowing guests a “First Look” at the nation’s largest auto show. Tickets to the black-tie event are $325 per person ($268 is tax-deductible).
The event is our largest fundraiser and we would be honored if you joined us. Our guests are invited to our pre-event Hospitality Suite for cocktails and appetizers which opens at 5:30 p.m. The main event opens at 7 p.m. where you will enjoy an elegant evening complete with food, beverages, live bands, as well as a chance to win a 2024 Chevrolet Blazer.
All proceeds raised through Sertoma Star Services ticket purchases will go directly to Sertoma Star Services and will help the children and adults we serve throughout the south suburbs and northwest Indiana whose lives are impacted by mild to profound disabilities and those living with mental illness.
Thank you for helping us Challenge Limits and Change Lives!
Hotel Information
Official Hotel of First Look for Charity
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
2233 S. Martin Luther King Dr., Chicago, IL
Guests can reserve a room for a discounted rate.
See what First Look for Charity is all about:
Please Note: Online ticket sales will be closed as of 4:00 p.m. on February 8, 2024. Tickets will be for sale at the Sertoma Star Services Will Call table.