Sertoma Star Services is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit community organization dedicated to challenging the limits and changing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness. We serve more than 2,000 children and adults each year throughout the Chicagoland area and Northwest Indiana. The organization has provided critical vocational, educational, therapeutic, and residential programs and services to individuals in and around the Chicagoland area and northwest Indiana for a collective 125-plus years.
Mission
To empower individuals
with disabilities, their families,
and those living with mental illness to achieve personal success by providing choices and opportunities.
Vision
We are building a future where all people with disabilities and those living with mental illness live, work, and fully participate as productive and valued citizens in society
Together as Sertoma Star Services, the commitment to delivering comprehensive services,
choices, and opportunities to those we support in an environment that promotes self-advocacy and personal success remains constant and impactful. Sertoma Star Services serves over 2,000 consumers and has five locations in Illinois – Alsip, Chicago Heights, Crete, and Matteson and an office in Merrillville, Indiana. Our programs are driven by our passion for creating life-changing vocational, educational, therapeutic, and residential opportunities for those we support.
Our service consumers range in age from 5 to 95 years and include people with Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and other substantial, chronic disabilities incurred before maturity, in addition to those living with mental illness.
Organizational Values
Accountability: We commit to holding ourselves and others accountable to our mission and vision through the words, actions, and care provided to the individuals we support.
Collaboration: We approach our work in collaborative and respectful ways that generate effective communication, excellence, and achievement throughout the organization.
Integrity & Transparency: By maintaining a culture of transparency and honesty, we create an environment of trust where all stakeholders are heard, respected, and appreciated for their ideas, perspectives, input, and life experiences.
Innovation: We challenge the status quo by being innovative and promoting a culture that embraces creative problem-solving, personal development, and forward-thinking.
Independence & Self-Advocacy: We agree to support consumers in obtaining independence and self-advocacy through the commitment, dedication, and effective stewardship demonstrated in our work.
Accreditation
Sertoma Star Services is accredited by the Department for Human Services (DHS), Indiana Family and Social Services Association (IFSSA), the US Department of Labor, the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL), and CARF International.