History of Sertoma Star Services

In 1971, three local Sertoma clubs representing the communities of Palos, Orland, Worth, Chicago Ridge, Evergreen Park, and Alsip created what was known as a sheltered workshop for individuals with disabilities. It was located in Alsip and called the Sertoma Job Training Center. The purpose of the facility was to create a place for individuals with disabilities to work and learn employment skills. When the facility opened, it serviced  11 individuals with a supervising staff of four. The 3,000 square-foot facility, built on land donated by the Lombard family, was located on 123rd St. west of Pulaski.

In 1987, Sertoma Job Training Center was renamed the Sertoma Career Centre, and by then, more 200 individuals were being served by a staff of 100. Throughout the 1990s, additional programs were added, including Employment Services which enabled individuals to work outside of the Centre and integrate with the local community. The Centre also opened its first Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) home, giving individuals the opportunity to integrate into the local community and live semi-independently with 24-hour supervision.

Sertoma Centre continue to grow and opened a second location in 2000, located directly south on 127th street in Alsip. This location was home to the sub-contract packaging and training services, including the developmental training and high school transition programs.

After renovations at the 123rd building were completed in 2002, additional programs were added or expanded, including Seniors Services, Developmental Training, Administration, Transportation and Janitorial Services (J-Team).

During the next twenty years, Sertoma Career Centre had become a model agency, not only through the south and southwest suburbs, but throughout Illinois. By 2023, the Centre looked to expand once again. This time, merging with New Star Services of Chicago Heights, an agency which mirrored that of Sertoma in terms of its mission, vision and services. Sertoma Centre is now known as Sertoma Star Services with physical locations in Alsip, Matteson, Chicago Heights and Merrillville, Indiana. Sertoma Star Services also operates and manages apartment buildings and CILA houses in Illinois and Northwest Indiana for individuals with disabilities.