Our Story

Sertoma Centre, Inc. was established in 1971 when three local Sertoma Clubs opened a sheltered workshop for a small group of adults with disabilities at 4343 W. 123rd Street. Originally named Sertoma Job Training Center, the first 3,200 sq. ft. building was constructed on land donated by the Lombard family. In the beginning, there were three staff members working with 11 clients. By 1987, programs had expanded to serve more than 200 clients with a staff of 100. The facility's name was changed to Sertoma Career Center, and the building's structure changed, too. Three major additions increased workspace to 43,800 sq. ft. on two levels.

During the 1990s, Insite Training Systems was formally established to oversee existing employment services and operate as the community employment division of the Centre. At the same time, Residential Services were launched with the opening of Sertoma's first Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) homes.

In the year 2000, the Centre doubled its space by opening a second, 46,000 sq. ft. facility at 4100 W. 127th Street. Home to the Centre's subcontract packaging and training services, the programs located there include Developmental Training, Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR), High School Transition program, for students ages 16 to 21, and offices for Residential Services staff. Thanks to a generous contribution, this building was officially named the "Martha Polacek Facility" in the fall of 2003.

Major renovations were completed in April 2002 at the 123rd Street facility, allowing space for Insite Training Systems, Seniors "Young at Heart" program, Personal and Social Adjustment, Developmental Training, Administration, Transportation, and Contract Janitorial Services (J-Team).

With both buildings at capacity and long waiting lists growing for services, it is expected that within the next year, Sertoma Centre will need to open a third, large facility.

Today, the Centre serves more than 650 individuals with disabilities annually, with a staff of more than 260. Individuals from more than 45 south and southwest suburbs and neighboring areas in the city of Chicago are served at the Centre daily. Our mission – To provide opportunities that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve personal success – has only begun. As we grow and expand, our facilities and programs need the continued generous support of the entire south suburban region and Chicagoland.