Member Spotlight

A Match Made By Women on Call.Org
WomenOnCall.Org hosted a wonderful networking event titled Meet and Match on February 17th 2011 matching women who are committed to sharing their skills with non-profit organizations. It was a bit like speed dating, and provided Sertoma Centre with the opportunity to meet some amazing women who expressed a genuine interest in helping. Arianna Huffington presented a motivating speech which generated a wave of enthusiasm that spread throughout the ballroom. Caroline Walker and Paula Wills were both in attendance that evening, each taking the time to learn about Sertoma Centre as a possible volunteer match. For Sertoma this was a perfect match because they could offer a volunteer experience ideal for these city dwellers to participate in. Sertoma Centre offers a variety of volunteer opportunities lasting only one day to as much time as one has available. There is volunteer work that can be done from home, at Sertoma's thrift store, at events, or for special projects.

Sertoma Centre, Inc. is one of five charities permitted to receive donations from the generous exhibitors at the International Housewares Show held at McCormick Place each March. The social service agency relies heavily on the volunteers to help pack up the donated items. Sertoma would never be able to accomplish this task without the assistance of the more than 100 volunteers.
On March 8th two busloads of volunteers left from Sertoma's Alsip headquarters for an enjoyable trip downtown to McCormick Place. Volunteers that prefer to meet at the Housewares show typically live, work or go to school in the downtown area. The volunteers and Sertoma staff met at a designated area in McCormick Place. Volunteers were divided into teams, assigned a leader and sent to a specified booth. Volunteers then began the tasks of wrapping items and packing them into boxes.

The donated items received from the show provide houseware items for the ten community integrated living arrangement homes operated by Sertoma Centre. While some items are used in day programs and services, the majority is taken to the Good as New Thrift Store in Matteson, IL a resale shop operated by Sertoma Centre. The proceeds from the sales at the thrift store are used to help fund programs and services for individuals with disabilities they support. The store also serves as a training facility for the individuals seeking employment in the community.

Who is Sertoma Centre?
Sertoma Centre, Inc is a nonprofit, community service agency with two day facilities in Alsip, IL and a third facility in Matteson, IL that houses the Good as New Thrift Store and Training Centre, a Mental Health program and the Redwood Counseling & Wellness Centre. Over 625 individuals with developmental, physical, emotional disabilities and/or mental illness are supported through 15 programs. They come from the city of Chicago and over 45 south and southwest suburbs. Sertoma Centre also supports a number of individuals in their own apartment or family home.

In 1971, Sertoma Centre was founded as a sheltered workshop by local Sertoma clubs. It started with 11 individuals and four staff in 3,000 sq. ft of space in Alsip. Over the past 39 years, programs were added for those who wanted community employment, social and daily living classes and residential opportunities.

Those who come to Sertoma Centre range in age from 16 in the High School Transition Program, to those in their late 80s in the "Young at Heart" seniors program. There is a large program for those on the Autism Spectrum and another to monitor behavioral health issues before they become mental illnesses.

For more information about Sertoma Centre, to schedule a tour, volunteer or to make a donation, please contact Melanie Jones, Director of Advancement and Communications, Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip, IL 60803. (708) 730-6206, www.sertomacentre.org.

Caroline Walker's Story
Suzan Simmons of Sertoma Centre drew me in to volunteering through her enthusiastic discussion of her charity that supports people with disabilities; including providing jobs in Sertoma's Janitorial, Packaging and Assembly services. Suzan provided written descriptions of what Sertoma's needs were. With Suzan's leadership as Public Relations Manager, I was happy to help out on March 8th by packing goods left for charities from exhibitors at the International Home and Housewares Show at McCormick Place.

Sertoma Centre brought a bus load of volunteers from their locations in the Matteson-Alsip area. We united in purpose with our blue Sertoma shirts and packed up a storm, finishing the task in record time. Sertoma has invited us to their volunteer appreciation night at their Good As New Thrift Store in Matteson, IL and I look forward to attending. Suzan and Sertoma Centre have my continued support.

Volunteer work to date has been for the charity for which my husband, Frank is Co-CEO, Fraud Aid, Inc. Fraud Aid assists victims of fraud, and supports law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice. Visit www.fraudaid.com. for more information.  In a chance meeting at a joint SOAR-LookingGlassTheater activity, Marsha Nathan, an avid networker, told me about WomenOnCall. Still it took three months to decide to give WomenOnCall a try by attending their February event at which Arianna Huffington gave an inspiring call to give back. This was followed by well organized speed Meet-and-Match networking between volunteers and charities.
Paula Wills' Story

Paula Wills grew up on Chicago's Southside where she attended Mother McCauley High School. She studied Journalism at Roosevelt University, and graduated in 2004. Paula has interned with Tribune Interactive, The Field Museum and the Chicago Reporter. Paula Wills started her own handmade Skin Care Company Poetisa's Palette.

Currently Paula is participating in the Chicago Career Tech program where she is concentrating on Digital Media Design at New Horizons and participating in service based learning with the Family Resource Center on Disabilities.

When she received an email from Chicago Career Tech inviting the participants to The Women on Call Volunteer Opportunity, Paula saw this as an opportunity to give back some of the blessings that were given to her.

"My volunteer experience with Sertoma Centre really made me feel like I was a part of something greater than myself. Sertoma Centre embraces its volunteers, and I am so happy to apart of their mission. "

Sertoma volunteers rode the fun bus to McCormick Place to help pack up donations at the International
Housewares Show.

Volunteers patiently await the next booth assignment at the international Housewares show
held at McCormick place in Chicago, IL..

Left to right: Paula Wills, Women on Call Volunteer, Suzan Simmons –Sertoma Centre PR Manager and
Caroline Walker- Women on Call Volunteer attended the Volunteer Appreciation Night on March 28, 2011.

Sertoma Centre's "Volunteer Appreciation Night" was held at Good as New Thrift Store in Matteson, IL
Volunteers were treated to refreshments and a sneak preview of the items donated from the Housewares Show.