What Sertoma Star Services does

Sertoma Star Services is a 501(c)(3) non-profit human services organization formed October 3, 2023 through the merger of Sertoma Centre, Inc. (Alsip, IL) and New Star, Inc. (Chicago Heights, IL), combining 125+ years of legacy experience. The organization delivers a portfolio of programs across Illinois and Northwest Indiana: individualized support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Illinois and Indiana (residential habilitation, day habilitation, respite, workplace assistance, participant-directed care); community mental health and counseling services from a Matteson, IL center; a Special Recreation Services cooperative with seven park districts; permanent supportive housing across four developments (Homewood, Orland Park, Flossmoor, Alsip/Hamlin Avenue); community education and Mental Health First Aid training; and a Business Solutions revenue stream (e-recycling, janitorial, light manufacturing, staffing) employing individuals with disabilities in paid work.

The organization serves roughly 2,000 individuals annually across its geographic footprint, which includes offices in Alsip, Chicago Heights, Matteson, Broadview, Lansing (IL) and Merrillville (IN), supported by 101-250 employees whose combined tenure exceeds 650 years. Operating cadence is anchored in person-centered care models measured against Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) accreditation standards and Personal Outcome Measures. Revenue mechanics are diversified across Medicaid waiver reimbursement (Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver, Family Supports Waiver in Illinois and Indiana), individual and corporate/foundation donations, government and foundation grants (including The Arc, Illinois Housing Development Authority, Cook County Department of Planning and Development), United Way partnership, event-based fundraising (First Look for Charity, Fore the Future Golf, Bowl Bash, Day of Giving), and Business Solutions contracts with corporate and government buyers.

Leadership is vested in President and CEO Kelly Berardelli (appointed July 1, 2024 following the death of founding CEO Dan Strick), with executive officers covering Programs, Development, Human Resources, Community Mental Health, and I/DD services. The organization is governed by a board chaired by Robert Straz and is regulated by CQL, Indiana FSSA, Illinois Medicaid authorities, county housing authorities, and Charity Navigator (Four-Star Rating, 2025). It is not private-equity- or venture-backed, has no subsidiaries, and operates exclusively as an independent non-profit.

Name

Sertoma Star Services

Legal name

Sertoma Star Services

Website

https://sertomastar.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Sertoma Star Services is a 501(c)(3) non-profit formed in October 2023 through the merger of Sertoma Centre and New Star, serving approximately 2,000 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental illness across Illinois and Northwest Indiana through residential, day, mental health, supportive housing, and business solutions programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Human Services (Disability and Behavioral Health)

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Individual and Family Services (6241), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Interagency Coordination & Case Management (VR, DD, Medicaid Waivers) (EDAKANAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Employment & Job Readiness Support Services (BPAGAEAJ)

Keywords

• Disability support services
• Developmental disability care
• Mental health counseling
• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Supportive housing services

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago Heights

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Medicaid Waiver Programs: Services funded through Illinois and Indiana Medicaid waiver programs including Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver, Family Supports Waiver for individuals with I/DD
2. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting programs and services for individuals with disabilities and mental illness
3. Corporate/Foundation Grants: Grant funding from organizations including The Arc, government agencies for housing and mental health programs
4. Business Solutions Services: Revenue from e-recycling, janitorial services, manufacturing, and staffing solutions provided to corporations and government agencies

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Sertoma Star Services is a 501(c)(3) non-profit human services organization that provides individualized programs and supports for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and those living with mental illness across Illinois and Indiana. Core offerings include residential and day habilitation, respite, workplace assistance, community mental health and counseling, permanent supportive housing, special recreation services and community education/training. Services are primarily funded through state Medicaid waiver programs, with additional revenue from donations, grants and Business Solutions contracts.

Product overview

Sertoma Star Services is a non-profit organization formed through the merger of Sertoma Centre and New Star in October 2023. The organization operates as a unified service platform offering intellectual/developmental disability (I/DD) services across Illinois and Indiana, mental health and counseling, special recreation, supportive housing, business solutions (e-recycling, janitorial, manufacturing, staffing), and community education programs. The core offerings include Illinois I/DD Services, Indiana I/DD Services, Mental Health and Counseling (CMHC), Special Recreation Services (SRS), Business Solutions, Supportive Housing, and Community Education and Training programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Illinois I/DD Services Individualized support services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Illinois, including residential habilitation and support (up to 24-hour care in CILA homes), day habilitation, respite, participant assistance and care, workplace assistance, extended services and recreational therapy, funded primarily through Illinois Medicaid waiver programs (Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver, Family Supports Waiver).
• Indiana I/DD Services Services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Indiana, including residential habilitation and support, day habilitation, respite and workplace assistance, licensed by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) and accredited by the Indiana Family and Social Services Association.
• Mental Health and Counseling (CMHC) Community Mental Health and Counseling services for adults, youth and first responders and their families, including therapy, psychiatric services, crisis intervention, youth school-based services and the First Responders Wellness Program, delivered from the Matteson, IL center and partner locations.
• Special Recreation Services (SRS) Year-round community-based leisure education and recreational programs for individuals with disabilities, delivered by Sertoma Star Services as the 501(c)(3) sponsor of a cooperative of 7 park districts (Broadview, Calumet Memorial, Dolton, Lan-Oak, Maywood, Riverdale, South Holland).
• Business Solutions Commercial services sold to corporations, small businesses, educational institutions and government agencies, including e-recycling, janitorial services, contract manufacturing and staffing solutions, delivered in part by a workforce of individuals with disabilities as part of the organization's vocational mission.
• Supportive Housing Permanent supportive housing (PSH) developments that enable adults with disabilities to live independently while receiving personalized support services, including the Hamlin Avenue Apartments in Alsip, IL, and earlier properties in Homewood, Flossmoor and Orland Park, with funding from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Cook County Department of Planning and Development and the Housing Authority of Cook County.
• Community Education and Training Mental Health First Aid certification courses, suicide prevention training (QPR, safeTALK, ASIST) and customized mental health awareness workshops delivered by certified facilitators to community members, schools, first responders, employers and other organizations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Consumers successfully achieve personal goals and greater independence through person-centered care
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• The Arc of IndianacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSertoma Star Services is the Northwest Indiana chapter of The Arc of Indiana, providing membership, advocacy resources, and network connections for individuals with I/DD and their families. Partnership includes annual Valentine's Day at the State House advocacy events.
• The Arc of the United StatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational affiliation providing vehicle donation program partnership and broader advocacy network for people with developmental disabilities.
• NAMI South Suburbs of ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliate partnership with National Alliance on Mental Illness providing mental health advocacy, education, and community support resources.
• United Way of Metro ChicagocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for community fundraising and resource coordination supporting individuals with disabilities and mental illness in the Chicago metropolitan area.
• The InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership organization providing resources and professional development for organizations serving people with disabilities.
• South Suburban PADS (SSPADS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership provides mental health support services for homeless individuals transitioning to Permanent Support Housing through Southland PSH grant program. Sertoma Star provides full-time Residential Mental Health Case Manager.
• Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCATA hosts First Look for Charity, a black-tie event benefiting Sertoma Star Services and 17 other charities. Event held day before Chicago Auto Show opens.
• Special Recreation Services (SRS) Cooperative Park DistrictsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperative of 7 park districts (Broadview, Calumet Memorial, Dolton, Lan-Oak, Maywood, Riverdale, South Holland) providing year-round recreational services for persons with disabilities. Sertoma Star Services serves as the 501(c)(3) sponsor.
• Illinois Housing Development AuthoritycoreOthersState agency providing funding and support for permanent supportive housing developments for adults with disabilities.
• Cook County Department of Planning and DevelopmentcoreOthersCounty agency providing funding for Hamlin Avenue Apartments permanent supportive housing development, investing over $1.7 million.
• Housing Authority of Cook CountycoreOthersPartner in permanent supportive housing development providing affordable housing access for adults with disabilities.
• Illinois Housing CouncilminorOthersProfessional association supporting housing developments for special populations including people with disabilities.
• Village of New Lenox / Safe Community CoalitionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership to offer FREE Youth Mental Health First Aid Class training for adults working with adolescents ages 12-18.
• POW-R Sertoma ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLongtime community supporter that presented $4,000 donation to Sertoma Star Services. Original founding service club seeking job training opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Sertoma Clubs NetworkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNetwork of local Sertoma Clubs (Action, Chicago Lawn, Hickory Hills, United Sertoma-Lemont, POW-R) supporting disability services and community programs.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• L'Arche USA: Nonprofit organization creating residential communities and day programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Direct peer in community living and person-centered care model, though operates with a faith-based community emphasis.
• Community Options, Inc. National nonprofit providing residential, employment, and community support services to people with developmental disabilities. Closely comparable program mix and Medicaid waiver funding model.
• ServiceNet: Massachusetts-based nonprofit serving individuals with developmental disabilities and those facing mental health challenges through residential, employment, and clinical programs. Comparable dual-emphasis on I/DD and behavioral health with community-based delivery.
• Penn-Mar Human Services: Mid-Atlantic nonprofit providing residential, day, vocational, and behavioral support to individuals with I/DD. Closely comparable service portfolio (residential habilitation, day programs, supported employment) and similar mid-sized nonprofit structure.

Broad incumbents

• Sevita Health (formerly The MENTOR Network): Large national provider of home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including residential habilitation, day programs, and behavioral health. Operates as a for-profit scaled peer to Sertoma Star's I/DD service lines.
• BrightSpring Health Services: Public diversified home and community-based health services provider offering I/DD services, behavioral health, and pharmacy solutions. Comparable in serving Medicaid waiver-funded populations and operating multiple service lines across states.
• Easterseals: National nonprofit organization providing disability and community-based services including I/DD support, vocational rehabilitation, and mental health programming across multiple states. Highly comparable mission and service breadth to Sertoma Star, but operates at much greater scale and geographic reach.
• Volunteers of America: National nonprofit delivering a broad portfolio of human services including disability services, behavioral health, housing, and community corrections across many states. Larger-scale comparable in operating model and funding mix to Sertoma Star.

Regional players

• Thresholds: Chicago-based nonprofit providing mental health, substance use, and psychiatric rehabilitation services, including supportive housing for individuals with mental illness. Regional peer with overlapping mental health and supportive housing programs in Sertoma Star's core service geography.

Others

• The Arc of the United States: National federation of which Sertoma Star's Indiana operation is a chapter. Indirect peer as the umbrella advocacy and service organization for I/DD populations; overlapping member base and mission rather than direct competition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@SertomaStarServices2023
• Facebookfacebook.com/sertomastar
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sertoma-star-services
• Instagraminstagram.com/sertomastarservices
• Xx.com/SertomaStar

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sertoma Star Services