Share what you love. Build meaningful connections.
About Us
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. Established through a merger of New Star and Sertoma Centre, we bring over 125 years of collective experience providing state-of-the-art vocational, educational, therapeutic, and residential programs in the Chicagoland area and northwest Indiana. We serve over 1,500 individuals across five locations in Illinois (Alsip, Chicago Heights, and Matteson) and an office in Merrillville, Indiana.
About the Role
We’re looking for volunteers who want to turn their hobbies, passions, or interests into opportunities for connection and friendship with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Whether you love cooking, music, art, sports, gardening, reading, gaming, fitness, or exploring your community, you can help create meaningful experiences by sharing it with someone who has similar interests.
Our goal is to develop natural supports—genuine relationships that grow naturally through shared interests, activities, and everyday experiences. Volunteers are not expected to be caregivers or experts in disability services. Instead, you’ll simply be a welcoming, supportive person willing to share an interest and build a connection. This can be done in-person or virtually.
Responsibilities
- Share your hobbies, passions, or interests with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Build genuine relationships through shared activities and experiences.
- Participate in-person or virtually, based on your availability and preference.
- Foster an environment of connection, friendship, and mutual enjoyment.