Sertoma Inc.

Overview

Sertoma Inc., formerly known as Sertoma International, is a nonprofit organization founded on April 11, 1912. The name "Sertoma" is an acronym for Service to Mankind. The organization is one of the oldest service clubs in the United States, with operations across the U.S. and Canada.

Purpose and Mission

Sertoma's primary mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals at risk or impacted by hearing loss through education and support. Additionally, the organization aims to meet community needs through volunteer service and create communities of change. Over 50 million people in the United States alone suffer from hearing loss, emphasizing the importance of Sertoma's mission[2][4].

Programs and Activities

Sertoma is actively involved in several programs focused on hearing health and community service:

• Scholarships for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Provides scholarships to students with significant bilateral hearing loss who are pursuing four-year college degrees[2].
• Communicative Disorders Scholarships: Offers scholarships to graduate students studying audiology or speech-language pathology, making Sertoma a leading funder in this area[1][2].
• SAFEEars: A national service project that helps spread the organization's mission and attract new members while promoting hearing health awareness[2].
• A Sound Investment: Focuses on making public facilities accessible for those with hearing assistive devices by promoting looping technology[1].

Structure and Operations

Sertoma is organized into seven geographic regions in the United States and Canada. The organization supports its clubs by providing mission-oriented programs, professional development, and training to enhance community activities[3].

Financial and Philanthropic Activity

In 2010, Sertoma clubs donated over $10 million to community projects and sponsorships, showcasing the organization's commitment to philanthropy[1]. The Sertoma Foundation, established in 1960, supports the organization's programs through annual, planned, and endowment giving[1].