Who We Are...

Empowerment begins when you embrace your unique way of connecting with the world.

Stephanie Lillard

Sertoma, Inc. is the parent organization of the James E. Shepard Sertoma Club. We support hearing and speech health through a variety of programs and mission activities.

Today over 50 million people in the United States alone suffer from some kind of hearing loss. Although some insurance companies will pay or provide discounts for testing and equipment, many will not pay for these. Our passion is to create a world where everyone has access to hearing and speech services.

VISION

“Envisioning a world where hearing and speech impairments are no longer impediments to communication, but a bridge to understanding and innovation. We strive to lead the way in awareness, acceptance, and technological advancement, making every voice heard and every word cherished.”

MISSION

“To empower individuals with hearing and speech impairments by advocating for their rights, fostering inclusive communities through allyship, providing comprehensive education on communication challenges, and ensuring access to state-of-the-art testing and assistive equipment. We are committed to breaking down barriers and amplifying the voices of those we serve.”

Our Story

In 1983, the James E. Shepard Sertoma Club was established in Durham by visionary leaders, including Frank G. Burnett, to champion hearing and speech health services and fellowship. As a chapter of Sertoma Inc., our club is named in honor of Dr. James E. Shepard, a devoted advocate for hearing and speech education and service—embraces a diverse membership of professionals dedicated to ‘Service to Mankind.’ Our commitment to volunteerism and community support is exemplified by our historic role in founding ten additional Sertoma Clubs in the region, reflecting our ethos of helping others and fostering service-oriented growth.

As the James E. Shepard Sertoma Club marks its 41st anniversary in 2024, we proudly reflect on over $1,006,256 million contributed to various causes (such as the Boys & Girls Club of Durham and Orange Counties, academic scholarships to students majoring in hearing and speech health, grants to community members who need hearing or speech services, Christmas Cheer Program, Homeless Student Program, and many others) and maintain our unwavering commitment to service, with a current membership of 30. We extend our deepest gratitude to the community for their enduring support.