GOODWILL EARNS THREE-YEAR CARF ACCREDITATION

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Dorothy H. Viets
Director of Community Relations
(203) 581-5319 or (203) 650-5723 (cell)
dviets@goodwillwct.org

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF WESTERN CONNECTICUT EARNS

THREE-YEAR CARF ACCREDITATION

The Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) has awarded Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut a three-year Accreditation effective through January 2012 for its community and employment services. The accredited community services include community housing and supported living programs. The employment services include job development, job supports, job-site training, employment transition services and organizational employment services. A CARF survey team visited Goodwill for three days in December to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the agency’s programs for individuals with disabilities.

After reviewing 1,000 standards, the surveyors praised Goodwill for having a knowledgeable and dedicated staff, meeting all legal requirements, being advanced technologically and being financially well positioned to serve people and expand programs. In its accreditation letter to Goodwill, the Commission stated, “This achievement is an indication of your organization’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of the persons served. Services, personnel, and documentation clearly indicate an established pattern of practice excellence.”

This accreditation outcome represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation outcome has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors that its programs and services are of the highest quality and are measurable and accountable.

CARF is an internationally recognized accreditation authority responsible for assuring that the highest standards of business practices, ethics and service delivery in human service organizations are met and maintained. Founded in 1966, the commission establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.

Goodwill is a non-profit agency that provides employment and support services that help people with disabilities and other barriers to employment achieve meaningful employment, leading to independence and self-sufficiency. Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut, headquartered in Bridgeport, has been serving local communities in Connecticut since 1951 and has been accredited by CARF since 1973. Human Services offices are now located in Stamford and Brookfield as well as in Bridgeport. In addition, 15 Goodwill Stores in various communities support the agency’s programs.

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