Events
Communitas Achieves “Exemplary” Accreditation Standard
Communitas Supportive Care Society has achieved a standard of excellence from the Council on Accreditation (COA) for the third consecutive time. Peter Portlock, who led the team of four peer reviewers, said the team was unanimous in its affirmation of the organization.
“We have used just about every superlative in the dictionary,” Peter said. “We are your peers and as people who have worked extensively in this field and who have collectively done more than 300 reviews in our volunteer work as peer reviewers, we agree that this visit stands out as exemplary.”
Accreditation with COA happens on a four-year cycle and involves a thorough audit of an organization including services to people, finances, risk management, human resources, and much more. Preparation for COA begins a year before the peer reviewers visit. A team of Communitas staff spends months on a self-study, gathering information and documents that the peer reviewers read prior to their visit. The peer reviewers then do an in-person visit of as many services as possible, meeting with families, people served, staff, board members, and other stakeholders.
Matt Dirks, the new chief executive officer for Communitas, was the team lead, overseeing the process from start to finish. Matt noted that the accreditors recognized how evident it is that the staff live out the values of the organization.
“I’m proud of how the commitment shows up in all areas of our work,” Matt says. “From how we operate administratively, to our robust policies and workplace culture, and to the incredible supports we provide to persons served and the positive impact that has on their quality of life.”
Karyn Santiago, the out-going chief executive officer for Communitas, has participated in four accreditation processes. She recognized the months of intensive work and dedication by many people in the organization.
“This is now the third time that Communitas has received an exemplary accreditation and this kind of success rests squarely on the shoulders of each and every Communitas staff member,” Karyn says. “As I step out of the role of CEO, it is so rewarding to step away at this time, knowing that we have just experienced another exemplary accreditation.”
Kathy Doerksen is the Communitas board chair and says the board is “basking in the glow” of the outstanding results. She also gives full credit to the Communitas staff.
“The accreditors not only thought the written work was exemplary, they were also able to feel and personally experience the love and care that is created at Communitas when we all work together to create community and abundant life for all,” Kathy says.
At the closing gathering in mid-June, each reviewer had an opportunity to report their findings and their response was overwhelmingly positive. The reviewers sent their findings back to the COA headquarters with their recommendation of the highest possible status of “exemplary.” That was confirmed in early July. Matt was visibly moved by the affirmation of the peer reviewers and of the exemplary result.
“I’m so proud to be working at an organization that works so hard at living out its values,” he says.
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