Accreditation

In February 2006 North Shore ConneXions Society received a 3-year accreditation from CARF Canada. This is CARF's highest award. It means that we satisfy each of the CARF Accreditation Conditions, demonstrate substantial conformance to the standards, and use continuous quality improvement practices.

The following programs are accredited:

• community housing
• day programs
• respite services
• home sharing
• family services
• community employment (job development, job supports, and job-site training).

CARF highlights many of our strengths in their summary report. Here are a few:

• The organization has taken the time to carefully integrate components of information into a regular quality review to ensure that continuous quality improvement is organic to its culture.
• Homes are warm and comfortable, affording persons with privacy and personalized spaces. Persons supported in the homes are actively and routinely involved in community, social, and recreational activities.
• The organization has developed creative supports, such as Rec and Ed and the Friendship Circles programs, that enhance the lives of individuals and their families. These programs successfully increase the awareness of inclusion within the community.
• Throughout the organization's programs, it is evident that persons served have numerous opportunities to develop social contacts, relationships, and community networks. Persons served routinely experience a variety of community events and opportunities for access and inclusion as part of their daily schedules.
• Results of outcomes measurement, key policies, the accessibility plan, and other key pieces of information are available to stakeholders via the organization's website.
• A strong emphasis is placed on orienting new workers to the job and providing high quality coaching for as long as necessary.
• The organization takes its slogan Making Opportunities Happen seriously, creating community opportunities throughout its operation.