The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, or CARF, is an international health and human services accreditor. CARF certification signifies that our programs prioritize the quality, value, and outcomes of services provided to improve the lives of those we serve. This is achieved through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services.
Rachael Olive is Goodwill of Central Iowa’s Quality Assurance & Accreditation Specialist, which means she is responsible for acquiring and maintaining CARF accreditation for our mission programs. “CARF is an accrediting organization that ensures that as service providers, we are following quality standards and providing quality services to the people we serve,” said Rachael.
CARF examines various factors across an organization and requires a framework for business practices, program structure, and service processes. The first phase examines the leadership team and how they support the mission programs to provide quality service to participants. The second phase assesses the mission team and programs. During this phase, they evaluate how the mission team continuously supports the programs and staff, ensuring that the participants and stakeholders are satisfied and that the organization is providing a quality program now and in the future.
Becoming CARF-accredited means the organization has demonstrated:
- A higher degree of internal quality.
- Greater involvement of persons served in their programs.
- Increased cohesion among staff members at all levels within the organization.
- Enhanced status of the accredited programs/services offered within the community.
Why is CARF-Accreditation Important?
People look for accredited organizations as a sign of quality before choosing a service. Accreditation demonstrates a provider’s commitment to enhancing performance, managing risk, and distinguishing itself from competing organizations.
CARF is a standard we strive not only to meet but also exceed. Maintaining CARF standards is crucial for operating our mission programs. At Goodwill of Central Iowa, we continually evaluate our programs to ensure they meet the needs of our participants and our community. This commitment to quality has been recognized since 1997, when we first became CARF-certified. Today, we continue to maintain those high standards. In fact, after Veterans Affairs, the Goodwill Member network is CARF’s second-largest accredited organization.
Furthering Goodwill’s Mission
Goodwill of Central Iowa is on a mission to inspire confidence, strengthen abilities, and redefine inclusion in the community and the workplace. By exceeding CARF-accredited expectations, we’re serving our participants with quality programming to help them succeed.
Together, we’re making purposeful employment possible for all. Please visit our Mission page and read participants’ stories, like those of Andrew and Jenny, to discover how Goodwill of Central Iowa’s programs have positively impacted their lives.
