Tacoma Goodwill’s job-placement and training programs have received the highest level of accreditation available, according to a statement released this month.
Tucson-based CARF International in December awarded Goodwill a three-year accreditation. A team of reviewers visited Goodwill this fall to review all aspects of Workforce Development programs — and had only one formal recommendation for improvement.
“You’re good at everything you do,” said Richard P. Oestreich, an administrative surveyor for CARF who also works for a Goodwill in Ohio. “We’re just really impressed.”
Tacoma Goodwill CEO Terry A. Hayes credited staff for achieving the accreditation, which the organization has held for about 30 years.
“It’s a pleasure when someone looks at what you’re doing and says you’re doing well,” said Hayes. “We’re very proud of our team.”
Tacoma Goodwill Workforce Development Director Richard Corak, who has helped CARF survey other organizations, said the results put Tacoma Goodwill in the very top echelon of the thousands of organizations reviewed. The accreditation is good through November 2010.
The one recommendation focused on improving procedures to respond to emergencies such as natural disasters and suggested at least annual drills. Goodwill Safety Coordinator Mike Werner will be in charge of improving those procedures.
CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body founded in 1966. The agency establishes consumer-focused standard to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.