First Chance Center has received the highest level of accreditation possible, a three-year certification of accreditation, from CARF International. CARF- the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities- conducted a two-day digital survey on Jan. 13 and 14 to review the center’s policies and procedures with board members, staff, consumers, parents and funding sources.
The accreditation report identifies no recommendations which is a first for the agency and an accomplishment that is only achieved in three percent of the CARF surveys worldwide. Mary C. Zubek of Florida and John C. Purkey of Texas were the surveyors.
In order to maintain this accreditation, throughout the term of accreditation, the organization is required to submit annual reporting documents and other required information to CARF, as detailed in the Accreditation Policies and Procedures section in the standards manual. First Chance was also responsible for maintaining ongoing conformance to CARF’s standards, satisfy all accreditation conditions, and comply with all accreditation policies and procedures, as they are published and made effective by CARF.
Executive director Catherine Strother explained that CARF accreditation demonstrates that the programs and services offered meet national standards of performance which focus on positive outcomes for the consumers. Some of the center’s strengths listed in the survey report included “strong partnerships that are key elements in meeting the needs of the clients by creating opportunities and responding to emerging challenges; longstanding, well-respected provider; and extraordinary commitment to providing a continuum of person-centered, outcomes-based programs, services and supports.“
According to Zubek, “during the COVID-19 pandemic, the team effort has exceeded all expectations in continuing to address issues, provide services, and “move mountains,” ensuring that all clients continue to be served using a variety of methods to reach and connect with the clients and their families.” “The personnel in leadership positions work together as a tightly knit team. They draw on their multiple areas of combined expertise to make informed and often innovative decisions,” add Zubek.
Leadership team consisted of Executive Director Strother, Ashley Stroud, associate director; Valerie Moon, director of development; Denise Thomas, administrative assistant; Phyllis Moffatt, fiscal specialist; Haley Harrison, fiscal specialist; Edie Begley, on-site days supervisor; Missi Weeks-Jones, employment specialist; Crystal Mattingly, transportation director; and Bryan Block, IT manager.
First Chance Center has been serving Orange County’s adults and children with disabilities for 53 years.