The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International has announced Goodwill Manasota has been accredited for an additional period of three years – the highest level of accreditation CARF provides. Goodwill’s accreditation status will be in force through the end of 2027. 

CARF accreditation signifies that a healthcare or human service provider has met rigorous, internationally recognized standards for quality, safety, and service. It's a mark of distinction, indicating a commitment to continuous improvement and person-centered care.

"Your organization should take pride in achieving this high level of accreditation," said Brian J. Boon, President/CEO of CARF International in a letter to Goodwill's leaders. "This achievement is an indication of your organization’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of the persons served."

The executive summary of the accreditation report notes that Goodwill "... is recognized in the region for its holistic practices and is an influencer in national policy and practice. The organization is highly regarded by its many partners, the communities served, and collaborators. Staff members … bring a diverse set of qualifications and experiences to their work, making them well matched with the customers facing significant life challenges. [They] strive to empower the customers; are proactive, dedicated, and engaged with the customers; and are willing to work together. The organization is making a significant impact on the lives of the customers."    

Those who were surveyed as part of the accreditation process included organizational leadership, key program personnel, community partners, community constituents and governmental representatives. 

Goodwill’s CARF “report card” included the following highlights: 

• Goodwill provides Mission Services by reinvesting revenues generated by its donated goods retail operations – these operations support Goodwill’s training, employment, and related service opportunities.

• The board of directors provides strong governance and clearly understands its responsibilities. It appears that board members consider it a privilege to be associated with Goodwill.

• The solid and skilled leadership team is a blend of long-tenured professionals and newer additions with specific strengths. Each member of leadership appears to be an accomplished, passionate individual who brings their skills and abilities to their position. They are creative, innovative, and excited about the services they provide and place the outcomes of the customers as their highest priority.

• Stakeholders spoke highly of the organization, its services, and its staff. Customers noted time and again how staff members communicate with them on a regular basis and go above and beyond to ensure that they are connected with necessary resources. 

• Stories abound of current employees in positions of significant responsibility who started out as customers of the organization's mission services. Their success instills a strong endorsement of the organization's contribution to the life and strength of the communities in which it provides services.

• The organization is applauded for its comprehensive system of collecting and analyzing data and reporting on outcomes. The quality systems generate useful and practical reports and analysis of key performance indicators and support continuous quality improvement.

The report also awarded high marks for members of the executive team, noting that the President and CEO Donn Githens “appears to have the confidence of the community, the board of directors, his leadership team, the staff, and the customers,” and that Vice President of Mission Services Margie Genter “has a long tenure with the organization and is recognized for her knowledge; leadership; and the respect she is afforded within the organization, within Goodwill Industries International, and among her colleagues in the field.”

“We are honored to have, once again, earned CARF accreditation for our employment and career services,” said Githens. “We remain committed to the well-being and success of our team members, along with anyone in the community who is seeking access to opportunities to overcome barriers to employment and self-sufficiency.”

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body of health and human services. CARF’s mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of persons served. The accrediting body works to develop and maintain current, field-driven standards that improve the value and responsiveness of the programs and services delivered to people in need of life enhancement services.

For more about Goodwill Manasota, visit experiencegoodwill.org.

About Goodwill Manasota

Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill assists people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.