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May 15 , 2006

Goodwill Industries of West Michigan Achieves CARF Accreditation

MUSKEGON, MI — Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Inc. (GIWM) was awarded its eleventh consecutive three-year accreditation from CARF (The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission) for the following Employment Services:

Community Employment Services: Job Development
Community Employment Services: Job Supports
Community Employment Services: Job-Site Training
Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services
Employee Development Services
Employment Services Coordination
Employment Skills Training Services
Organizational Employment Services

A three-year accreditation is the highest level awarded by CARF, given only to organizations that show substantial fulfillment of established standards and demonstrate a commitment to continually enhance the quality of its services and programs. To qualify for this level of accreditation outcome, CARF sent a team of surveyors to conduct a rigorous, three-day, on-site review of Goodwill’s programs and services. CARF concluded that Goodwill’s programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable, and accountable.

"We are proud and honored to be awarded this high level of accreditation," said GIWM President Richard Carlson. "CARF accreditation assures the community that we continue to operate under these internationally recognized high standards of quality."

CARF is an independent, not-for-profit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services though a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.

Contact:
Liz Witzler, Marketing Director
(231) 722-7871 x223

James Cherney, Director of Retail Operations
(231) 722-7871 x227

Established in 1950, GIWM has been helping people lead more independent lives for over 50 years. Goodwill offers a wide range of programs and services all with the common theme of helping people overcome barriers to employment. Ninety percent of the revenue generated from the sale of donated goods is channeled back into Goodwill’s job training and placement programs. In 2005 alone, GIWM provided employment services to 5,958 people in West Michigan.