HeartShare Human Services is Reaccredited by COA

Sept. 21, 2011 - PRLog -- William R. Guarinello, President and CEO of HeartShare Human Services of New York, announced today that the nonprofit organization has been reaccredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).

COA accreditation attests that HeartShare meets the highest national standards and is delivering the best quality services to the community it serves. HeartShare is proud to join COA’s Community of Excellence that includes more than 1,800 private and public organizations that serve more than 7,000,000 individuals.

COA accreditation is an objective and reliable verification that provides confidence and support to HeartShare’s service recipients, members of the Board of Directors, staff, and community partners. The COA accreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of HeartShare’s policies, administrative operations and its service delivery practices. All are measured against national standards of best practices. These standards emphasize services that are accessible, appropriate, culturally responsive, evidence-based, and outcome-oriented. Additionally, they confirm that the services are provided by a skilled and supported workforce and that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

COA reviews and accredits the entire organization, not just specific programs, ensuring the credibility, integrity and achievement of HeartShare Human Services of New York. HeartShare received its first COA accreditation in 1995 and has since been reaccredited every four years.

COA is an independent, not-for-profit, international accreditor of the full continuum of community-based behavioral health care and human service organizations. COA partners with organizations worldwide to improve service delivery outcomes by developing, applying and promoting accreditation standards.

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Celebrating its 97th year, HeartShare is a nonprofit organization that assists more than 25,000 New Yorkers. Its wide array of services assist individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities through numerous programs including education services, adult day programs, residential services, case management, recreation programs, family support services, and health services. It also provides counseling, after-school programs and assistance with foster care and adoption to children and families, supports people affected by HIV/AIDS, and administers low-income energy assistance programs. HeartShare is proud that nearly 90% of all revenue goes directly to its programs and services. HeartShare is also accredited by COA and a BBB Accredited Charity. For more information, visit www.heartshare.org.