FOCUS Accreditation (FOCUS) is pleased to announce that Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre (Cornerstone) has achieved a four-year re-accreditation award from September 2024 – September 2028, receiving at 95% rating. In addition, the organization has received a Seal of Sustainability award, that recognized organizations for being accredited for three or more cycle, demonstrating their commitment to ongoing quality improvement. This recognition signifies Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in the human services sector.
Cornerstone received its first four-year accreditation in 2014 using the 2012 FOCUS Accreditation Standards and second four-year accreditation in 2018 using the 2012 FOCUS Accreditation Standards. This is the organization’s third FOCUS Accreditation validation.
Accreditation is a rigorous process that involves a comprehensive review of an organization's operations, programs and services and performance against established benchmarks. Cornerstone has successfully met these standards, demonstrating a dedication to quality and continuous improvement.
FOCUS Accreditation evaluated various aspects of Cornerstone’s operations, programs and services. The re-accreditation is a testament to Cornerstone’s commitment to providing exceptional services and ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of its stakeholders.
“We are thrilled to receive FOCUS re-accreditation and the Seal of Sustainability award. We would like to express our appreciation for FOCUS, and the incredible work they do to ensure accountability and high standards.” said Cornerstone Executive Director, Nancy Johnston.
Cornerstone joins an elite group of organizations that have demonstrated their commitment to excellence. This re-accreditation status serves as a mark of distinction, assuring Cornerstone’s service users, partners, and the community that they can trust in the organization's quality and professionalism.
For Cornerstone, this achievement is not just a recognition; it is a reflection of the organization's ongoing dedication to delivering outstanding programs and services. Accreditation provides a foundation for future growth and development, setting a benchmark for Cornerstone to continually raise its standards.
FOCUS Accreditation looks forward to Cornerstone continuing its journey of excellence and innovation, making a positive impact in the communities it serves.
Cheryl Whiteman, Executive Director of FOCUS Accreditation, commended Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre for its exceptional dedication to undergoing evaluation by a third party. Impressively, she also underscored that Cornerstone attained this level of distinction even amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whiteman expressed gratitude to Cornerstone for being leaders in the accreditation world, spearheading accreditation commitment in the Violence Against Women sector and demonstrating to other organizations the significant benefits of accreditation. By undergoing such a rigorous process, Cornerstone signals to stakeholders their openness and transparency, as well as their commitment to maintaining high standards in their operations, programs, and services. This commitment assures all stakeholders that Cornerstone is dedicated to operating at the highest level of excellence.
About FOCUS Accreditation
FOCUS is a non-profit accreditation agency for community service organizations. Created in Ontario, Canada, by the very people who use and work in these services, FOCUS reflects the culture and expectations of community service organizations in Canada.
FOCUS accredits the whole organization, not just select programs within. The standards reflect best practice in the way programs and services are provided as well as the effectiveness of how the organization operates. An organization that meets FOCUS’ standards can be viewed as an organization that focuses on the people it serves, and on high quality service delivery. FOCUS has accredited over 50 organizations and works with over 50 community-based groups. A full list of accredited organizations is on our website www.focusaccreditation.org