Goodwill Hawaii recently received a three-year CARF accreditation for its statewide job training, placement and education programs. The latest accreditation is the third time in the past four surveys (2010, 2016, and 2019) that CARF, an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services, has given Goodwill Hawaii no recommendations, an achievement earned by less than 3% of CARF accredited organizations worldwide. Goodwill Hawaii has been CARF accredited since 1976.
“Our organization has always been committed to providing first-class programs and services to help the people of Hawaii earn a livable wage and become self-sufficient,” said Laura Smith, Goodwill Hawaii president and CEO. “Receiving CARF International’s stamp of approval is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, from the board of directors to front line employees, to bettering our community and people.”
This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a three-year accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process by a team of surveyors who conducted an on-site visit in July. The survey consisted of interviews and direct interactions with Goodwill Hawaii’s stakeholders, including current and former program participants, direct observation of the organization’s operations and service delivery practices, as well as a review of organizational documents and records.
According to the final report, CARF found that Goodwill is “sincerely vested in promoting the well-being of participants and ensuring that they meet their current and future goals.” The report also commended the organization for its skilled and experienced leadership, intensive advocacy efforts, collaborations with community partners, and sound financial management system.
Goodwill Hawaii, whose mission is to help people reach their full potential and become self-sufficient, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. More than 12,000 people statewide receive services annually through its employment, education and other community programs for low-income families, Native Hawaiians, at-risk youth, adults with disabilities, immigrants, people transitioning out of incarceration and others. For more information about Goodwill Hawaii and its programs, visit goodwillhawaii.org.
