Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County was granted Accreditation this week for having successfully met the review standards outlined by the national governing body, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC). To continually ensure maximum child safety and the pursuit of organizational excellence Big Brothers Big Sisters review process for its member agencies has been in existence for more than twenty-five years.
The national Accreditation program is conducted by professionally trained reviewers who must complete Accreditation training given by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.
The Accreditation certificate is granted upon approval of agency practices in the areas of child safety, service delivery, and organizational excellence. Organizational excellence includes a consultative process with agency volunteers, parents and board members, assurance of sound fiscal management practices, and agency strategic planning.
Each agency within the BBBSC organization is Accredited every five years. Agencies also participate in a mid-term evaluation as an interim measure ensuring adherence to national standards.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County Board Chair Linda Hewson speaks of the impact of the recognition. “Growing to meet the needs of our community has been a challenge, and we’re grateful for the support of families, local schools, businesses and service clubs in making this happen. Having another successful Accreditation behind us means that the quality of our work is keeping up with the growth we are experiencing.”
“The Accreditation program continues to be a critical element of ensuring both the highest standards of program quality for children and young people as well as the professional management of all local Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies’ states Bruce MacDonald, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. ‘As we strive to serve even more young people in quality mentoring relationships in the future, having open and transparent accountability systems will be important for community leaders, volunteers, funders and families as they entrust their time, money and above all, children to our organization.’
The local agency has been serving Lanark County for more than 40 years and is committed to serving children and youth by providing them with quality mentoring relationships with volunteers. They are currently serving almost 500 children a year.
