During the week of 3/27-3/30/07 Friendship, Inc. earned our first 4-year accreditation ever! Department celebrations are now being planned throughout the organization as we celebrate our successes. The Friendship Management Team wishes to express our deepest appreciation and thanks to all staff because achievements of this magnitude are not reached through the efforts of a few but rather from a focused, comprehensive effort from everyone.

The 4-year accreditation offered by CQL, The Council on Quality and Leadership, has only recently been added as an option for organizations but this doesn't diminish the significance of the achievement. In fact, because the process has changed so dramatically, many organizations have had significant difficulty with the process. The new process definitely raises the bar on expectations surrounding health, safety and welfare of people served. Friendship, Inc. met all of these expectations at 100% compliance, allowing us to begin our 4-year agreement immediately, a rare accomplishment with the new process!

Comments from CQL staff indicate they have rarely seen such a high level of respect demonstrated by staff throughout all areas of the organization. Other areas of achievement recognized by CQL related to our focus on Positive Behavior Supports, closing group homes, the development of the MSLA town homes, closing the sheltered workshop, and the focus upon community-based employment and our success in supporting self-employment just to name a few. CQL praised our tireless efforts to impact the quality of life for the people we serve. Congratulations Friendship!