The Youth Opportunity Center, Inc. has achieved national re-accreditation through the New York-based Council on Accreditation (COA) through 2021. Organizations pursue accreditation to demonstrate the implementation of best practice standards in the field of human services. COA evaluated all aspects of YOC’s programs, services, management, and administration.

COA accreditation is an objective, independent, and reliable validation of an agency’s performance. The COA accreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of an organization’s administration, management, and service delivery functions against international standards of best practice. The standards driving accreditation ensure that services are well- coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, outcomes-oriented, and provided by a skilled and supported workforce. COA accreditation demonstrates accountability in the management of resources, sets standardized best practice thresholds for service and administration, and increases organizational capacity and accountability by creating a framework for ongoing quality improvement.

To achieve COA re-accreditation, the Youth Opportunity Center first provided extensive written evidence of compliance with the COA standards. Thereafter, a group of specially trained volunteer Peer Reviewers confirmed adherence to these standards through an on-site inspection and a series of on- site interviews with board members, staff and clients. Based on their findings, COA’s Accreditation Commission voted that the Youth Opportunity Center had successfully met the criteria for accreditation. Additionally, the YOC was expedited through the process as a result not receiving any out of compliance ratings in any of the fundamental practice standards.

“This was truly a team effort,” stated Lynn Doppler, YOC Chief Operating Officer. “YOC is blessed to have such an amazing staff who are passionate about our mission and work hard each day to ensure we are providing excellent services to our kids and families.”