THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay Counselling Centre celebrated its 5th re-accreditation today at the organization’s annual general meeting event. The group was presented with the national recognition by John Ellis, Executive Director of Family Service Ontario.
The Canadian Family Services Accreditation (CFSA) is designed to provide an evaluation of the quality of services offered to the community. “This is a great success for Thunder Bay Counselling Centre”; says Executive Director Nancy Chamberlain, “Both our board and staff worked very hard to once again achieve accreditation with Family Service Ontario. Daily issues and life challenges are always changing and we need to be responsive to meet the needs of local people. This accreditation proves Thunder Bay Counselling Centre continues to evolve, providing modern solutions that work.”
The accreditation is a very extensive process and involves a number of steps including an on-site review and a review report on the agencies compliance with national standards. Thunder Bay Counselling Centre also received specific accreditation for its Credit Counselling Program from the Ontario Association of Credit Counselling Services.
Ellis says; “Designation as an accredited agency tells clients, funders and the public that the organization has met high standards in governance, management and programs for individuals and families.”
Ellis was also the keynote speaker at the AGM event that filled the room at the Italian Cultural Centre, examining the role of family service agencies in a community. Ellis says; “The facts are clear. With counselling, one of the many benefits is people get off social assistance faster and get back to work sooner. Their personal lives improve and their families are stronger”.
Counselling has also been attributed to reducing the amount of emergency room visits.
The Canadian Family Services Accreditation Program is a national program operated and managed by Family Service Ontario.