FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sturgis, MI – 1/11/13 – Today, GT Independence announces that it has received a 3 year accreditation from CARF International. CARF International is a nonprofit organization that offers accreditation services and support for health and human services programs.
GT Independence sought accreditation as part of a continuous performance improvement process. On November 29th and 30th of 2012, they hosted an on-site visit for CARF surveyors to review the company’s programs and policies. Six weeks later on Tuesday, January 8th, 2013, GT Independence received notification that a Three-Year Accreditation for all their services had been awarded. This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards.
CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services delivered by companies like GT Independence.
- GT Independence provides a wide array of services and was accredited in the following programs:
- Community Employment
- Community Integration
- Organizational Employment
- Respite
- Self-Directed Services
- Supported Living
In a letter to GT Independence CEO David Bair, CARF International President/CEO Brian Boon states, “This achievement is an indication of your organization’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of the persons served.”
The CARF survey results commend GT Independence in several areas including:
“commitment to protecting and supporting the rights of the persons served”
“…extensive resource networks they have developed throughout the community to support and encourage full community integration…by persons served”
“…for developing an innovative organizational employment model – the St. Joseph Community Co-op”
“…for developing the self-directed services program GT Financial, a fiscal intermediary service to over 5000 persons…”
“We’re proud to receive this accreditation. I think it really represents the continued commitment to allow people to live their own lives and make their own choices”, said GT Independence CEO Dave Bair. “This achievement validates our continued focus to promote Self-Determination and to continue growing GT Independence while improving the lives of the people we serve.”
State Representative Matt Lori issued a statement of congratulations for GT Independence:
“Would like to congratulate GT Independence on their CARF certification. Having been involved with the Community Health budget we are looking for organizations like GTI that provide good value for the investment made with precious tax payer healthcare dollars. They are a great benefit to their community and the state of Michigan. I look forward to working with them in the future.”
In 2004, David Bair, LLP and Tim Carmichael, CPA recognized the opportunity to contribute to the human services delivery system. Combining their experience in human services and financial management, Dave and Tim created a company that approached the spectrum of home and community based services for people with disabilities and long-term care needs with a hands-on customer oriented approach. Today, the company’s 150 employees serve over 5,000 individuals who require in-home services across three states: Michigan, North Carolina and Wisconsin.
If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with an executive at GT Independence, please call Josh Singleton at 269-651-4500 or email Josh at jsingleton@gtindependence.com