The Spring season was eventful at MOKA, even more so with the arrival of several CARF Surveyors! CARF is an independent nonprofit accreditor of health and human services, focused on promoting quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services. Accreditation is a review to determine if programs/services meet defined international standards of quality. CARF’s consultative peer-review process promotes active, dynamic planning focused on impact and outcomes. With accreditation certifications renewing every 1-3 years, their surveyors routinely take an in-depth look at services, highlighting strengths and offering valuable advice for improvement.
We were excited to greet the surveyors, who often travel from states away, and hosted a welcome ceremony upon their arrival in West Michigan. During this event, several of the people we serve delivered a presentation that provided an overview of MOKA & our services. This presentation ended up being a highlight of the day, allowing us to hear directly from those who benefit from MOKA programs.
Despite initial nervousness, several practice sessions helped the speakers gain the confidence to accomplish the task. “It was uplifting to see the encouragement each speaker received from their peers and support staff throughout every practice session and to witness the growth in confidence made by the speakers in such a short amount of time,” said Hannah Kater, MOKA’s Executive Assistant.
The presenters did a wonderful job of showcasing MOKA to the surveyors. We were energized by their participation and inspired by the genuine enjoyment some speakers expressed after the event had concluded. Despite the nerves of standing in front of a crowd, they found fulfillment and satisfaction in sharing their perspectives.
Lana Leek, Assistant Supervisor of Community Supports, said, “I’m grateful to have been a part of supporting and empowering the people we serve to prepare for the CARF Welcome Ceremony. The determination, passion, motivation, and positive attitudes each of our speakers demonstrated were so inspiring. They shared their personal experiences about their individual community-based programs, giving CARF a better understanding from their perspectives. It was a beautiful ceremony.”
These speakers made a powerful impact, highlighting the importance of our services with their own experiences. Thank you to our presenters for their help in setting the stage for a successful CARF evaluation!
We are proud to announce that, following the CARF surveyors’ visit this spring, MOKA has been awarded a three-year accreditation. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing elevated standards of care, quality, and service each day for the people we serve.