Date October 7, 2009

Big Brothers Big Sisters of ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Greater Fort ErieReceives Accreditation

Fort Erie, Ontario– Today Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Fort Erie was granted Accreditation having successfully met the review standards outlined by the national governing body, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC).   As a measure to continually ensure maximum child safety and the pursuit of organizational excellence,  Big Brothers Big Sisters introduced a review process for its member agencies more than twenty-five years ago and has most recently evolved this process into the national Accreditation program.  The national Accreditation program is conducted by professionally trained reviewers who must complete Accreditation training given by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. 

The Accreditation certificate is granted upon approval of agency practices in the areas of child safety, service delivery, and organizational excellence.  Organizational excellence includes a consultative process with agency volunteers, parents and board members, assurance of sound fiscal management practices, and agency strategic planning.

Each agency within the BBBSC organization is Accredited every five years.  Agencies also participate in a mid-term evaluation as an interim measure ensuring adherence to national standards.

“We are very honoured to be affiliated with such a wonderful National organization and are extremely proud of the work that we have accomplished in receiving National accreditation.  Child Safety and Organizational Excellence is so very important in all of the work that we do and it makes us secure in knowing that we are providing the best possible service to the children, volunteers and families that we serve in the community.” Sondra Barrett, Executive Director of Greater Fort Erie BBBS.

”This Accreditation program is critical as we move forward in our efforts to reach and support more children.  The program provides the local agency with the information and assurance they need to know that they are doing a good job and that they are doing the right things,” states Bruce MacDonald, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. “The national strategic plan has outlined an ambitious goal of serving 100,000 children by 2013; our Accreditation program has a direct and positive impact towards achieving the strategic goal.”

BBBS of Greater Fort Erie ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­has been serving community for 25 years.  It is committed to serving children and youth by providing them with quality mentoring relationships with volunteers. They are currently serving over 80 children in their programs.  If you would like information about making a donation to support their many programs or would like to volunteer, please call us at (905) 871-8836.  As of October 1, 2009, BBBS of Greater Fort Erie has moved to 20 Lewis Street in Fort Erie.

We congratulate BBBS of ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Greater Fort Erie in achieving their accreditation.

For more information please contact:

Big Brothers and Sisters of Greater Fort Erie

Sondra Barrett

Executive Director

(905) 871-8836

bbbsforterie@cogeco.net