Community Living Chatham-Kent has earned a four-year re-accreditation from FOCUS Accreditation and received a Seal of Sustainability, recognizing the organization’s long-term commitment to quality and accountability.
The re-accreditation is effective from December 2025 through December 2029. The Seal of Sustainability is awarded to organizations that have completed three accreditation cycles and demonstrated ongoing quality improvement.
“Community Living Chatham-Kent’s willingness to voluntarily be scrutinized by an outside organization demonstrates a genuine commitment to excellence” said Ron Coristine, executive director. “We are very pleased to have been granted a four-year re-accreditation, thrilled to be the first organization accredited under the newly revisited 2025 FOCUS standards, and honoured to have received a Seal of Sustainability.”
Accreditation provides independent confirmation that an organization meets recognized standards for quality, governance and accountability. Through the process, decisions and practices are evaluated by trained external reviewers, with compliance demonstrated through evidence rather than intention. The accreditation also strengthens credibility with funders, partners and regulators.
Cheryl Whiteman, executive director of FOCUS Accreditation, commended Community Living Chatham-Kent for its commitment to third-party evaluation. She noted that welcoming an external accrediting body into an organization is a vulnerable step that reflects strong leadership and a dedication to integrity and transparency. By doing so, she said, the organization demonstrates to stakeholders that it upholds high standards of accountability, honesty and continuous improvement.
Community Living Chatham-Kent provides services and inclusive opportunities for people with diverse abilities. The organization’s goal is to support individuals in living with dignity, sharing fully in community life and participating meaningfully in all aspects of society.
