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PHARA Achieves Accreditation from Imagine Canada’s Standards

PHARA (Physically Handicapped Adults’ Rehabilitation Association) today announces that it has been accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards. With this achievement, PHARA has become part of a respected community of nonprofit organizations dedicated to operational excellence.

The Standards is a recognized nonprofit accreditation created to provide best practices that help organizations improve governance and operations in crucial areas: board governance, financial accountability and transparency, fundraising, human resources, and volunteer involvement.

“Becoming accredited is thorough process that involves meeting 73 rigorous standards that include an independent peer review of our operating and governance practices,” said Matt Duquette, PHARA Board Chair. “I’m extremely proud that PHARA has proven itself across standards that span financial management and accountability, fundraising, board governance, human resources, and volunteer involvement.”

Back Row (Left to Right): Olujide Adewale, Matt Jones, Kendell Robbins, Katie Lessard, Nicole Yandernoll, Mike Van der Vlist

Front Row (Left to Right): Amanda Knight, Peter Peddle, Josée Gagnon, Amanda Fournier, Tiffany Collins, Suzanne Mackie, Amanda Ranger

Imagine Canada's Standards are designed to elevate organizational excellence and transparency within charities and nonprofits. The goal is to foster resilience and bolster public confidence in both individual organizations and the sector as a whole.

“With 50 years of history backing PHARA, receiving this designation is another way we can prove to the community, our clients, and our team that we have the highest standards,” said Mike Van der Vlist, PHARA CEO. “Across the board, people are choosing PHARA. This includes people who are joining our team because they know we provide a quality place to work; people who are donating to our programs and services because they see the positive impact it makes; and the people who join our board because they are able to make a difference. “

Accredited organizations are required to complete full reaccreditation on a five-year basis. Compliance and continuous improvement during the accreditation period are supported through a reporting process that requires organizations to submit evidence demonstrating selected standards are being met.

"On the journey toward great governance, organizations pursue accreditation as a public testament to their commitment to the highest standards of transparency and accountability. We offer sincere congratulations to the recently accredited and re-accredited organizations, key players in our Standards community of over 270 organizations nationwide." said Bruce MacDonald, President and CEO of Imagine Canada. "We are excited to debut a new Standards brand and logo to stand as symbols of this dedication, embodying integrity, efficiency, and transparency in the nonprofit sector."

“We will be adding the new Standards logo into many of our communication pieces as a way to showcase the success,” said Matt Duquette, PHARA Board Chair. “Perhaps even more importantly, we will continue to innovate and improve. PHARA is for Today. PHARA is for Tomorrow. PHARA is Forever.

For more information about PHARA, please visit their website at www.phara.org.

The PHARA Westwind Apartment and head office is located at 280 Oakwood Avenue, North Bay, Ontario.

Additional

  • See what is happening at PHARA on their social media: https://www.facebook.com/PHARACharity

  • In a recent survey, 98 percent of PHARA’s clients are satisfied with the quality of services. This is the highest rating PHARA has yet to achieve.

  • Learn more about Imagine Canada by visiting their website: https://www.imaginecanada.ca

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