Accreditations

Working as a partner with Goodwill Industries International, Ohio Valley Goodwill is a member of a large worldwide network of more than 160 Goodwill organizations helping people in more than 37 nations worldwide. Started in 1902 by the Rev. Edgar Helms in Boston, Massachusetts, Goodwill Industries grew from its humble beginnings to the international human service organization it is today.

Accreditation:

Ohio Valley Goodwill Receives Three Year CARF ACCREDITATION!

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) has announced that Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries, Inc. has been accredited for a period of three years for:

• Community Employment Services
• Employment Supports Community Employment Services
• Job Development Community Integration Rapid Rehousing
• Homelessness Prevention Program

This accreditation will extend through November 30, 2028. CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of persons served.

The CARF Survey Team noted: “On balance, Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries, Inc. demonstrated substantial conformance to the standards. Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries provides services that are meaningful and valued by all stakeholders and employs a dedicated and compassionate staff. The organization focuses on quality service delivery, business function, and ongoing quality improvement. It maintains environments that are well cared for and that minimize risk to staff members, participants, and other stakeholders. Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries has developed partnerships and achieved a high level of community engagement, promoting inclusion for the participants.”

Areas of Strength noted included:

• Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries has a dedicated and talented team that demonstrates a commitment to the organization’s mission and a person-centered philosophy. The genuine commitment displayed by staff members toward participants, as well as the level of care and support provided, clearly reflects the organization’s mission and values.

• Leadership is accessible to team members and participants, and well-developed communication practices among personnel help enhance service quality by promoting teamwork. The “27 Fundamentals” and action-oriented core values are incorporated into both communications and strategic planning.

• The organization is led by a strong and supportive board of directors that plays an active role in establishing the strategic plan and supporting the leadership team in the execution of goals. The board is intentional about ongoing improvement measures for both the organization and its governance.

• Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries is in a position of financial strength, which supports mission fulfillment by providing stability, enabling investment in programs, and increasing resilience to economic downturns and unexpected costs.

• Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries benefits from a robust strategic planning process, sophisticated development methodologies, and consistent messaging aligned with the organization’s mission and values. The organization also uses a comprehensive needs assessment process and gathers input from nontraditional partners to support goals that have a broad impact on quality of life for participants.

• Workforce development and management practices are an area of strength for the organization. Employee engagement strategies include newsletters delivered by text message and email, town hall meetings, screens with messaging geared toward personnel at all retail locations, and attentiveness to employee recognition and well-being. In addition, the succession planning process aligns human resource operations, skills and knowledge development, and career pathway promotion.

• Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries is well respected by community partners, staff members, and participants. The organization places considerable emphasis on developing collaborative and healthy relationships with participants, families, and the community, helping to foster a more inclusive community.

• Participants expressed gratitude for the dedicated, accessible, and resourceful job coaches at Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries.

• Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries is applauded for its resourceful and innovative employment and support services, including resume writing and interview coaching, which provide participants with viable options to experience employment within their communities.

• The enthusiasm for the job and the joy felt when a participant achieves a goal are evident. Excitement and pride permeate the employment programs, which is a key reason Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries has a rich history of successful outcomes.

• Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries has highly engaged staff members committed to the organization’s success, as evidenced by the response from participants and families. One family member commented that programming has built his daughter’s confidence in her employment experience and provides the right mix of challenges for her abilities.

• There is evidence of a strong team spirit among staff members. Team members repeatedly described participants’ growth and breakthroughs as the number one factor in their job satisfaction.

• Employers noted the responsive and engaged manner of the organization’s employment program staff. One employer commented that issues are resolved quickly because program staff members are highly accessible and often present in person to address concerns.

• Funders and referral sources indicated a high level of satisfaction with the services provided. Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries was also applauded for consistently focusing on “being where the people are” and for being the only vendor without a waitlist.

• Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries’ CARE program demonstrates a strong commitment to accessibility by providing both written and visual calendars of activities, ensuring that participants can engage meaningfully in program offerings. Several participants in the program were honored with awards from the local SPCA for their dedicated service, highlighting the program’s commitment to volunteerism and meaningful community engagement.

• Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries is recognized for the success of its rapid rehousing program, which aims to transition individuals from referral to housing within 30 days. Participants consistently reported being treated with dignity and respect by staff, often describing the experience as life-changing and marked by a level of kindness they will remember for a lifetime.

• The rapid rehousing program demonstrates strong success in engaging landlords and expanding housing options for participants. Through strategic outreach efforts, such as spotlighting landlords in newsletters and board reports, the program has cultivated strong relationships and built a robust inventory of available housing.

For more information about the 2025 CARF survey, contact Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries at (513) 771-4800.

To read the report, click here: 2025 CARF Accreditation Report.

Affiliations / Partners