New Horizons of SWFL earns national re-accreditation

New Horizons of Southwest Florida has achieved national re-accreditation through COA Accreditation, a service of Social Current. New Horizons of Southwest Florida empowers under-resourced youth to reach their full potential through tutoring, mentoring, and faith-building. This re-accreditation reaffirms the organization’s ongoing commitment to excellence in serving youth and families. Organizations pursue COA Accreditation to demonstrate the implementation of best practice standards in the field of human and social services. COA Accreditation evaluated all aspects of New Horizons of Southwest Florida’s programs, services, management, and administration.

Accreditation recognizes New Horizons of Southwest Florida as a premier Child and Youth Development program meeting COA’s rigorous performance standards. Notably, New Horizons was expedited through the Pre-Commission Review Report process — an honor reserved for organizations that demonstrate full compliance with all fundamental practice and core standards. COA Accreditation is an objective, independent, and reliable validation of an agency’s performance.

The accreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of an organization’s administrative, management, and service delivery functions against international standards of best practice. These standards ensure services are well-coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, outcomes-oriented, and delivered by a skilled and supported workforce. COA Accreditation strengthens accountability, sets standardized benchmarks, and fosters a culture of ongoing quality improvement.

To achieve accreditation, New Horizons first submitted written evidence of compliance with COA Accreditation standards. This was followed by on-site interviews conducted by trained Peer Reviewers with trustees, staff, and program participants.

Based on these findings, the COA Accreditation Commission voted to grant New Horizons of Southwest Florida full accreditation status.

“This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire team,” said Dr. Linda M. Cunning, Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons of Southwest Florida. “We are honored to be among other incredible organizations accredited through Social Current. Thank you to COA for all you do to bring excellence to those who need our services and programs the most.”