At the end of last month, CHS had the privilege of hosting three members from the Council on Accreditation (COA). Over the course of three days, the COA representatives reviewed our programs, toured our facilities, and met with staff and clients.

Director of Compliance Hope Perini emailed staff to share COA members’ feedback. Read her message below.

Greetings Everyone,

Last week, we had the privilege of hosting three Council on Accreditation (COA) peer reviewers at our Sioux Falls campus. Over the course of three busy days, they reviewed our programs, toured our facilities, and met with staff and clients. It was certainly a whirlwind of activity, but the outcome was both encouraging and affirming.

The reviewers highlighted several of our strengths, and I am proud to share a few of their positive comments:

• “The Shelter is the most beautiful DV facility I have ever seen.”
• “The Outpatient Mental Health program is new but mighty. CHS saw gaps in the community and jumped at opportunities.”
• “COA accreditation makes CHS a preferred agency across the state adhering to best practices in all service lines.”
• Staff feel supported and believe in the mission.
• Our client rights demonstrate that we treat people with dignity and respect.
• Evidence of a trauma-informed approach across the agency, from clinical to administrative departments.
• Strong training program.
• Compassionate staff.
• A very engaged board of directors.

These affirmations reflect the dedication, compassion, and professionalism each of you brings to our mission every day.

Now that this important milestone is complete, we will patiently await the formal feedback report from COA, expected by the end of October. Once we receive it, I will meet with individual programs to review the findings, celebrate what we’re doing well, and identify opportunities for growth. Together, we will continue striving toward the gold standard in every department across our agency.

Thank you for your hard work and commitment—it truly shines through in all that we do.

With gratitude,

Hope Perini