×

Lakestate Industries receives 3-year accreditation

HARVEY — CARF International announced that Lakestate Industries has been accredited for three years for its community employment services, job development and employment support, and organizational employment services programs.

The latest accreditation is the 11th consecutive three-year accreditation that the international accrediting body, CARF, has given to Lakestate Industries.

CARF stands for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

“Ultimately, if we are not CARF-accredited, then we’re really not in business,” Lakestate Director Cheryl Ohman said.

A total of 900 standards have to be met, she said, ranging from services to its safety program to financials.

“It’s like the schools being accredited,” Ohman said. “It’s like our seal of approval.”

Founded in 1969, Lakestate’s focus has been giving people with disabilities the opportunity to experience the rewards of working for “real pay” while removing barriers to employment and promoting community inclusion.

Lakestate Industries provides vocational career exploration, job development, work training, and job services to adult and student populations. It also provides contracted services to businesses that make a significant impact on the community.

Lakestate, a nonprofit organization, has offices at 1500 M-28 East in Harvey and 1830 N. 21st St. in Escanaba. It has been providing community employment and organizational employment services in Marquette County since 2013 and in Delta County since 1973.

The CARF accreditation represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization and shows its substantial conformance to CARF standards. An organization receiving a three-year accreditation also has put itself through a rigorous peer review process.

CARF International establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today