FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2018
YWCA Lethbridge & District Achieves Re-accreditation from Imagine Canada’s Standard Program
Lethbridge, AB – YWCA Lethbridge & District today announces that it has been re-accredited under Imagine Canada’s national Standards Program. Since 2013, we have been part of this growing community of more than 230 organizations dedicated to operational excellence.
The Standards Program is a Canada-wide set of shared standards for charities and non-profits designed to strengthen practices in five fundamental areas: board governance; financial accountability and transparency; fundraising; staff management; and volunteer involvement.
“YWCA Lethbridge and District is an organization committed to providing quality services to our community. We recognize the value of accountability and best practices, and, through accreditation, we ensure that we are meeting high quality standards. We are delighted to announce to our re-accreditation and appreciate Imagine Canada and the support they provide through the process.,” says CEO Jennifer Lepko.
“It’s no small feat for an organization to earn Standards Program accreditation. It’s a rigorous, peer-reviewed process that is meant to build Canadians’ trust and confidence in the charitable sector,” says Bruce MacDonald, president and CEO of Imagine Canada. “The organizations accredited to date reflect a broad spectrum in size, scope and geography. Each one takes governance, accountability, and transparency very seriously. We’re proud to have them on board.”
About the Standards Program
The goals of Imagine Canada’s Standards Program are to increase the transparency of charities and non-profits, and to strengthen public confidence in individual organizations and the sector as a whole.
Peer-review Process and Compliance
Our policies and procedures in the five areas of compliance were evaluated by a group of volunteers from the sector, and were found to be compliant with the Standards Program. Accredited organizations are required to complete full re-accreditation on a five-year basis. Compliance during the accreditation period is monitored through an annual process that requires organizations to submit evidence demonstrating selected standards are being met.
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About YWCA Lethbridge & District
Since 1949, YWCA Lethbridge & District has been committed to enhancing the lives of women with programs and services that empower them, support equality and promote wellness of mind, body and spirit. The organization works to achieve positive change in the lives of women and their families by providing strong leadership & mentoring opportunities for women and girls; advocating for women with government & other stakeholders; and through the delivery of programs & services that empower women and girls and promote social & economic well-being. Part of the global YWCA movement and Imagine Canada-certified, YWCA Lethbridge & District is open to women of all ages, cultures and beliefs and is committed to the value of every human being.
For more information, contact:
Jennifer Lepko, Chief Executive Officer
403-329-0088 | ceo@ywcalethbridge.org
