In April the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services’ WorkSource West center received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The three-year accreditation covers Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services, Employee Development Services, and Organizational Employment Services.

CARF is the highest level of accreditation available for an organization of this type and it helps providers improve the quality of their services and meet standards that improve services, encourage feedback and serve the community.

WorkSource West Facility Director Connie Barnette praised facility staff and Morganton DVRS office staff for their efforts that resulted in the recognition. The CARF surveyors evaluating the site commented numerous times on the professionalism and caring attitude of the staff, she said.

Praising the team effort involved, DVRS Western Regional Director Pat Bland noted that CARF made no recommendations for improvement on the program/service side of their review. 

Hydroponic farming is one of the skills available at WorkSource West

WorkSource West accomplished this while responding to the ever-changing needs of its clients, stakeholders, the economic blueprint of the 17 counties it serves, and the state of North Carolina. New curriculums designed to assist people with disabilities to obtain employment in their chosen vocational field include customer service, warehouse assistant, basic auto maintenance, auto detailing and hydroponics. Future additions include a culinary arts program in collaboration with other state agencies.

Located at 200 Enola Road in Morganton, WorkSource West began operations in the 1970s and merged with several other vocational rehabilitation programs in 1982. It started attaining CARF accreditations in 1978, and has maintained the accreditations without break for 36 years. For more information, visit http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dvrs/pwd/wrvrf.htm.