Empowering Abilities Earns Three-Year CARF Accreditation
[DAVENPORT, IOWA] – [July 17, 2026] – Empowering Abilities has once again earned a Three-Year Accreditation from CARF International for the following programs and services Community Employment: Employment Supports; Community Employment Services: Job Development; Community Housing; Community Integration; Organizational Employment Services; and Supported Living. Three-Year accreditation is the highest level of accreditation awarded by the internationally recognized nonprofit accrediting organization.
The achievement recognizes Empowering Abilities’ commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centered services for individuals with disabilities while continuously improving programs, safety, leadership, and organizational performance.
Unlike many certifications, CARF accreditation is voluntary. Organizations choose to undergo an extensive peer-review process during which experienced surveyors evaluate hundreds of standards covering every aspect of service delivery, governance, health and safety, leadership, financial stewardship, and outcomes.
For families, participants, employees, referral partners, and donors, the accreditation provides confidence that Empowering Abilities is committed to excellence.
“This recognition belongs to every member of our team,” said Jeff Ashcraft, President & CEO of Empowering Abilities. “Our mission is simple: We believe in people and what’s possible for them. Every day our employees work alongside individuals with disabilities to create opportunities and change lives. This accreditation validates that commitment while challenging us to continue growing and improving.”
The three-year award represents CARF’s highest level of accreditation and demonstrates substantial conformance to internationally recognized standards for quality and accountability.
“As a Board of Directors, we recognize that quality governance matters just as much as quality services,” said Jeff Hassel, Board Chair for Empowering Abilities. “Receiving a Three-Year Accreditation reflects the strength of our organization, our leadership, and our commitment to ensuring every decision supports the people we serve.”
Preparing for accreditation was a true organization-wide effort involving employees from every department. “Preparing for CARF wasn’t about putting on a show,” said Katy Decker, Chief Programming Officer at Empowering Abilities. “It gave us the opportunity to reflect on what we do well, identify opportunities to improve, and celebrate the incredible work happening every day.”
The survey also recognized Empowering Abilities’ culture of teamwork and commitment to person-centered services.
For more than five decades, Empowering Abilities has worked alongside individuals with disabilities to create opportunities for independence, employment, community inclusion, and meaningful lives throughout the Quad Cities region.
For more information, visit: www.empoweringabilities.org
About CARF International
CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF International, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services. For more information about the accreditation process, please visit the CARF website at www.carf.org.
About Empowering Abilities
Empowering Abilities provides programs and services that support individuals with disabilities in leading meaningful, independent lives. Through community partnerships and innovative programming, the organization is committed to building a more inclusive and supportive region.
To learn more, visit www.empoweringabilities.org or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.
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