Lessons Learned from the 10.0 Version of the Accreditation Manual Webinar

Description:

Whether you are preparing for your first review or gearing up for reaccreditation, join us for an engaging webinar that demystifies the entire accreditation journey. You will hear firsthand from a panel of successful peers who will share their real-world experiences, the meaningful improvements they achieved, and practical tips for navigating common challenges. Alongside these firsthand accounts, Jennifer Abels, Accreditation Director, will provide the reviewer's perspective, highlighting frequently observed strengths, actionable recommendations, and best practices to ensure your organization is fully prepared for a successful review. 

Objectives:

• Describe why organizations choose to pursue accreditation and the value it provides.

• Identify common successes, challenges, and best practices shared by accredited organizations.

• Incorporate reviewer insights and peer recommendations to better prepare for the accreditation process.

Speakers:

Jennifer Abels, Director of Standards and Excellence

Jennifer is the Director of Standards and Excellence for Inform USA, which includes directing the Accreditation process. She has been with the organization since 2021 and feels honored to work with agencies as they raise the bar on their Community Navigation programs. Previously, she worked at a statewide 211 for 13 years, primarily in the role of Database Manager. She has a Master's in Community Counseling, a Bachelor's in Social Work, and is Inform USA certified (CRS and CRS-DC). Jennifer lives on a small acreage with her husband, 2 daughters, 2 cows, 3 cats, a dog, and a bearded dragon.

Jeremy Brown, Director of Operations

Jeremy Brown is the Director of Operations at FirstLink, where he has served since 2018 in various roles spanning community resource management, crisis center operations, and community outreach. He began his career as a Database Curator and has since led major agency initiatives, including FirstLink's migration to a new I&R database software. He is passionate about operational excellence, quality improvement, and accreditation compliance, and champions high-quality service delivery across FirstLink's statewide 211, 988, and follow-up programs.

Beyond his role at FirstLink, Jeremy finds joy in reading, dancing to catchy pop music, and spending time with his fiancé and their fur babies. Jeremy has participated in two agency accreditation cycles at FirstLink, including leading the agency's most recent re-accreditation effort, and holds Inform USA certifications as a Community Resource Specialist and Community Resource Specialist - Database Curator.

Kenley Hayes

Kenley Hayes, MSW, SWLC, serves as the 211 Coordinator at Help Center, Inc. in Bozeman, Montana, where she has worked for the past eight years. Beginning her career as a crisis counselor, she now oversees Help Center 211-988's resource database, accreditation efforts, and statewide information and referral initiatives. She has served as 211 Coordinator for the past two and a half years. In addition to her work with 211, Kenley is a pre-licensed clinical social worker and practices part-time as a trauma therapist at Help Center, Inc. She holds a Master of Social Work and brings experience in both direct clinical practice and systems-level program leadership. Kenley has successfully led Help Center through two International Council of Helplines (ICH) accreditations and its most recent Inform USA accreditation, contributing to the organization's fourth Inform USA accreditation overall. She is passionate about strengthening information and referral services, advancing quality standards, and supporting organizations as they navigate the accreditation process.

Toni Perales Roberts

Toni serves as the Access & Assistance Director for the Concho Valley Council of Governments (CVCOG) in San Angelo, TX. The Access & Assistance programs are: 211 Texas, Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for the Concho Valley regions, which consists of 14 rural counties. Toni has worked with the CVCOG since October 2005, starting as an Information Specialist for 211 and was promoted in February 2006 to serve as the 211 Manager. In 2012, Toni was promoted to serve as the AAA Director, while also overseeing 211. In 2019, CVCOG acquired the ADRC for the region, which Toni is also responsible for day-to-day oversight. All three Access & Assistance programs follow the “No Wrong Door” foundation and assist those in need.

Toni holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Angelo State University and a Master of Education in Counseling from Sul Ross State University. She holds all three Inform USA certifications: CRS, CRS-A/D, and CRS-D/C. In her free time, Toni enjoys traveling across the U.S., exploring new cities with her husband and her mom.

Wes Mitchell

Wes Mitchell is the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Tulsa Area United Way, where he leads strategic partnerships, community engagement, and funding initiatives that strengthen communities across Eastern Oklahoma. With more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in nonprofit, workforce development, and global technology organizations, Wes has built a career around connecting people, organizations, and resources to drive meaningful impact. Prior to his current role, he served as Executive Director of 211 Eastern Oklahoma, leading the region's community resource network and expanding access to essential services. A graduate of Howard University, Wes is recognized for his collaborative leadership, innovative approach to solving complex challenges, and commitment to strengthening communities.