By implementing and upholding rigorous COA standards, Catholic Charities continues its mission as an industry leader in offering life-changing services to families and individuals in central and northern Arizona.  This honor was announced at Catholic Charities’ board meeting on June 18.

Catholic Charities has again achieved national accreditation as a social service organization by the Council of Accreditation (COA).  During a four-day site visit, the COA reviewers visited each Catholic Charities location around the state and met with dozens of staff members and clients. Catholic Charities showed commitment and compliance to more than 850 individual standards, ranging from client safety to financial accountability.

Industry Leader in Social Services

By implementing and upholding rigorous COA standards, Catholic Charities continues its mission as an industry leader in offering life-changing services to families and individuals in central and northern Arizona.  This honor was announced at Catholic Charities’ board meeting on June 18.

“Donors and funding agencies can look to our accreditation as a sign that we serve clients and our partners with the highest standards,” says Paul Mulligan, President and CEO of Catholic Charities.  “We have been COA-accredited since 1988, and it is a privilege to continue that history of excellence.”

Independent Accreditation

COA is an independent, nonprofit organization that partners with human service organizations worldwide to improve care for clients by developing, applying, and promoting appropriate best practice standards. The standards driving COA accreditation ensure that Catholic Charities’ services are well-coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, outcomes-oriented, and provided by a skilled and supported workforce.

“It is not enough to comply with these standards for a day, a week or a month,” explains Mulligan. “Our goal is to continue our proud Catholic Charities tradition of showing the highest commitment to those we serve for years to come.”

Catholic Charities joins an elite group of more than 2,000 organizations – voluntary, public, and proprietary; local and statewide; large and small – who have either successfully achieved, or are in the process of, accreditation.

Learn more about the history of Catholic Charities in Arizona or support our work as a monthly giver!


Written by:
Holly Yzquierdo is an experienced Marketing and Communications Manager and has served at Catholic Charities since 2014. She is passionate about helping nonprofits share the impact of their work in a digital world. Holly has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cameron University. Outside of work, Holly enjoys spending time with her family.

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