Rise has earned accreditation from CARF International (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) following an extensive three-day survey of its employment services. 

Even more notably, Rise received no recommendations for improvement; a distinction achieved in only approximately 3% of CARF surveys. This marks the second consecutive accreditation survey in which Rise has earned this recognition. 

What is CARF?

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting organization that evaluates health and human services providers against internationally recognized standards of quality, accountability, and service delivery. During the survey process, CARF reviewers interviewed people receiving services, team members, leadership, and community partners while also reviewing organizational practices, policies, outcomes, and service delivery. 

The survey evaluated several of Rise’s employment-focused services, including Employment Supports, Job Development, Employment Planning Services, Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services, and Employee Development Services. 

Rise’s Strengths

In the report, CARF highlighted numerous strengths across Rise’s employment services. Surveyors praised Rise’s person-centered culture, noting that services are individualized and focused on helping each person pursue their unique goals and employment aspirations. 

The report stated that Rise demonstrates an “exceptionally person-centered culture,” with people receiving services describing supports as “individualized, respectful, and empowering.” 

CARF also recognized Rise’s strong leadership, commitment to continuous improvement, innovative use of technology, and high levels of satisfaction among both people served and community partners. 

Surveyors specifically commended Rise’s efforts to increase accessibility and innovation through multilingual communications, American Sign Language resources, speech-to-text technology, and other tools designed to make services more accessible and effective. 

The report went on to mention that Rise demonstrates “a strong commitment to innovation,” consistently seeking new approaches and resources that enhance service delivery and improve outcomes. 

Rise’s partnerships with employers and community organizations were also highlighted as a key strength. CARF recognized that these relationships help create valuable training and employment opportunities while supporting people as they pursue jobs that match their skills, interests, and goals. 

Community partners spoke highly of Rise’s services and impact. According to the report, external stakeholders referred to Rise as the “top provider on our list,” said they would “recommend Rise to a family member,” and shared that they wished they could “carbon copy [Rise] to other agencies.” 

Recognition of Excellence

“CARF’s review process takes a close look at every part of an organization, challenging us to demonstrate not only that we have strong practices in place, but that we live them every day,” said Rise President and CEO Tim Dickie. “Independent validation of our commitment to person-centered services, continuous improvement, accountability, and trust reinforces what matters most: creating opportunities for people to thrive.” 

Receiving no recommendations means CARF found Rise’s employment services to be fully conforming to its rigorous standards. The achievement serves as an independent validation of the quality, effectiveness, and accountability of Rise’s employment programs. 

This recognition reflects the dedication of Rise team members, the achievements of the people we serve, and the strong partnerships that support their success. It also reinforces Rise’s commitment to opening doors to transformative growth, purpose, and belonging through high-quality, person-centered services.