Our CARF Accreditation reports stated that Person County Group Homes, Inc. demonstrated the following strengths:

·PCGH is recognized for its leadership team members, who are long tenured, dynamic, knowledgeable, and dedicated to the organization's success. The leadership is further commended for its hands-on leadership style, which enables the leadership team to be

fully engaged in day-to-day service provision and the development of long-term relationships with clients and families.

·The visionary and mission-driven leadership team demonstrates dedication in its approach to meeting client needs. The leadership is commended for its person-centered philosophy, which is the basis for all organizational plans that are developed.

·PCGH is commended for its ability to retain staff members at all levels of the organization. Many direct support staff members and leadership have worked for the organization for many years. This longevity ensures continuity of services and a deeper understanding of the clients' hopes, desires, and outcomes.

·PCGH is applauded for the development and implementation of a plan that has resulted in it appearing to be fiscally sound, even after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The leadership and board review the financial statements on a routine basis and make adjustments to the programs or budgets as needed. ·The leadership and board are recognized and lauded for their response to the COVID19 pandemic in maintaining the health and safety of clients and staff. The organization developed and fully executed an emergency operation plan that was reviewed and updated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff and clients were trained on the plan when it was implemented and after each update to ensure that the plan was implemented consistently throughout the organization. This has resulted in a low occurrence of COVID-19 for clients receiving long-term residential services.

·PCGH is commended for its corporate citizenship efforts, such as providing training and educational sessions for the local police department; hosting town hall meetings to address current issues or concerns related to intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse; and becoming involved with The Arc Person County and the provider collaborative. These efforts not only demonstrate good corporate citizenship but also increase awareness of the organization's programs and services.

·PCGH is also commended for its participation on statewide committees and advisory groups in order to advocate for direct support professional wage increases, Medicaid rate increases, and the continuation of needed services as the state of North Carolina makes changes to its current service options.

·The staff members are dedicated professionals who function well as a cohesive, effective team and are driven to see the organization's mission accomplished. The staff members work toward the organization's collective good. Without exception, the staff members expressed excitement about the residential services. The cohesive nature, team spirit, and dedication to accomplishing the organization's mission were evident during the survey. In addition, staff members expressed a positive attitude toward their jobs and noted the opportunities provided to move up the ladder for career development.

·Stakeholders reported an incredibly high level of satisfaction with the staff members and services offered by PCGH. Stakeholders commented, "It is a godsend," "There is no more caring a place," "They're like family," and "They're always prepared."

·While many organizations are experiencing difficulty with staff retention, PCGH is congratulated for its amazing success at maintaining staff longevity. Not only do the staff members stay with the organization for many years, but they also maintain their positive attitude and commitment to the clients. Many clients have resided in community housing sites and apartments for long periods of time, demonstrating satisfaction with services received.

·PCGH provides great residential services for its clients. The community housing sites provide stable, long tem1 housing that is safe and accessible. Homes are attractive and reflect the taste of the clients, who decorate their own rooms. Staff members appear to be well matched to the clients. Two community housing sites are located on a beautiful expansive farm that was donated to the organization.