REAL ALTERNATIVES EARNS THIRD “SEAL OF EXCELLENCE” ACCREDITATION

Real Alternatives passes rigorous ethics and accountability standards to be re-accredited

May 2012, Harrisburg, PA – Real Alternatives, administrator of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s Alternative to Abortion Program, has once again been accredited with the Seal of Excellence by the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organization’s (PANO) for successfully meeting the 56 criteria of the Standards for Excellence program.

Real Alternatives was reviewed by a “jury of its peers” who examined Real Alternatives for compliance with PANO’s Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector.

The Standards for Excellence is based on the fundamental values such as honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, responsibility, and accountability.  Real Alternatives’ programs and services, management, fundraising, and financial practices were examined in depth using 56 criteria before the accreditation was granted. The accreditation is good for five years.

Real Alternatives was one of the first four organizations to be certified under the Standards program that began in 2002, and again one of the very first to be re-accredited three times. Kevin I. Bagatta, Esquire, President & CEO of Real Alternatives comments: “Submitting to the review process required for re-accreditation under the Standards for Excellence involved a lot of hard work for us, but once again, it was a worthwhile process.  The PANO Seal of Excellence shows we have continued to take every step to ensure we’re serving the community well, and operating in an ethical and upright way.  We’re very proud to have earned this re-accreditation! “

Thomas A. Lang, Esquire, Vice President of Operations Real Alternatives remarked “our work on behalf of women experiencing a crisis due to unplanned pregnancies exemplifies both our dedication to our cause, and our pledge to meet the highest standards of ethical practice.  As we continue forward, we will continue to strive for excellence.”

According to Tish Mogan of PANO, “Organizations which are successful in the accreditation program should be commended for their commitment to excellence and integrity.”  PANO encourages organizations to participate in the voluntary accreditation program because the Standards can help improve your organization.  Ms. Mogan added, “With every new organization that meets the Standards, we move one step closer to the day when the public will feel confident that its nonprofit organizations are acting ethically and are accountable in their program operations, governance, human resources, financial management, and fundraising practices.”

PANO is the statewide membership organization serving and advancing the nonprofit sector through leadership, advocacy, education, and services in order to improve the quality of life in Pennsylvania.

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