Local outreach group receives international recognition

The St. James Zion House in Salisbury has been accredited the highest level available by an international body for health and human development.  The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) has put the program through a rigorous peer review process, that lead to a 3 year accreditation, the highest level by CARF standards. 

The St. James Zion House provides rapid re-housing and homeless prevention for the community, and focuses on supporting veterans.  They have been serving the community since 2009, and has been a “Supportive Services to Veterans Families” for the past 2.5 years.  Rev. Dr. David Mclendon is the program director, he says the accreditation is amazing, but adds there is always room for improvement.  Dr. Loré Chambers is the compliance and fiscal officer, she says its their goal to give the highest quality service, and this accreditation will help them continue forward.

Both Mclendon and Chambers say they could not have done it alone.  Mclendon saying “we have great people that are working behind the scenes that are doing an awesome job.”  Chambers echoes that sentiment, adding “it’s a small staff, we only have a staff of 6, and so for us to be able to accomplish this in 2.5 years to serve over 300 veterans and their family members, it’s quite a feat.”