EAGLE Accreditation
On Friday, March 6, 2009 the United Methodist Children’s Home (UMCH) was awarded the prestigious EAGLE Accreditation by the United Methodist Association at their Annual Conference in Indianapolis. The Educational Assessment Guidelines Leading toward Excellence (EAGLE) is a quality enhancement program offered to faith-based organizations providing care in the health and welfare ministries. EAGLE accredited facilities are stringently peer-reviewed based on business practices, social principles, Christian mission, and relationships with the local community.
Those present for the award presentation included: (picture L to R) bottom: Kay Zibby, Vice President of Development; Dr. Billy Dixon, Governing Board of Directors Chairman; Michelle Bradley, Vice President of Community Based Programs. Top: Tim Waugh, Vice President of Clinical Services; UMA Representative; Clete Winkelmann, CEO / President; Jesse Stevenson, Quality Enhancement Director; and Joe Bernard, Vice President of Administrative Services.
UMCH is also a part of the Illinois Great Rivers Alliance, LLC, which was recognized with the prestigious Innovation Award from the United Methodist Association. Out of nearly 400 United Methodist related health and welfare ministries, the Illinois Great Rivers Alliance was recognized for its collaboration between 5 child-serving social service agencies in central and southern Illinois to strengthen the collective impact of the work for children and families. The Alliance purpose is to enhance the connectional strength of our United Methodist heritage by improving operational efficiencies, collaborative program development and further outreach to the church family. The 5 owner agencies of the Alliance include UMCH, The Baby Fold, Cunningham Children’s Home, Chaddock Children’s Home and Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House.