Participation Supports Services earns four-year reaccreditation and seal of sustainability

Paris Independent Staff

Staff Contribution

Participation Supports Services (PSS) is proud to announce it has been awarded a four-year reaccreditation by FOCUS Accreditation, covering the period from December 2025 through December 2029. In recognition of its long-standing commitment to quality and continuous improvement, PSS has also received a Seal of Sustainability Award—an honour reserved for organizations that have successfully completed three full accreditation cycles.

Accreditation through FOCUS is a comprehensive and rigorous process that examines every aspect of an organization’s operations, programs, governance, and service delivery. Through this evaluation, Participation Supports Services demonstrated that it not only meets, but consistently upholds, established best-practice standards in the community support services sector.

Participation Support Services (PSS) in Brantford is a local community-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping adults with physical disabilities and complex care needs live as independently as possible in their own homes and communities.

“This reaccreditation reflects the exceptional work happening every day at PSS,” said Steve Smith, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Our front-line staff and management are deeply committed to providing outstanding care, and the Board is thrilled to see that dedication recognized with another well-deserved four-year accreditation.”

As part of the review process, FOCUS Accreditation conducted an in-depth assessment of PSS’s programs and services, confirming the organization’s focus on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. The result is a clear endorsement of PSS’s ability to deliver reliable, person-centred supports while maintaining strong organizational leadership and governance.

For service users, families, partners, and the broader community, reaccreditation serves as a trusted mark of excellence—assurance that Participation Supports Services operates with professionalism, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to those it supports.

“This achievement belongs to our staff,” said Sherry Kerr, Executive Director of Participation Supports Services. “They worked incredibly hard to prepare for this reaccreditation, and we look forward to celebrating their success together in the New Year.”

FOCUS Accreditation Executive Director Cheryl Whiteman commended PSS for embracing the accreditation process and the transparency it requires.

“Inviting an external accrediting body into an organization is a vulnerable step,” said Whiteman. “Participation Supports Services has shown strong leadership and integrity by doing so. This willingness to be evaluated demonstrates accountability, honesty, and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement.”

During the accreditation process, stakeholders highlighted PSS’s greatest strength—its people.

“Our greatest strength is our people,” one stakeholder shared. “With decades of experience supporting adults with disabilities—representing more than 50 years of collective service—our dedicated team brings deep expertise, compassion, and strong community relationships. We are known for our collaborative culture, leadership in advocacy, and strong partnerships with hospitals, Ontario Health at Home, and community agencies. Through an interdisciplinary approach and active community engagement, we go beyond basic services to provide meaningful, person-centred support.”

Whiteman also thanked Participation Supports Services for its leadership role in advancing accreditation across the Community Support Services sector. “By undergoing such a rigorous process, PSS sets an example for others,” she said. “This commitment reassures all stakeholders that the organization is dedicated to operating at the highest level of excellence.”