December 5, 2023
Contact: Mark Langan
630-628-7174
MLangan@RayGraham.org

Ray Graham Association Joins Elite International Group with Prestigious Accreditation with Distinction

LISLE, Illinois—In a remarkable achievement that places them among the top 2% of organizations accredited by CQL | The Council of Quality and Leadership (CQL), Ray Graham Association (RGA) has been awarded the esteemed “Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation, with Distinction.” This designation acknowledges that Ray Graham Association is among an elite group of organizations in the disability services sector. Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation, With Distinction, includes stringent eligibility requirements, rigorous standards, and heightened expectations that only eight other provider agencies have been able to meet.

President & CEO Kim Zoeller expressed immense pride in the accomplishment. “This accreditation is not just a feather in our cap; it’s a testament to our culture of positivity and the relentless pursuit of excellence in supporting those we serve.” She also highlighted the pivotal role that Director of Quality and Strategic Initiatives Sharon Anderson played.

CQL’s accrediting body was deeply impressed by RGA’s innovative approaches and robust communication strategies during the rigorous accreditation process. The transition from a Specialized Living Center facility to neighborhood living underlines the adaptability and resilience of people with disabilities and their support staff.

The accreditation process involved meticulous self-assessments, in-depth visits, and comprehensive evaluations of the organization’s adherence to CQL’s most stringent standards. RGA’s success reflects its dedication to data-driven strategies and impactful community services. “Ray Graham Association is delivering the highest level of quality in their services and they’re having an extraordinary impact on people’s lives!” says Mary Kay Rizzolo, President and CEO of CQL. “It’s not easy to attain this type of accreditation, so we want to congratulate them on this impressive achievement.”

As Ray Graham Association celebrates this milestone, it stands as a beacon of hope and a model of excellence for other service organizations striving to make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities. “Our journey doesn’t stop here,” said Zoeller. “We continue to forge ahead, inspired by this recognition and fueled by our commitment to those we support.”

“We’re honored to partner with RGA on this accreditation,” adds Katherine Dunbar, Vice President of Services and Systems Excellence of CQL. “They embody the very best in human services and the ‘With Distinction’ accreditation is a validation of their hard work.”

About Ray Graham Association (RGA)

Founded in 1950, Ray Graham Association serves nearly 2,000 people with disabilities and employs about 350 people. Ray Graham enriches lives by empowering those we support and those who care for them to reach, grow, and achieve. Since 1997, The Council of Quality and Leadership has accredited Ray Graham Association for our leadership’s vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people. 88% of every dollar donated to Ray Graham Association goes directly to people with disabilities. Learn more at RayGraham.org.

About CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership

Since 1969, CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership has been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. CQL offers accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services to agencies that share our vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.

If you would like more information about RGA, please contact Chief Development Officer Mark Langan at 630-628-7174 or MLangan@RayGraham.org.
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