Media Release
For Immediate Release
Date: December 18, 2025
FOCUS Accreditation Announces Prestigious Accreditation for Participation Supports Services (PSS) Brantford
[Brantford, ON] – FOCUS Accreditation is pleased to announce that Participation Supports Services has achieved a four-year re-accreditation award from December 2025 – December 2029. This recognition signifies PSS’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in the community support services sector. In addition, the organization has received a Seal of Sustainability Award. This award recognizes organizations who have been accredited for three cycles and for their commitment to ongoing quality improvement.
Accreditation is a rigorous process that involves a comprehensive review of an organization's operations, programs and services and performance against established benchmarks. Participation Supports Services has successfully met these standards, demonstrating a dedication to quality and continuous improvement.
FOCUS Accreditation evaluated various aspects of PSS’s operations, programs, and services. The reaccreditation is a testament to PSS’s commitment to providing exceptional services and ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of its stakeholders.
‘The front-line staff and Management at Participation Support Services work very hard to ensure the care provided to the clients is exceptional every day and the Board of Directors are thrilled PSS has achieved another much deserved 4-year reaccreditation’ said Steve Smith, Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Participation Supports Services joins an elite group of organizations that have demonstrated their commitment to excellence. This reaccreditation status serves as a mark of distinction, assuring PSS's service users, partners, and the community that they can trust in the organization's quality and professionalism.
For Participation Supports Services this achievement is not just a recognition; it reflects the organization's ongoing dedication to delivering outstanding programs and services. Accreditation provides a foundation for future growth and development, setting a benchmark for PSS to continually raise its standards.
Sherry Kerr, Executive Director states that ‘staff worked very hard to prepare for and achieve this reaccreditation and a celebration will be planned for the New Year.’
FOCUS Accreditation looks forward to PSS’s continuing its journey of excellence and innovation, making a positive impact in the communities it serves.
Cheryl Whiteman, Executive Director of FOCUS Accreditation, commended Participation Supports Services for its exceptional dedication to undergoing evaluation by a third party. She noted that welcoming an external accrediting body into the organization is a vulnerable step—yet one that reflects strong leadership and a commitment to integrity and transparency. By doing so, the organization demonstrates to its stakeholders that it upholds the highest values of accountability, honesty, and continuous improvement.
As one stakeholder shared, “our greatest strength is our people. 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 and supportive culture, where teamwork and shared commitment ensure the best outcomes for residents. Our organization also demonstrates leadership in advocacy and partnership, working closely with hospitals, Ontario Health at Home, and community agencies to support smooth transitions and holistic care. An interdisciplinary approach, combined with strong fundraising and community engagement, allows us to go beyond basic services and provide meaningful, person-centred support.”
Whiteman expressed gratitude to Participation Support Services for being leaders in the accreditation world, spearheading accreditation commitment in the Community Support Services sector and demonstrating to others the significant benefits of accreditation. By undergoing such a rigorous process, PSS signals to stakeholders their openness and accountability, as well as their commitment to maintaining high standards in their operations, programs, and services. This commitment assures all stakeholders that PSS is dedicated to operating at the highest level of excellence.
About FOCUS Accreditation
FOCUS is a non-profit accreditation agency for community service organizations. Created in Ontario, Canada, by the very people who use and work in these services, FOCUS reflects the culture and expectations of community service organizations in Canada.
FOCUS accredits the whole organization, not just select programs within. The standards reflect best practice in the way programs and services are provided as well as the effectiveness of how the organization operates. An organization that meets FOCUS’ standards can be viewed as an organization that focuses on the people it serves, and on high quality service delivery. FOCUS has accredited over sixty organizations and works with over fifty community-based groups. A full list of accredited organizations is on our website www.focusaccreditation.org
