Thursday, Nov 19, 2020
Community Service Programs of West Alabama (CSP) announces it has received an exemplary rating from NeighborWorks® America (NWA) for the first time since its founding in 1966.
NeighborWorks® America’s rating system has six ratings: exemplary, strong, good, satisfactory, serious, and vulnerable. During the tenure of current Executive Director Cynthia Burton, CSP has maintained a strong rating with NWA for over 10 years. To achieve an exemplary rating, CSP exceeded performance standards in production/program services, resource management, financial management, organizational management, and board governance.
Burton said she credits the exemplary rating to her staff and board of directors who share the organization’s mission and vision in delivering the very best services to the community.
“When I assumed the leadership of CSP in 2004, we were rated vulnerable. The entire organization supported our efforts to attain a strong rating, which has been in effect for over a decade,” Burton said. “This elevation to the exemplary rating is the result of significant efforts by every member of our team, from the Board of Directors, management team, and program staff to fiscal and administrative operations.”
NeighborWorks® America works through partnerships, public and private, to drive change at the local level for individuals, families, and communities. NeighborWorks® includes a network of over 240 organizations who must undergo a rigorous assessment before acceptance into the network. They then monitor the health of their network through an established organizational assessment process, which includes on-site visits and audit processes.
“I would like to personally thank our Board, staff, affiliates, volunteers, and those who believe in CSP’s work enough to support us financially,” Burton said. “This elevation in our rating with NeighborWorks® also entitles us to a marked increase in various funding streams---all of which will be used to assist and enhance our coverage communities.”
CSP’s mission is to provide resources and services, which resolve immediate needs and lead to long-term self-sufficiency in low-income and vulnerable populations. CSP accomplishes its mission by providing supportive services, educational programs, and housing services to those in need throughout a 10-county service area, including Bibb, Choctaw, Dallas, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa.