United Way and Tabor Services, Inc

Abstract

In November 2010, an affiliation agreement between Tabor Services Inc. and Baptist Children’s Services (BCS) was made official, three years after BCS representatives first met with the Tabor executive committee to discuss potential merger conditions and budget realignments needed for consideration. As nonprofit children’s services agencies, both Tabor and BCS decided on an affiliation in order to seek greater cost-effective strategies for building organizational capacity; recruit, train and retain a quality workforce; and reduce competition and duplication of services while staying true to their core values and missions. The affiliation provides a continuum of purpose and mission through the services offered by both human services organizations and lays the foundation for a new infrastructure within which the two organizations can effectively work together as one.

Under the terms of the affiliation agreement, Tabor assumed administrative oversight of BCS’s social services department and client records to ensure consistency and success in service delivery and evaluation outcomes identified by the Philadelphia Department of Human Services and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. BCS also consented to Tabor’s managing all of its administrative services, including program operations, fiscal, human resources, facilities management and quality assurance as it relates to the operations of group homes and emergency shelters operated by BCS.

Both Tabor and BCS have long-standing histories as children’s services organizations. BCS, founded in 1879, operates a network of group homes and emergency shelters for adjudicated dependent and neglected youth, providing care for nearly 500 youths annually. Tabor was founded in 1907 as a residential home for orphaned and needy children and now specializes in in-home services for children and families, foster care, special needs adoption, parenting education and adolescent services. Both agencies are fully licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. Tabor is also accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).

Achieving COA accreditation is the number one priority of the affiliation between Tabor and BCS. COA accreditation is an objective and reliable verification that helps organizations to qualify for the confidence and support of consumers and the general public. The COA accreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of both an organization’s administrative operations—including financial practices—and its service delivery practices. All are measured against international standards of best practice. These standards emphasize services that are accessible, appropriate, based in the community, coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, individualized, outcomes-oriented, provided by a skilled and supported workforce, respectful of individual rights, strengths-based, supportive of partnership and child- and family-focused and that treat all people with dignity, involve family and provider collaboration and address child outcomes.