As a testament to our commitment to developing a brand synonymous with excellence, Southwest Key completed an 18-month process of self-reflection and professionalization in preparation for becoming nationally accredited with the Council of Accreditation (COA). Accreditation is a symbol of quality, a statement to the communities we serve that our organization has complied with nationally recognized standards of best practice. COA evaluates the entire organization-from management and continuous quality improvement practices to all services for which there are standards. Southwest Key sought accreditation to demonstrate accountability and streamline our operations, to reduce turnover and attract the best workers, and to ensure that all our services meet an exemplary level of quality. Accreditation has required a very large investment of time and money, but the process has empowered staff at all levels, reducing paperwork and duplication of efforts, and making more time for direct service work. Following multiple successful peer reviewer site visits and interviews, Southwest Key was accredited by COA in 2008.
As further evidence of our commitment to developing a brand of excellence, Southwest Key is consistently recognized for our outstanding work in the wide range of programs and services that we provide nationwide. Some of our most recent awards and recognitions include the following:
Hispanic Business Magazine (May 2009)
Which Way Home (2010)
"Best Way To Keep the Conversation Going: Southwest Key" (Critics Picks, Politics & Personalities - Austin Chronicle)
Family Keys featured in the Office of Juvenile Justice Best Practices Database (2010)
Presented to Dr. Juan Sanchez for his work with immigrant children (2009)
Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative National Award (August 2009)
Presented to Dr. Juan Sanchez, Southwest Key CEO (2008)
Presented to Dr. Juan Sanchez, Southwest Key CEO (2008)
Presented to Dr. Juan Sanchez, CEO of Southwest Key Programs by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC, 2008)
"Best Landscape Services: Southwest Key Maintenance" (Readers Poll)
National Council of La Raza/Ford Motor Company, Washington, DC (2007)
Award from the Texas Association for Alternative Education recognized to Southwest Key's Travis County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (2006)
From the Economic Development Administration for our work in East Austin (2005)
Presented to Southwest Key Programs (2005)
National Council of La Raza/Ford Motor Company, Washington, DC (2005)
