Spero Family Services is proud to announce that it has officially earned CARE Certification from the Residential Child Care Project at Cornell University. After beginning this transformative journey in 2019, Spero is now one of only 24 agencies worldwide to hold this prestigious designation, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to embedding evidence-based care practices into its organizational culture.
The CARE (Children and Residential Care Experience) Certification program, administered by Cornell’s Residential Child Care Project, recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in trauma-informed care methodology and systems. Achieving this certification signifies that Spero has adopted a research-driven model emphasizing safety, therapeutic environments, and continuous professional development within its team.
“The CARE Certification demonstrates our long-standing dedication to integrating evidence-based care into every facet of our work,” said Joe Bernard, CEO of Spero Family Services. “It’s a testament to the hard work of our staff, the trust of the families we serve, and our focus on delivering high-quality services.”
To celebrate this momentous achievement, Spero will host a CARE celebration event on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM. The partners, families, and supporters are invited to join the ceremony at 2023 Richview Road, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864, where agency leaders and Cornell representatives will speak about the impact of CARE implementation, share success stories, and outline next steps in Spero’s ongoing journey toward excellence.
This certification adds to Spero’s legacy as a forward-thinking provider of family services in southern Illinois, reinforcing its position as a leader in trauma-informed, client-centered care.
About Spero Family Services
Spero Family Services is a non-profit organization based in Mt. Vernon, IL. Since 1913, Spero has been dedicated to supporting families and children through a range of programs focused on behavioral health, residential care, and community services
About the CARE Certification
The Cornell Residential Child Care Project’s CARE Certification recognizes agencies that effectively implement evidence-based, trauma-informed systems and practices. With only 24 certified agencies worldwide, CARE is a leading framework guiding organizations toward the highest standards of therapeutic care and staff development.
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