Thornwell Earns National COA Accreditation Through 2030
Thornwell’s accreditation validates its commitment to excellence in service delivery
Clinton, SC – March 1, 2026 – Thornwell has earned national accreditation through March 31, 2030, from the Council on Accreditation (COA), a service of Social Current. This recognition affirms that Thornwell meets rigorous, nationally recognized best-practice standards and continues to provide high-quality services to children, youth, and families across the region.
COA accreditation provides independent verification that an organization operates with strong governance, sound financial stewardship, and effective service delivery. Through a comprehensive review process that includes peer evaluation and an on-site assessment, COA examines operations, leadership, risk management, and program outcomes to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
For families, partners, and supporters, accreditation offers meaningful assurance that Thornwell’s programs are evaluated against the highest standards of care and organizational excellence.
Achieving COA accreditation is a significant milestone — especially as we celebrate 150 years of faithful service,” said Myron Wilkins, President and CEO of Thornwell. “It reflects the dedication of our staff, the leadership of our Board of Trustees, and our unwavering commitment to the children and families we serve. Accreditation is more than a credential; it is a framework that drives excellence in everything we do.”
As part of the accreditation process, peer reviewers conducted a comprehensive study and site visit, resulting in a Final Accreditation Report (FAR). The report highlighted several organizational strengths, including:
- Strong financial oversight and stewardship
- Effective governance and board leadership
- Robust Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) systems
- Risk prevention and data security safeguards
- Commitment to client rights and safety
- High-quality foster care and residential services
- Comprehensive mental health services
- Well-rounded transitional living programs
While accreditation affirms Thornwell’s strong performance, the organization remains committed to ongoing growth and continuous improvement through its Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) process.
Media Contact:
Addie Sheek
Director of Marketing & Communications
[M] 864-923-0147
[E] asheek@thornwell.org
About Thornwell
Founded in 1875, Thornwell is a diverse Non-Profit Christian ministry across South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida on a mission to provide safe and nurturing environments where we educate, equip, and support children and families to thrive. Thornwell believes family changes everything in a child’s life. Thornwell addresses the welfare of children not as a singular event but as a comprehensive, ongoing cycle of services and support designed to help children and families, no matter what stage of life they’re in. Thornwell is a Platinum award recipient for financial transparency by Candid and a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator. Thornwell believes in maintaining the highest levels of financial transparency and accountability. Learn more about Thornwell and its services for children and families in need at http://thornwell.org.
