VYJ was awarded the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO) Seal of Excellence for successfully completing the Louisiana Standards for Excellence Voluntary Certification Program.

VYJ voluntarily opened itself up to scrutiny by a jury of peers. A peer review team examined the organization for compliance with the Louisiana Standards for Excellence. An independent Standards Compliance Committee then approved VYJ to receive the Seal of Excellence, one of the first 22 awarded in the state of Louisiana.

The Louisiana Standards for Excellence are based on fundamental values such as honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, responsibility, and accountability. The organizations programs and services, management, fundraising and financial practices were examined in-depth before certification was awarded.

According to LANO, Organizations that successfully complete the voluntary certification program should be commended for their commitment to excellence and integrity. LANO encourages organizations to participate in the Louisiana Standards for Excellence program because we know it will benefit nonprofit management practices and positively impact those who benefit from the nonprofits services.