For Immediate Release
Contact: Krista Cardona
krista@hof.5proofs.com
480-416-9740

Mesa, AZ – House of Refuge announced it has been awarded certification as a “Service Enterprise” by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. As a Service Enterprise, House of Refuge can strategically leverage their volunteers to increase efficiency and have a greater social impact. The Service Enterprise Initiative (SEI) is a national program led by Points of Light, an organization founded by President George H.W. Bush, which assists organizations in utilizing their volunteers more strategically and effectively.
Under advisement from Arizona State University’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation, the certification was a year-long process that included specialized training, guidance and consulting to better integrate volunteers into the House of Refuge organization.

As a Service Enterprise, House of Refuge joins the top 11% of nonprofits nationwide and is the 27th nonprofit in the State of Arizona to receive the certification. House of Refuge is the only program of its kind in the state with this designation.

Ed Knight, Chief Program Officer at House of Refuge believes the certification will elevate the level of service provided to their clients. “We’ve always had a robust, extensive volunteer program at House of Refuge. This certification helps us elevate that further by positively impacting the team of volunteers that impact families in our community.”

Research conducted by the TCC Group, a New York-based program and evaluation firm, found that organizations operating as Service Enterprises outperform peer organizations on all aspects of organizational effectiveness, operate at almost half the median budget and are significantly more adaptable, sustainable and better resourced to do their work.

For every $1 invested in effective volunteer engagement, Service Enterprise organizations on average receive a $3-$6 Return on Volunteer Investment (ROVI) through more effective program delivery. House of Refuge reported an $8.94 ROVI in 2018, with nearly 11,000 volunteer hours tracked.

For further information regarding Service Enterprise, please contact the Arizona Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family.

House of Refuge is a faith-based, non-profit organization helping families experiencing homelessness by providing transitional housing and supportive services that assist participants as they strive toward self-sufficiency and seek to attain permanent housing. For more information about House of Refuge programs, visit www.hof.5proofs.com.
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