The Independent Charities Seal of Excellence
The Independent Charities Seal of Excellence is awarded to the members of Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. These standards include those required by the US Government for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign, probably the most exclusive fund drive in the world. Of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today, it is estimated that fewer than 50,000, or 5 percent, meet or exceed these standards, and, of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this Seal.
FBI Award
On December 12, 2005 the Federal Bureau of Investigation recently awarded Safety Kids, Inc. (S.K.I.) with the distinguished Director's Community Leadership Award. The honor recognizes the organization’s “outstanding contribution to our Nation’s communities through unselfish dedication and leadership.” Only 56 recipients were recognized nationally by the F.B.I.
According to Lillie Leonardi, Community Affairs Specialist for the Pittsburgh Division of the F.B.I., Safety Kids offers an excellent curriculum for prevention of crimes against children. Leonardi manages the Adopt-a-School Initiative and nominated Diane Brown and her group for the award. “It’s a program that the F.B.I. and innumerable partnering agencies work with when going into the schools to discuss aspects of child safety.” S.K.I. serves as the only elementary component of that initiative. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with Safety Kids for a number of years, and I’m honored to nominate them for the award. They truly deserve the recognition,” Leonardi adds.
Additional Awards
The curriculum, programs, and materials, receive excellent feedback from instructors, parents and children. In addition to this distinction, the agency has received:
Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Citizen Crime Prevention
Crime Prevention Organization of the Year award
YMCA Community Champion 2012
JC Penney Golden Rule award
Citizen of the Year
several others
Safety Kids, Inc. was selected as the elementary component of the FBI Adopt-a-School Initiative in Pennsylvania. The Advisory Board, comprised of a variety of agencies, addresses the social needs of school age children. S.K.I. participates by offering educational material and training to numerous schools and communities in the Initiative.
Certified instructors have been trained in many states to teach the Be a Safety Kid curriculum, and presentations have been made throughout the country. Safety Kids, Inc has been a guest presenter/trainer for the annual International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners conference, resulting in the adoption of these materials in numerous areas. The trademarked and copyrighted items are widely promoted through referrals.
Hundreds of thousands of children have received instruction in schools and other locations; parenting seminars are held to teach adults and teen-age parents essential skills on personal safety for children; and numerous television appearances have enabled S.K.I. to reach vast audiences. References and "success stories" are available upon request.