About Us

Project Plase Awarded Seal of Excellence

David Phillips, Manager of Corporate Philanthropy, Lockheed Martin; Martina Martin, Vice President, United Way of Central Maryland; Mary C. Slicher, Executive Director, Project Plase; Peter Berns, Executive Director, Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations.

Project PLASE has been awarded the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organization’s Seal of Excellence for successfully completing the Standards of Excellence program. PLASE voluntarily opened itself up to scrutiny by a “jury of its peers.” The peer review team examined PLASE for compliance with the Maryland Association of Nonprofits’ Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector.

Standards for Excellence, which are based on eight Guiding Principles and 55 Standards that range from sound financial management, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, human resource policies that are consistent with industry leading practices, governance, volunteer board members that are committed to the mission of the organization, truthful fundraising, organizational transparency, and accountability.

PLASE programs and services, management, fundraising, and financial practices were examined in depth before the certification was awarded. The Standards program in Maryland, which began in 1998, was the first of its kind in the nation, and PLASE is one of the first organizations to be certified under the Standards program.

According to Peter V. Berns, Executive Director of Maryland Nonprofits, “Organizations which are successful in the certification program should be commended for their commitment to excellence and integrity.”

PLASE is exceedingly proud of this accomplishment. The Seal not only validates what PLASE employees and volunteers have been doing for more than 30 years as valuable, but it also demonstrates to those not yet familiar with PLASE that PLASE adheres to the highest standards and strict principles while providing exemplary care and service.

Our Mission

Project PLASE, Inc. addresses homelessness by providing transitional housing, permanent housing and supportive services to homeless adults. We serve the most vulnerable and underserved, including persons with mental illness, HIV/AIDS, addiction, developmental disabilities, and ex-offenders, etc. We treat, restore and rehabilitate the whole person. We empower each individual to function at the highest level possible.

Our Vision

To eliminate homelessness.

DID YOU KNOW?

In 2001, the U.S. Conference of Mayors survey found that single men comprised 40% of the urban homeless population and single women 14% (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2001).

see more homelessness facts

Last Modified 09/11/08 04:51