Guiding Principles

The Polus Center uses a person-centered approach in its development projects. Person-centered means developing meaningful relationships with people whom the Polus Center assists by visiting them at their homes and hearing their stories first-hand. The Polus Center prioritizes connecting with people to learn who they are and hear what they have to say. This emphasis on learning about individuals’ unique situations and needs allows people to have their voices heard and be able to help themselves.

Providing person-centered assistance to people involves considering the social and economic factors in addition to a person’s physical condition. This process offers a complete picture of people’s actual needs, as opposed to addressing the presumed collective needs of a larger group or a target population. Rooted in the theory of Social Role Valorization, the Polus Center believes in a person-centered, holistic approach to supporting individuals’ unique visions for a better life. This process begins with extensive interviews of potential service recipients to gain a deeper understanding of their lives and the daily challenges they face.

These guiding principles include:

  1. People are more alike than different.
  2. A vibrant community is built on the inclusion and engagement of all its members.
  3. Any individual or group can become vulnerable. Once vulnerable they can become targets of oppression. The composition of vulnerable groups can change over time.
  4. Social devaluation can lead to stigma, marginalization, and systemic inequality. Devalued groups are frequently denied opportunities and resources. These societal beliefs, perceptions, social stigmas and unquestioned structures can have profound effects on people’s lives.
  5. Promoting valued roles enhances social and economic opportunities and creates a more inclusive community.
  6. Services are co-designed with local communities and grounded in person-centered approaches.
  7. We value the role of families and friends in shaping services and nurturing meaningful, long-term support networks.
  8. We are committed to cultivating effective leadership and delivering high-quality services grounded in evidence-based practices and innovative approaches.
  9. Our services are adaptable and tailored to address the unique and diverse needs of each individual. We acknowledge the complexity of identities and embrace intersectionality, committing to holistic support that honors the whole person and their experiences.
  10. We are committed to fostering diversity through inclusive partnerships and a workplace that reflects and respects a wide range of identities and experiences, including race, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, age, and more. We prioritize accessibility to ensure every community member can fully participate and benefit.

Related Articles

Susan Thomas and Wolf Wolfensberger (1999). An overview of Social Role Valorization. In R. J. Flynn & R. A. Lemay (Eds) A Quarter Century of Normalization and Social Role Valorization: Evolution and Impact. Ottawa: University of Ottawa Press.

Michael J. Kendrick (2007). Valued Social Roles And The Necessity Of Values Based Leadership, The SRV Journal, 2(1) June 2007.

Joe Osburn (2007) An Overview of SRV Theory. The SRV Journal, 1(1), 4-13.

“Wolfensberger, W., Thomas, S. & Caruso, G. (1996). Some of the Universal “Good Things in Life” Which the Implementation of SRV Can be Expected to Make More Accessible to Devalued People. The International Social Role Valorization Journal, 2, (2), 12-14.

Darcy Elks & Elizabeth Neuville (2007). Implementing Social Role Valorization across a large human service organization: Les­sons & learning. The SRV Journal, 2(2), 37–44.

Michael Kendrick, A life well lived Thinking About... Issue 14. Belonging Matters, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
February 2013

Michael Kendrick, SRV as a resource for seeking and shaping the Good Life, Family Advocacy NSW, Sydney, Australia 2007

Michael Lundquist, Community-Based Rehabilitation Program Design and Implementation in Central America, The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction.

Michael Lundquist, Landmine Victim Assistance Progress, Challenges and Best Practices, The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction.

Michael Lundquist, The Challenge of Prosthetic Services in Developing Countries, The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction