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About POLUS CENTER FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Location:

PO BOX 773, PETERSHAM, MA 01366, US

Mission Statement

The Polus Center promotes opportunities for people with disabilities and members of other vulnerable groups, through education, employment, rehabilitation and other activities that enable them to strive for and obtain valued social roles in their communities.

Description

he Polus Center for Social and Economic Development, Inc. has more than 40 years of experience in designing human service programs and promoting new opportunities for persons with disabilities and victims of conflict in the United States and throughout the world. Several years ago the Polus Center Board of Directors made a strategic decision to transition from residential services for people with developmental disabilities to focus on workforce training, internships and job placement support for people with disabilities, especially people who are blind or visually impaired. We work with the MA Commission for the Blind (MCB) to provide employment opportunities, a Career Exploration program for legally blind youth age 14-22 called the Envision Success Project (ESP), and many job-driven and unique learning opportunities to help people with disabilities find meaningful work. We believe that the Polus Center offers an important alternative to segregated programs for people with disabilities. Our goal is integrated opportunities leading to competitive employment. The name "Polus" is of Latin origin, and means "looking towards the heavens." It suggests searching and working toward an ideal. This means not only the best for people who are poor, disabled or in some way disenfranchised, but the best for all of us. Polus, the highest point, represents everyone’s search for the best of who and what we are.