Values Statement

We the people who live and work at Southern Center for the Developmentally Disabled recognize that all persons have innate dignity from which flow certain rights: the right to freedom, the right to pursue happiness, the right to personal growth, and the right to develop a sense of personal worth. It is therefore the mission of Southern Center to provide an environment that will facilitate and support each member of our community in attaining these rights.

We recognize that we are a diverse community existing in and interacting with society at large. We recognize that individual needs and requirements vary greatly and individuals fulfill unique roles in our community.

We recognize that in order for individuals to develop and grow, there must be many opportunities to make choices within one's potential and to build competencies in all areas of life. Such opportunities to make choices and build competencies must occur in the living area, in the worksite, and in society at large. We recognize that not all individuals will be equally successful. We accept each individual's limits and need to provide the necessary support that will maximize the opportunities for growth. Because many individuals do not immediately recognize their potential, we will continue to provide opportunities for each individual to more fully develop practical skills, interpersonal skills, and a sense of personal worth.

In order to assure each individual's dignity and the opportunity for each person to exercise his or her rights, we hold that the following precepts of behavior must be consistently practiced:

• each individual is treated in a manner consistent with human dignity;
• each individual is accepted with his or her limitations, recognizing the gifts and humanity which each individual has to give to others;
• each individual is encouraged and assisted to achieve in all areas of life; and
• each individual is offered an environment that will enhance a feeling of personal worth through a wide range of positive experiences.

We hold that through the consistent application of these precepts, our community can most fully manifest human dignity and maximize personal growth.

Last Revised:  November 15, 2006