The Institute for Social Development is one of the most dynamically developing social economy entities in the Silesian Voivodeship. It supports not only excluded individuals with disabilities and seniors, but also those who have been released from prison and all those whose lives have taken them away from the labor market. President Katarzyna Dyktyńska-Bańka, who has just been nominated to title of the Charismatic Woman, and the Institute’s Chief Expert, Grzegorz Żymła, nominated for the Leader by Vocation award, emphasize that every person deserves a dignified life, a second chance, and real support.
The Institute’s activities are not limited to implementing social projects that combine various educational and systemic activities. It is about something more – building a society in which people recognize each other and are not indifferent to the needs of others.
People are the most important here.
– At the Institute for Social Development, we support people who are struggling in some way, need help, are disadvantaged, or at risk of social exclusion – explains Katarzyna Dyktyńska-Bańka. She emphasizes that the most important thing is creating solutions that empower people. – We focus on relationships and real changes in the lives of people who trust us – notes the President. – Sometimes a conversation or psychological support is enough, while other times, concrete assistance with everyday functioning is needed. The most important thing is that people are not left alone.
– We want to create modern, responsive social policy that allows for the construction of an inclusive society—one open to diverse life situations and diverse human predispositions – admits Grzegorz Żymła. This philosophy guides all of the Institute’s activities, creating a space where experience, competence, and empathy come together.
Strategic Activities
The Institute for Social Development implements a broad spectrum of activities, including: social and professional activation, training in digital, architectural, and digital accessibility, reintegration of people at risk of exclusion, employment support for people with disabilities, education, training, and skills development, advisory, psychological, and consulting services, transportation, and assistance services.
The organization consistently promotes the Zero Waste philosophy and social and environmental responsibility, particularly in the Silesian Voivodeship.
Furthermore, it specializes in cybersecurity and countering online disinformation, with particular emphasis on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and social welfare institutions. It provides education and consulting on the safe use of digital media, recognizing false content, and building information resilience, combining expert knowledge with psychological and social experience.
4R, or a Proprietary Model of Change
The ISR’s activities are based on the original, innovative 4R Model, developed by an interdisciplinary team of psychologists, counselors, and holistic therapists. This model provides a coherent and effective tool for working with individuals at risk of social and professional exclusion.
4R is:
Assessment (Rozpoznanie) – an in-depth diagnosis of the individual’s life, social, and professional situation.
Relationship (Relacja) – building trust and an individual relationship based on respect and partnership.
Implementation (Realizacja) – implementing tailored activation, educational, and support activities.
Development (Rozwój) – long-term strengthening of independence, competencies, and resilience.
This model allows for precise planning of support paths and achieving lasting results – overcoming poverty, crisis, or social, social, or professional exclusion.
Dynamic Growth
In the last two years alone, over 1,000 people have received support, and the organization’s growth is confirmed by specific data: a ten-fold increase in revenue and a four-fold increase in employment: 14 full-time employees, including people with disabilities, and approximately 40 associates, partners, and experts. A multilingual, competent team enables the implementation of activities, including those of an international nature, and ISR is regularly invited to debates, conferences, and expert panels on social policy and the social economy.
The Institute operates both in a social and commercial format, systematically building its organizational, human resources, and financial capacity. The total value of activities carried out by ISR, in which it serves as a leader or partner, reaches approximately PLN 14 million, confirming its stability, effectiveness, and ability to implement large-scale projects.
ISR also provides specialized transportation and assistance services, providing over 5,000 hours of support for dependents and people with disabilities. The Institute actively collaborates with public institutions, local governments, non-governmental organizations, and the business sector, promoting Diversity & Inclusion Policy and modern labor market standards.
Recognition
In recognition of its dynamic and innovative development and significant achievements in the community, including breaking down barriers to employment for people with disabilities and building an open, accessible labor market, the Institute for Social Development sp. z o.o. was honored with, among other awards, the prestigious title of Laureate of the Silesian Voivodeship Social Economy Aces.
Furthermore, President Katarzyna Dyktyńska-Bańka received the title of „Woman with Passion” in the Business category – awarded for consistently combining business with a social mission and for building an organization based on values, responsibility, and inclusion. She also received the „Lady D.” award. – a prestigious distinction awarded to people with disabilities who, through their professional and social activities, break stereotypes and truly influence social change.
Grzegorz Żymła, the Institute’s Chief Expert, was recognized at the „Silesian Prometheus 2025” gala for his consistent and professional efforts in the area of social reintegration and for designing effective activation programs for people at risk of social exclusion.
These awards and distinctions are not only a source of pride for the Institute, but above all, a commitment to further development, improving the quality of its activities, and consistently pursuing its mission of inclusion, not exclusion.
Grzegorz Żymła emphasizes that a change in thinking is crucial.
– If we do not build a participatory society – one in which every person pays attention to others – we will not cope with the challenges of the future.
The Institute for Social Development demonstrates that modern social assistance can combine professionalism, empathy, and entrepreneurship. And above all, that the greatest strength of any social system is its people.
Katarzyna Raszka
Beata Sekuła
