The article presents the reform of the Polish social welfare system consisting in the introduction of a new institution – the social services center (SSC). From 2020 Polish municipalities have the statutory option to: transform social assistance centers previously operating in each municipality into SSC or create SSC as a new institution based on the partnership of several municipalities. SSCs have become a kind of laboratory of changes, expressing a new formula for the operation of local social policy institutions. This new format of a local institution fits into contemporary trends in European social policy of mature welfare states (with a fundamental focus on the production, coordination and provision of tailor-made social services available locally). The article considers the presentation of reform processes in the social policy system by moving from protecting citizens in social crisis to investing in the form of dedicated social services in the well-being of all citizens in local communities. SSCs are the subject of reflection on reform in modern welfare states: with exposure of potential and added value, but also risks and resistance to change. The analyzes and conclusions use data collected during a monitoring study focused on the experience of SSC operation including: data found in municipality documents and SSC reports, data obtained from moderated group discussions conducted with SSC managers and specialists, and desk research. The Polish experiences analyzed in the article can be an inspiration for other reformers in countries where similar reforms are planned.