INFORMATION AND OVERVIEW:  

People First Self Advocates of the South Bay/Harbor Area, (PFSA)

  • People First is an extraordinary self-advocacy group, by and for persons with developmental disabilities.  
  • The members, who are individuals with a variety of intellectual disabilities such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, Down Syndrome, and various learning disabilities, want to be known as ……..people first, rather than be labeled by their disabilities.

People First (an international organization founded in the State of Washington) fosters: 

  • A sense of belonging, 
  • Self esteem and confidence
  • Friendship and recreation
  • Community involvement
  • Civic responsibility
  • Leadership opportunities and training

BARBARA B. HANEY, M.A. facilitates the group by providing administrative duties and communication plus guidance which enables the members to achieve the goals of the group.    Various other facilitators include a Torrance Commissioner, parents, community volunteers, and Dr. Frederick M. Haney.

  • PFSBHA was founded November 1993, at the Torrance Marriott Hotel, hosted by then manager John Homer.   
  • Michael Long, Consumer Advocate, Department of Developmental Services, Sacramento, provided in-service education to SVS facilitators to assist in the founding and on-going organization of the group.  Michael is a client of Alta Regional Center, a member of the Board of Directors, NISH, and a published author.

Since that time, PFSBHA has:

  • Held Monthly Meetings organized and conducted by the Officers
  • Attended 9 People First/Self-advocacy conferences in Southern, Northern California and the international conference in Anchorage Alaska. 
  • Provided $40,000 in sponsorships for conference attendance through extensive  fund raising efforts.
  • Presented workshops and educational programs to numerous community groups
  • Organized and presented state-wide Conference for 400 members and their facilitators at Redondo Beach Crowne Plaza Hotel, August, 1997
  • Attended Regional Boy Scout Camporee to train and assist Scouts in earning the Disability Awareness Badge
  • Assisted in start up of other PF groups throughout Southern California
  • Served on local and regional Self Advocacy Boards and other state Boards
  • Made yearly contributions to charitable organization:  Christmas caroling to shut-ins at convalescent homes or hospitals
  • Formed a non-profit SELF ADVOCATES, chose board, held annual meetings and complied with state tax requirements
  • Provided tuition for one member to be certified as Producer for Torrance Cable
  • Organized a fundraiser at CPK

PFSB and Michael Long were recognized by U.S. Congressman Steve Kuykendall and California Senator Debra Bowen at an anniversary celebration. 

In addition, PFSB was featured on “This Week in Torrance” Cable News Telecast.

Monthly meetings are held at The Torrance Cultural Arts Center, the 3/4th Monday, 6-8:00 p.m.  Agenda items include speakers and a catered dinner.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION or

TO BE ADDED TO THE MAILING LIST

PLEASE CONTACT BARBARA B. HANEY, M.A. 

FACILITATOR at bhaneyhome@earthlink.net

Visit the website to view photos and information 

info@selfadvocacygroup.org  or    www.selfadvocacygroup.org