What is People First?
People First (PF) is an international organization founded in the state of Washington as a self-advocacy movement for people with developmental disabilities. Members of the local chapter such as the Torrance/Southbay/Harbor area group learn how to increase their self-advocacy skills by speaking for themselves and others, developing decision making skills about what is important in their own lives and the lives of their peers.
The local group, which Barbara Haney, M. A. founded and continues to facilitate was started in 1990 by a group of individuals led by Michael Long Consumer Advocate, Department of Developmental Services, Sacramento. Michael was a peer and had the skills to help the group form and become the outstanding organization it is today.
The initial meeting was held at Torrance Marriott and manager John Homer provided the room and refreshments. From that time on, the group met in community rooms in apartment buildings and it now rents space from the Torrance Cultural Arts Center.
What is The Self Advocates of the South Bay/Harbor area?
Self Advocates is a non-profit organization formed under IRS guidelines so the group can raise money. The mission of Self Advocate is to train, inform, provide funding and support all members who are individuals with disabilities.
Through programs, members develop leadership skills, learn public speaking, nurture and support peers and become involved with the community.
What are the programs?
The meetings are monthly, Monday evening from 6 to 8 PM. Officers introduce themselves; dinner is served (catered dinner for five dollars); the program begins at 7 PM and ends promptly at 8 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance is led by program coordinator David Oster who sets up the programs and makes the introductions.
Program are many and varied, including pet facilitated therapy, canine police officers, Holocaust survivor, priest, magician, Rabbi and Cantor, self-advocacy and self-determination training, mental health information, mayors of Torrance and surrounding cities, Bank of America accounting advice, American Red Cross disaster training, movie night, and BINGO occasionally. The final meeting of each year is traditionally a caroling party and dinner at Home Town Buffet.
Fundraising?
The group has had two successful fundraisers: a bowl-athon for members and a night out at California Pizza Kitchen in Redondo Beach which raised $419 for a gift for members at the holiday dinner.
Politics?
The group has met with council members and has been involved in advocacy issues at the local and state level. Several members and facilitators are involved in disability rights organizations and are very active and successful.
How are funds used?
Funds are available through the nonprofit for training and conference attendance. Funds have been used to provide scholarships for cable TV coursework, certificate and production of cable shows, such as a program about the mayor of Torrance, The Honorable Mayor Pat Furey, an interview which was broadcast on local television.
Who can join people first?
Anyone who has a developmental disability. Members come from all the South Bay cities and arrive at the meeting room by foot, car, bus, Access, taxi and bike. Transportation assistance is available for those who need it.
The mailing list/email list provide monthly notices announcing the meeting and topics. There is no cost except for the $5 for the catered dinner which just covers expenses. Facilitators are members of the community, parents, care providers and others who want to give assistance to the members.
Information is available online at www.selfadvocacygroup.org or from the facilitator Barbara Haney (310) 990-6936.
