What is People 1st?
People 1st of The Lakeshore is the Ottawa and Allegan County Chapter of persons with developmental disabilities speaking for themselves. We want to let people know who we are and what we have to offer. We are people first and our disabilities come second.
How did People 1st get started?
People 1st started with several ex-residents of Oregon State Institution who joined together in 1974. They were tired of having others speak for them. They disliked being denied opportunities to obtain the skills necessary for independence. Members began to talk about what they could do to help themselves. They wanted to be seen as people. As a group they learned about themselves, their disabilities, their rights and responsibilities, and their independence. The name People 1st was chosen to symbolize this philosophy: We are people first, our disabilities come second.
Why join People 1st?
Together we can do more to achieve our God-given potential as citizens and help each other become more independent.
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Our Mission Statement
We are a group of individuals with disabilities who, along with their supporters are trying to bring about positive changes and increase opportunities for ourselves and our families.
Our basic mission is:
◦To help people with disabilities to become more independent
◦To become informed about our rights and responsibilities as citizens
◦To support, empower, and help each other to achieve our individual and collective goals
◦To advocate for services to meet unmet needs
◦To enjoy fellowship, meet new friends, and enjoy community social and recreational activities.
