People First is a self advocacy group of mildly challenged individuals sponsored by Arc Kandiyohi County. For most of their lives these young people have been the recipients of services and gifts from others. Now as a means of integrating in the community People First members are giving back in a unique way - volunteerism.

People First members volunteered a total of 850 hours of group and individual activities in 2008. They expect to surpass that in 2009. The volunteerism began 9 years ago when People First members joined the Adopt a Highway project. As a result of this participation, other projects followed. Initially People First members relied on their advisors to arrange volunteer activities. However in the last 2 years individual projects are being undertaken - walking dogs at the Humane Society, visiting nursing homes, coaching Special Olympics and Food Shelf drives. Several fundraisers have allowed for donations to other organizations, social excursions for group home residents, Christmas favors for a nursing home, and a memorial donation to the Food Shelf.

People First members are always looking for new ways to volunteer. For more information on engaging their services contact the Arc office at 320-231-1777.

People First hold monthly meetings throughout the year. They generally meet on the third Thursday of the month. The meetings are held at Calvary Church in Willmar @ 7:00 p.m. People First Advisors are Geri Wallace 320-905-6026, Anne Miller 320-235-9548 and Phil Hahn.