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			We envision all people being empowered to communicate with their own minds and hearts to determine their supports and services. -from RCRC Vision
			People First groups are thriving throughout the four county area. People First members are self-advocates. Self-advocates help each other and speak up for themselves. They meet new friends and do fun things. They sponsor educational as well as recreational activities. People First members are just that—They are PEOPLE first! Most chapters meet at least once a month. Click below to find out about a People First group in your area: People First of Eureka People First of Fort Bragg People First of Ukiah People First of Lake County People First of Clearlake People First of Crescent City People First of Eureka People First of Eureka showed its commitment to community contribution by holding a car wash in support of victims of the World Trade Center attack. Lisa Allen was the original spearhead in talking to the group about contributing to the efforts in New York City. People First of Eureka earned $250.00 in 5 hours of work. The first customer was a woman whose husband had just been sent to the relief effort; the third customer donated $50.00! The group worked tirelessly and did excellent detail work on the cars. This dynamite team of People First members included the following persons: Lisa Allen Sheri Bishop Dan Christenson Mary Olson Ernie Green Betty Pomeroy Ozzie Pomeroy Peter Narloch, advisor to People First of Eureka, summed up the effort, "This was one of the most inspiring expressions of self-determination that I have ever seen! Congratulations!" Back to top of page People First of Fort Bragg In Fort Bragg, People First members meet once a month at the Cypress Street Center. The group has been meeting for ten years. They are trying to become more formal and have more direction towards service. They go camping once a year. This year they are going to Hendy Woods. The People First group of Fort Bragg definitely has an emphasis on getting out and having fun. They love to meet new people and do interesting things. Lynnette Silveria is the president of the group. For more information call Monica at 882-2622. Back to top of page People First of Ukiah People First of Ukiah marked its tenth year in 1999. To commemorate this milestone, members held a dance with live music and a potluck. Many people from the community and other People First chapters joined with People First of Ukiah to celebrate. People First of Ukiah is an active chapter. At most meetings, a speaker is invited to present on a topic of interest to the members. Besides the monthly formal meetings, People First sponsors regular activities for its members, such as pizza parties, skating, bowling, swimming, or seasonal celebrations. Each year, many members attend the annual Self-Advocacy conference in Sacramento. People First of Ukiah holds yearly elections of officers. Ryan Larkin is the current president. Meetings are held on the first Monday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Ukiah office of RCRC. New members are welcome. For more information call Sandra Tyrrell at 462-3832 ext. 227. Back to top of page People First of Clearlake Lake County has a brand new People First chapter. Residents of the Clearlake area had expressed an interest in creating more social and leisure opportunities. In June, more than 60 people attended an informational gathering to see if there was enough community interest to start a People First chapter in Clearlake. Shortly thereafter, the first meeting of People First of Clearlake was held, and the group elected officers. Bertha Hunter is the new president. People may call her for more information at 995-7073. Back to top of page