People First provides independence and community
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FAIRMONT - Since 1998, Martin County People First has organized events, raised funds and assisted people with disabilities in finding their independence and community.
Ally Leader Pat Kietzer said Martin County got a grant in 1998 to start the program, and it has continued to grow and sustain itself to this day.
They help get people together to socialize and independently interact with others, including through dances like the Halloween and the Different Drummer Dance, bowling, softball and monthly meetings. On top of these, they also help out the community through volunteering at a Red Cross Bloodmobile Drive, ringing the Salvation Army bell and selling fudge at Christmas time.
Especially with events that give back, Martin County People First President Tara Eisenmenger said it combats stereotypes and negative connotations regarding people with disabilities.
"Getting out in the community and showing the community, 'Hey, we aren't freeloaders,'" she said. "We are part of the community, accept us for who we are."
Kietzer said the events they do often depend on interest.
"Some enjoy picking up dishes or serving people, or at the canteen handing out juice or water and snacks," Kietzer said. "It depends on their availability and interest."
Members are vital in coming up with fresh ideas on what to do to get out there in the community and have a good time.
"People raise their hand," Eisenmenger said. "They stand up, they tell us what they want, we all take a vote, and then Pat [Kietzer] writes it down so she can put it on the next calendar."
Ringing the bell for the Salvation Army and selling fudge to raise money are two things Eisenmenger said were member suggestions. At their last meeting on Tuesday of this week, they had around 25 attendees.
Through this group, Eisenmenger said it is very important in bringing some people out of their shells and encouraging more independence, interest in socializing, and connecting with others.
"Some of them come from years ago in an institution, and some of them come from a different background," she said. "They come into the group homes and stuff, and they don’t know. They don’t even know how to make choices because sometimes staff makes choices for them, so they don’t get a chance to do that."
"Some have come from their parents’ house, and they’ve never been to a people-first meeting," Kietzer added. "This is a self-advocacy group for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and we don’t just provide support, but we also give them opportunities out in the community that they may not ever have a chance to participate in."
Monthly, they also have trainings about self-advocacy to further group members’ independence and knowledge.
"We might do how to balance your checkbook or handle finances," Kietzer said. "In October, we're going to do fire safety. We chose that as a group to educate people with disabilities. But we’ve had the local police come and talk about internet safety and so forth like that."
Through offering events like this, Eisenmenger said it helps them so they're not scared in situations like this, as they know what to do.
"Some of them live on their own," she said. "Some of them might not know what’s going on and how to get out of the house, apartment, wherever they’re at."
In the past and moving forward, leaders of the group also go to workshops so they can continue learning and growing to better assist people with disabilities in Martin County.
"We have the regional coming up that we attend, Self Advocates of Minnesota, SAM," Kietzer said. "We go to regional meetings either in New Ulm, Mankato, or sometimes we have them in Fairmont. They're quarterly."
As they move forward, Eisenmenger said they want to continue having People First out in the community and reaping the benefits of doing so.
"I want them to be able to expand their horizons," she said. "Helping out, doing more things with the group, and taking ownership of being a part of this."
It is free to join, and allies of people with disabilities are welcome. For more information, or to inquire about receiving their monthly newsletter, contact Pat Kietzer at 507-525-4174.