"People First" members (seated, from left) Ruby Keeler, Devon Maris, Sara Kleckner and Ruth Ann Klein, and (back row) mentor Elisabeth Kleckner and John Dyer welcome new members to their chapter. Call Elisabeth, (308) 345-5021, for more information. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette) [Click to enlarge]

The McCook chapter of "People First" meets once a month, chapter member Devon Maris of McCook explains, for crafts, snacks and potlucks, "something fun to do." He added, " ... just being there to help people who are like we are."

"People First" is a nation-wide organization that concentrates on the person first, and a disability or a challenge later, fellow member Ruth Ann Klein and group mentor Elisabeth Kleckner explain. "I hate the words handicap and handicapped," Devon said, and added with a mischievous smile, "We're unique.

The purpose of People First is to create a self-directed, supportive community of adults who have developmental disabilities.

According to a People First Web site: People First is a self-advocacy and self-help organization through which members learn how to speak up for themselves, make their own decisions about what they want to do with their lives and learn to carry out their plans. The Web site explains that People First members listen to each other, help each other with problems and reach out to people who are not members.

Elisabeth Kleckner, who is a volunteer with the McCook group of People First members, said members are supportive of each other, "so that they each know they're not alone in this boat. They try to do things to help others who are unique also."

People First members reach beyond their own membership as well, helping with community projects. Some members, Elisabeth said, speak before their state legislature on proposed laws that affect adults with developmental disabilities. "Oh, yeah," Elisabeth said, in profound admiration. "They've got guts."

The McCook group is conducting fund-raisers -- one that Ruth Ann and Elisabeth told about, when the temperature in the parking lot at Schmick's Market reached 110 degrees: "Oh, it was terrible," Ruth Ann said -- to purchase a van that would make attending meetings and potlucks much easier for members.

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The group would also like to build a small shed or garage to provide a storage facility that members could use.

"Dreams sometimes take a while," Elisabeth told members, who are anxious to see their dreams become reality.

Membership in People First is open to all adults with disabilities. "As long as you're ... unique. Oops, I almost said 'handicapped'," Devon laughed.

Chapter member John Dyer said volunteers are always welcome, too. "My sister comes to help," he said. "My grandkids have come to help, too," Elisabeth said, and chuckled, "We need all the help we can get."

The group's potlucks sound fantastic. John says his favorites have included root beer floats, and huge taco salads. "And Ruby's cheesecake is out of this world," Elisabeth said.

"Shamrock shakes" were on the menu for dessert at one potluck. "We like to try something new ... broaden our horizons," Elisabeth said with a smile.

The group's next meeting is Saturday, Sept. 6, at 1 p.m., in the Community Room of the Missouri Avenue Manor apartment complex, at 502 Missouri Ave. Circle in McCook. For more information, call Elisabeth, (308) 345-5021.

In October, members of McCook's People First group plan to attend the People First state convention, Oct. 10, 11 and 12, in Kearney.