FARMINGTON — In 1973, a group of families gathered together and questioned where their soon-to-be adult children with developmental or intellectual disabilities would go after graduating from the local school system.

An organization was created soon after that meeting. It was called Program Dawn and was soon offering day services in the basement of the recreation center in Farmington to adults with developmental disabilities. It was staffed with two workers and it offered services to six individuals with disabilities.

In 1980 there were 19 individuals with disabilities and six staff. The name was also changed that year from Program Dawn to Sandy River Rehabilitation Center Inc.

In 2000, the name was changed from Sandy River Rehabilitation Center to Work First Inc. That was to better reflect the mission of the organization. In 2004-05, the program was working with 82 individuals and employed 48 staff.

Work First Inc. is a private nonprofit organization that offers programs to adult individuals with intellectual disabilities. Programs with work experiences are available for the purpose of improving independence. It also offers training and support in specific behavior issues and other self-improvement skills for learning appropriate community interaction skills.

Employment in the community is always the first option offered and explored by the Work First Team. Employment with supports and other community volunteer placements are also arranged if needed or available.

The Touch of Class Thrift shops are a subsidiary of Work First Inc. They are operated solely for the purpose of offering employment options to the individuals with intellectual disabilities in a supplemental fashion to secure as many hours of work as possible. The first shop opened in 2007 with a second shop opened in downtown Farmington in 2008. The shop in Jay opened in 2010.

The nonprofit thrift shops carry used clothing and small household items. The shops also offer employment to many community members without disabilities. These blended relationships add dimension and education to the community.

Work First Inc. is a United Way agency. This relationship helps maintain a community link to the people in the businesses and local current trends.

A celebration at UMF is planned in October for the individuals with disabilities, their families, staff present and past and the board of directors.