1973 - This organization was incorporated in 1973 under the Association for Retarded Children. The name at that time was Program Dawn. The organization was developed by a small group of parents that wanted services for their children with special needs that were leaving the school system and entering the adult world.

1975 - Programming began in the basement of the community center in Farmington. There were 6 consumers receiving services and 2 staff. The consumers were offered a "Work Activities program." This consisted of life skills classes, (cooking, self care, shopping, reading, money management, banking) recreational activities, (walking, basketball tossing exercises) hobby classes, and a lot of rug braiding)

1976 - The program increased to 12 consumers. As local students graduated from high school it was now known that there was a program that could offer services Monday to Friday Western Maine transportation offered all transportation at that time. One more staff was hired in 1976. This staff was a vocational evaluator. The idea that work needed to be the main emphasis had taken hold.

1977 - The first work contract with Forster Mfg. began. It was a Yo-Yo stringing job and inserting a spike into a top job. A compressor was purchased and work began. Time studies started and a certificate from the Department of Labor was secured.

1980 - A building in Wilton was purchased and the program expanded to include a "Work Adjustment" and Fundamental Life Skills component. Work Adjustment was funded through Vocational Rehab. to help find paid work for consumers even if it was 'in house' work. The Fundamental Life Skills was funded through Medicaid and included consumers with severe needs that were not work ready. The Work Activities program was still being offered with funding from BMR grant money. The program now had 19 consumers served and 6 staff.

1980 - The name changed from program Dawn to Sandy River Rehabilitation Center Inc. to better reflect what the service offered.

1981 - Linda LaRue-Keniston became executive Director after a close bankruptcy experience. The State worked diligently with the Board of Directors and Linda to rebuild the organization and become financially balanced.1983 - After more growth, Sandy River Rehabilitation Center, Inc. purchased a building in Strong, ME to house the Strong Nursing Home (serving 15 individuals in the Fundamental Life Skills program).

1998 - A building was purchased in the heart of Farmington, which provided adequate space for the two programs to consolidate to this one location. This building is the place we, today, still call home. During this transition, the program developed a focus in community integration and work opportunities.

2000 - The program's name was changed from Sandy River Rehabilitation Center, Inc. to its current name, Work First, Inc. (WFI). This name was chosen to better reflect the services provided by the program.

2001 - We were providing services to 62 consumers and employed 31 staff members.

2002 - We were providing services to 66 consumers. The thrift shop produced enough income again the year before to increase the amount of jobs. The thrift shop employed between 12-20 consumers receiving services.

2003 - We continued to grow as we provided services to 69 consumers, while employing 40 staff. We continued to increase the number of consumers finding jobs in their community, and the thrift shop continued to increase in employment opportunities.

2004-2005 - We were now up to 77 consumers and 44 staff. The two wings, "North" and, "Middle" merged that provided unity and harmony between the two programs. A large addition was completed and the building received a much needed facelift, with new furnishings in place and interior construction was completed. A more structured daily documentation system was also designed allow our services to become more person-centered and to create more accountability.

2005-2006 - We grew even more as we served 82 consumers with 48 staff. 17.2 acres were purchased as plans were made for the new building for the Touch of Class thrift shop. A picnic area and a small trail were also built for out door physical activity programs.

2006-2007- The Touch of Class thrift shop had it's grand opening in it's new location. The new location offered more visibility to those traveling on Route 2 and 4, and the new space offered more opportunities for consumers to be employed.

2010 - We opened our 3rd store in Jay, Maine, Touch of Class Too, to meet demand and give consumers more opportunities for work.

• We provide services to adults with developmental disabilities in west central Maine.

• Work First Inc. provides support to promote the development of individual's personal growth, social responsibility, independent living, and vocational needs. We teach skills to increase the likelihood that people with disabilities will develop relationships, increase control over their lives, and acquire positive roles in community life.

• Services are provided at job placements in the community, volunteer placements in the community or at the Work First, Inc. facility.

• Services are developed according to the needs of the individual.

Community Support and Work Support.

Community Support is defined as a service that helps to increase or maintain one's ability to successfully engage in inclusive social and community relationships and to develop skills that support health and well-being. Many of the individuals volunteer with several organizations in the community such as Seniors Plus, and the Franklin Memorial Hospital. We also offer classes using lesson plans that have been developed by our staff.

Work Support is defined as a service to improve an individual's ability to independently maintain productivity and employment. Without work support, many people with developmental disabilities would not have the opportunity to work and earn a pay check. Individuals receive 1x1 job coaching at the person's place of employment. There are many local businesses in the Farmington area who employ people with developmental disabilities.

Work First also offers:

Person Centered Planning - Each individual who receives services has a Person Centered Plan (PCP) which identifies needs, celebrates achievements, and provides a plan of action to assist the individual achieve their life goals. Services are designed to assist the individuals achieve their goals, whether it is to succeed at their job, or learn skills to become more independent.