And just like that, another EP!C year has come to an end. On July 1st we started a new fiscal year, and with a new year comes new opportunities and new challenges.
In the 2018-2019 year we had some great wins. We welcomed new staff, largely in the southern Illinois market with the acquisition of a division of Illinois Mentor’s services, giving us a second office in Swansea, IL. We had successes with an appeal for donations specifically to secure used, low mileage vehicles of which we were able to purchase two, allowing us to get out in the community more often. We received an award for our “I Am EP!C” branding campaign from the Public Relations Association of Central Illinois. We had more volunteer groups participate with us than ever before, and in turn, the people we support provided over 100 hours a month volunteering in our communities. As we head into the 2019-2020 year, we look forward to more great things. In January 2020, for example, we will officially kick off our 70th anniversary celebrating the impact we’ve had on the lives of people with disabilities. We will increase our medical advocacy program thanks to a grant from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD). And on March 19th we will host our 9th annual Bon Appétit signature event. And that’s only a few of the many, many things we are planning. We hope you will help share in our EP!C journey and engage in all the great things we accomplish in this next year. Thank you for being an EP!C supporter.
Back in December, EP!C entered into an Acquisition Purchase Agreement with Illinois MENTOR Community Services and assumed responsibility for providing Host Home and supported living program services in Peoria, Springfield and Swansea, IL that were previously operated by Illinois MENTOR Community Services. EP!C continues to be headquartered out of Peoria, IL but is now also operating out of a second office in Swansea, IL. This acquisition makes EP!C one of the largest providers of supports for people with disabilities in downstate Illinois. Cheyanne, Kristina, Diana, Jane, Tamisha & Jaisha are ready to serve our Southern, IL market!
Join us for our annual EP!C Night at the Ballpark as we cheer on the Peoria Chiefs.
Come for Harry Potter Night and watch EP!C participate in pre-game events, buy chances for our tennis ball toss & themed jersey auction AND stay for post-game fireworks!
It’s Friday, August 2, have fun and support EP!C!
Dawn Dudley in our Transportation department was named our May Employee of the Month. Dawn is “always willing to go above and beyond to make the individuals feel special. She helps with community activities such as dances or outings when done with her regular shift because there are never enough drivers or transportation to do so.”
Our Employee of the month for June was Tiara Gordon. Her nominator said “She is always advocating for the inclusion and acceptance of the people we support. Tiara has also been a central part of inspiring one of the individuals at our home on Briarcliffe to go to the doctor’s office, a feat that in the past would have been almost impossible”.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
In June, EP!C was invited to live out that dream as the Peoria Fire Department once again hosted EP!C Firefighter Day. Assistant Captain Tony Ardis and his team spent the day interacting with people from EP!C. We got the chance to visit Fire Central and try our hand at being Firefighters by learning about the trucks, equipment and emergency skills such as putting out a fire.
This experience gives people with disabilities the opportunity to be advocates for their own safety and to have a better understanding of this service in their community along with giving first responders the opportunity to interact with people who have disabilities, giving them a better understanding of who they may be rescuing.
“CSA” stands for Community Supported Agriculture. A CSA allows individuals to have direct access to high quality, fresh produce grown by our EP!C Harvest participants. Sign up for either a Full Share ($500, weekly) or Half Share ($350, every other week) to receive a box containing 6-12 freshly harvested, in-season veggies.
Season produce offered include heirloom tomatoes, new potatoes, peppers, carrots, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, sweet corn, onions, hot peppers, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower beets, kohlrabi, melons, various fruits, microgreens and herbs.
Ready to join? Contact Katie Murphy at 309-689-3607 to get answers to your questions and to request sign-up materials.
Click here for more information.
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