Newsletters
March/April 2026
CEO Message
We are entering the spring legislative session here in Illinois. With almost 90% of our operating budget tied directly to state and federal funding, we are reminded this time of year what’s really at stake. People! The priorities set in this session will determine the sustainability of our programs and the quality of services people and their families rely on from us every day.
When funding and/or service hours are cut, it puts pressure on our team to supplement that support through public and private donations. Your voice matters. Lawmakers need to hear from community members, business owners, families, staff, and advocates about the real-life impact their investments have on people with disabilities.
I urge you to stay informed and respond to action alerts, because our services are essential. If you care, then legislators should care. Speaking up together will strengthen our ability to protect critical funding and ensure people in our communities have the right to the most comprehensive, person-centered care possible.
Learn more about current action items by visiting our website and following us on social media.
– Kim Cornwell, EP!C CEO
Upcoming Events
Event Note: Be sure to follow us on social media or check our website to stay up-to-date on new and changing events.
EP!Casso
Congratulations to three EP!Casso artists whose works were chosen to be on display in the Mayor’s office at Peoria City Hall in 2026.
Aqua Botanica (John Jones)
Floating in Pink (Robert “Bobby” Byrd)
Midnight Current (Isaac Henry)
This program, out of the Public Arts Advisory Commission, celebrates local artists by displaying their works and sharing their talents. You can see the entire 15-piece exhibit from now until January 2027, located in Suite 207 of City Hall in downtown Peoria.
EP!C Bulldogs
The Regionals tournament in January, held in Bloomington, didn’t go as planned. Due to the weather, organizers had to cancel the tournament. This meant a lottery drawing to see which teams would advance to the State competition. By luck of the draw the EP!C Bulldogs were selected and went to state earlier this month. They are proud to take home a third place finish and bronze medals.
Thanks to all of the staff, volunteers, coaches, officials, and fans who helped make this another great season. Special shout-out to our very own EP!C spirit squad, who have been cheering us along at every game.
Disabilities Awareness
March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and each week we are highlighting stories of EP!C people to elevate our voices, strengths, and positive contributions.
People supported by EP!C are artists, employees, neighbors, family, and friends. They deserve access to opportunity, meaningful employment, quality supports, and the chance to live lives filled with purpose and connection.
This month, let’s commit to action by advocating for inclusive policies, hiring inclusively with EP!C talent, offering reasonable accommodations, using respectful language, practicing patience and giving grace, choosing to give someone a seat at the table, and supporting EP!C and agencies like EP!C.
Inclusion isn’t charity, it’s community.
EP!C Providers
Open your heart and your home when you become a Host Home Provider.
EP!C is looking for compassionate community members who are interested in making a difference every single day, simply by welcoming someone into your home.
Become an EP!C Host Home provider and offer a safe, supportive residential option for an adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It isn’t just caregiving, it’s a mentorship, companionship, and shared living that creates independence and belonging.
Learn more about how you can become a contracted provider or how your loved one can become a resident by contacting HHinfo@epicci.org
EP!C Volunteers
April is National Volunteer Appreciation month and this past year, we had 1,785 volunteer hours served with our programs. From carnival games and music classes to jewelry making and deep cleaning, we are so grateful for those who choose to spend their time with us.
Did you know EP!C individuals also love to give back to our communities? Last year, we provided over 1,540 hours to local community partners. How can you be EP!C? See our volunteer opportunities listed with the United Way, or contact us at epicdevelopment@epicci.org to find a project that works best for you.
January Employee of the Month
Emily Carns was chosen as our January Employee of the Month because she has proven outstanding in her new promotion to Team Lead in our group homes. She empowers individuals to be as independent as possible and voices their concerns to the team. Emily has a positive and energetic attitude that is contagious, improving team morale. She’s genuinely invested in the people supported and really enjoys her job, and it shows.
February Employee of the Month
Bethany Sarff has the honor of being our February Employee of the Month. Bethany goes above and beyond to support people in achieving their goals. She is kind-hearted, caring, accountable, and mission-led – she rocks! Bethany brings positivity to everyone and helps people gain independence in their community while also advocating for their rights and needs.
