Our History
EP!C has been serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families since 1950.
What began as a service for ten children is now providing services across 15 counties across the state. Enriching the lives of adults with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, epilepsy, and other intellectual or developmental disabilities. We are also a resource for our participant’s families, offering support through care, information, and encouragement.
1950
Parents wanted more and decided to educate their children anyway.
We began as a group of Peoria-area parents wanting to provide our children with education and opportunity, an unprecedented service for individuals with disabilities at the time. This founding group of parents established a school, in 1950 utilizing donated space from the Neighborhood House.
We officially incorporated it in 1957 under the name Peoria Council for Mentally Retarded Children, which later became the Peoria Association for Retarded Children, followed by the Peoria Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC). Group founder and visionary Barbara Smiley was appointed the first Executive Director. The school became a place for their kids to discover their potential and cultivate their abilities- no matter their diagnosis.
1960s
In the late 1960s we moved to the Allied Agencies Center,
where PARC individuals were able to receive comprehensive support. We also partnered with other local agencies to create sustainable activities programs like the Community Workshop & Training Center (CWTC),
1970s
Our first residential facility, the 56-bed Barbara P. Smiley Living Center, was built in 1970.
In 1971 PARC also founded the first early intervention program in the State of Illinois for children from birth to the age of three (one of 10 in the country).
We then added a second, 114-bed facility in West Peoria in 1977.
In 1979 saw the addition of therapy to our clinical service to include speech/language and occupational.
1980s – 1990s
As we grew and added new programs and services,
our offices and service locations were spread throughout Peoria until 1995 when we consolidated into one building on Townline Road.
We saw more momentum in our job placement program to move towards finding careers in the community.
The Host Homes model was created in 1986, along with hosting a Respite Care Center. During the 1990s and early 2000s, PARC transitioned its residential program from large, congregate facilities to smaller group homes for a more community-oriented and personalized approach to support and care.
2000s – today
Generational shifts and legislation gave way to a new streamlined focus.
In 2013, we changed our name from PARC to EP!C, which stands for Empowering People. Inspiring Capabilities.
In 2014 we repositioned our programs to focus on adult services, as children had more supports available. Today we meet kids through their high school programs.
2019 saw an expansion of residential supports to southern Illinois with the acquisition of a portion of Illinois MENTOR. We created a wellness center to expand health services.
Our behavioral health services grew with the addition of a licensed behavioral health clinic in 2021.
