Newsletters
May/June 2025
CEO Message
June marks the end of our fiscal year 2025. Each year, we analyze and plan to look for the best ways to continue programs, but also what may need to be adapted or expanded due to manpower, funding, and interest, among other things.
There have been great successes this past year, including investing more in the Springfield area, almost tripling our behavioral health team, adding another executive position, increasing community partnerships, among many other things.
But we’ve also seen challenges such as legislative issues, threats to funding, spatial limitations as we expand and run out of physical space, to name a few.
This next year we will continue to work hard in bridging the gap in funding, recruiting the best staff who expertly advance our programs, and providing those programs that are of the highest quality that fit the needs and wants of those supported.
Thank you for being on this journey with us. It’s your continued support and advocacy that keep us thriving and headed toward another 75 years!
– 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.
Leaving An EP!C Legacy
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Kelch family for their incredible generosity and thoughtfulness in honoring the memory of their late family member, Becky Kelch, by creating a tribute fund in her name.
EP!C received over $10,500 in Becky’s name, which will support EP!C’s vital programs that reflect the values Becky held dear.
“Becky exemplified what a guardian should be for people with disabilities, and to Rusty. She visited him routinely and was a solid support for him. She and Rusty made decisions together, and she always made him feel important during the decision process. Rusty loved Becky and vice versa. Seeing them together was a pure joy.” – Doris Hayes
Learn more about making contributions to EP!C’s Foundation by visiting https://epicci.org/epic-foundation/
EP!C Mission Moment
During this year’s 14th Annual Bon Appétit, we shared a new mission moment video with guests. It’s just one of the ways we can share the impact of EP!C and the reason for hosting the event, which helps us raise critical funds to support our mission.
For 75 years, EP!C has been empowering people and inspiring capabilities. While we celebrate a legacy of innovative programs, we honor our past while also preparing for the future.
EP!C Advocacy
CEO Kim Cornwell joined the Illinois Partners for Human Services “Living Wages, Thriving Communities” campaign at the Capitol in February, advocating for better pay rates. We were identified as an ideal host for Governor J.B. Pritzker on his Standing Up for Medicaid in Illinois press tour in March, and in April, we were selected to join alongside They Deserve More for an advocacy day at the Capitol to fight against cutting DSP hours.
While every budget season brings its challenges and the need for advocacy, this year we’ve been able to put ourselves right in the middle of the conversations!
During the advocacy day in April, we were able to spend time with Representative Travis Weaver and give testimony to our experiences and needs. Then we joined with 200 other people representing agencies, families, individuals, and staff on the capital, chanting and expressing our cause. The Chief Inspiration Officers we were able to bring were empowered to be vocal and share their stories.
To stay up-to-date on how you can make your voice heard for individuals with disabilities, visit the advocacy section of our website.
EP!C Employees
March Employee of the Month
Hannah is the definition of going above and beyond. Her commitment to the individuals we support shines through in everything she does. She meets every need with empathy, care, and a heart full of passion. Whether it’s encouraging independence, advocating fiercely for others, or offering a helping hand to her team, Hannah is always ready to step in — no matter the challenge.
She believes in the potential of every person and works hard to empower them to be as independent as possible. Her positive impact is felt daily by the people she supports and the coworkers who rely on her dedication.
April Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Alex Leavitt who was named our April Employee of the Month. Alex is aQualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) who jumped into the role head first. He has been creative in providing opportunities for people supported using his real life experiences to help advocate for their rights. Alex is a problem solver and a good communicator who handles situations that may occur professionally. He is focused and dedicated to both His work and home life.
