If you feel like all this year we’ve only talked about legislative issues especially regarding the proposed rate methodology, you’d be correct. It’s unfortunate that all my updates have had to revolve around this topic. As of today the Illinois Department of Human Services is planning to implement a new rate methodology for Community Integrated Living Arrangements (group homes) by 3/31/24 that will cut $2.5 million Direct Support Professional (DSP) hours. This would impact 10% of total service hours across the state and remove $87.7 million in funding.
This plan to reduce doesn’t align with what’s best for adults with disabilities. We are seeking your help. Let’s make sure the Governor’s office and our local Legislators understand how critically important our DSP hours and recommended funding by Guidehouse is to the wellbeing of people with disabilities.
Join us by making calls to:
Dulce Quintero, Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services (312) 793-1547
Tonya Piephoff, Director of the IDHS-Division of Developmental Disabilities (618) 474-3800
Use this script:
“Hello, I’m reaching out to express my concerns regarding the reduction in hours for Direct Support Professionals. The adults at EP!C Services rely on these caregivers for round-the-clock support. There are deep safety concerns, and the potential impact is troubling. Cutting hours for these dedicated professionals would put our staff and individuals at risk, with potentially severe consequences. Please reconsider this decision immediately.”
You can also visit our website for a list of legislative contacts to make calls and send emails and give them the same message as above.
– Kim Cornwell, EP!C CEO
Thank you for naming EP!C the best!
Did you know our team that oversees options for community living hosts vacations each year for residents?
From local staycations to going on a road trip, these excursions promote independence along with building respect and cooperation among their peers. It allows people with cognitive differences to go on an affordable retreat to explore the world around them and create new experiences.
Over the last year, we’ve seen many EP!C successes.
Each year we highlight the achievements and outcomes of supports and programs in our EP!C Impact Report. Take a look at our progress in the FY 2023 year (June 2022-July 2023).
When Tyree came to EP!C a few short years ago he was shy and reserved.
He didn’t talk much and kept to himself. In the last two years Tyree has really come into his own. He’s built confidence and relationships both with staff and his peers. He’s now walking tall in the hall, the first to say hi, jokes with staff, and is seen in many of our photos as one of our Chief Inspiration Officers. Tyree has diabetes so has to be conscious of what he consumes becoming a self-advocate in his health journey. Through this, Tyree has expressed a passion for cooking. With the much encouragement and support of staff in multiple programs, he started taking cooking classes at The Cookery and recently took and passed his food handler’s permit! This will give him more success when seeking employment in the community, a challenge that he wouldn’t have taken without the support he receives. We are so very proud of his growth and can’t wait to see what he cooks up!
November Employee of the Month
Angie Frailey was chosen for November’s Employee of the Month.
She was nominated because “she consistently goes above and beyond whether that is arranging great events like the Community Day Services Carnival or EP!Cycling Club, to driving buses to fill transportation gaps. She has worked to help 70 individuals achieve consistent volunteer opportunities in the community and she constantly strives to enrich the lives of those we support. She is the first one to jump in when help is needed and she regularly comes up with creative solutions to problems and encourages others to work together to address issues. She fosters strong relationships with volunteer partners, other organizations/agencies, and community members and these connections are essential in helping the people we support engage more fully in the community.”
December Employee of the Month
Rhea Gunther was chosen for December’s Employee of the Month.
Rhea Gunther is newer to the EP!C Team but has clearly made an impact already. Chosen as our December Employee of the Month Rhea was nominated because her “unique perspective has resulted in notable improvements for her department. She not only contributes to better compliance but also enables her team to allocate more time to supports. Rhea is also willing to take on additional responsibilities as needed which contributes to EP!C’s successes. She is dependable, organized, efficient, passionate, and a true asset to her team.”
Tickets on sale!
« Back to Newsletters
Donate