A large portion of EP!C’s revenue is based on the State’s rates used to reimburse us for the supports and services we provide. While EP!C can’t lobby, we most certainly can advocate for an appropriate reimbursement rate. We feel it’s our duty to educate our Individuals, Families, Guardians, Staff, and Supporters on how these decisions affect them.
We recently asked for the public’s help in signing witness slips as a proponent of HB – HR0194 – Guidehouse – Final Rate Study. This study urged the State of Illinois to fully fund the Guidehouse rate recommendations for FY 2022.
The study, commissioned by the Illinois Department of Human Services, identified recommendations to adequately reimburse provider services and keep pace with upcoming minimum wage increases across the state. The passing of this funding would ensure agencies, like ours, are funded at a proper rate. Allowing us to be more competitive and ensure our frontline, essential workforce receives a professional wage rather than a minimum wage.
As of the end of June, the Legislature and Governor approved $170 million to be allocated for Disability Services across the state. This is a great beginning on the way to fully funding the $329 million the study recommends needs to be added to the rate system over the next couple of years. The additional funding will provide permanent rate increases effective 1/1/22.
Thank you to those who made your voices heard on behalf of EP!C.
You’re invited to the EP!C 70th Birthday Bash on September 9th!
We are thrilled to welcome Colleen (Runkle) Halberg as our Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving!
She comes to EP!C with a wide range of fundraising experience. She has been in the Peoria community for 35 years, received her undergraduate degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and Master’s degree in Institutional Advancement and Administration from Bradley University.
A member of Rotary Club of Peoria and Junior League of Peoria, Advisory Board Member for Kappa Kappa Gamma at Illinois Wesleyan University, a past 40 under 40 leader recipient, and Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School graduate, she believes strongly in the power of getting involved and giving to our community to make it a better place for all.
Colleen is married to her husband Gary, has three adult children, four stepchildren, and eight grandchildren. She loves to garden, travel, sew/create, exercise, spend time with friends and hang out with her favorite cocker spaniel, Oliver.
She can be reached at chalberg@epicci.org or 309-689-3771.
Help us welcome Colleen to the EP!C team.
Celebrate our 70th Anniversary with us by helping us raise $70,000 during our #EPIC70kChallenge.
Meet our EP!C Harvest Team.
Pictured left to right: Brett, Brandon, Trent, & Mike
These guys work hard all year to ensure we have beautiful seasonal flowers and delicious naturally grown produce for our community. Recently Trent, our Harvest Green House and Garden manager, brought Brent, Brandon, and Mike to help with a landscaping job in Morton for So Chic Boutique and Baked Blessings by Lisa.
Our EP!Casso Art Gallery at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie will be open every Friday in July from 4-7pm.
We’ll be open offering one-of-a-kind art from artists with disabilities and there will be a balloon artist, face painting, inflatable activity, bounce house, and more!
Give Until it Hurts
Ed Sutkowski shares the impact EP!C had on his brother, Jim’s life in this stirring video.
Whether looking for employment opportunities or looking to hire talent, EP!C’s Job Placement program helps to place people in careers they love by diversifying teams of local businesses.
For more information, contact our Director of Community Placement, Kaitlin McVey at (309) 689-3724 or kmcvey@epicci.org.
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