Newsletters
May / June 2024
CEO Message
We are so thankful for the support we’ve received over the past year. Whether that be your time, talents, treasure, or activism, all of it helps us to be a premier provider of services in the state of Illinois.
EP!C has a long history of pushing for changes that impact those with cognitive differences and that work is yet to be done. It’s past time to look beyond disability and see the person who is a capable, contributing member of society. Until that day, our staff will continue to work tirelessly to be a voice for those we serve.
As a part of those efforts, we’ve spent the last few years investing in storytelling. Highlighting real people supported and their successes whose stories help give our mission life. In this newsletter, we’ve included our latest Mission Moment that was shown at our signature Bon Appetit event this past March. I encourage you to watch it and hear directly from those who are impacted by EP!C. As we move into our next fiscal year we hope to have your continued support.
With gratitude,
– Kim Cornwell, EP!C CEO
Dawali Gala 2024 The Jungle Book
You can buy your tickets now for the Dawali Gala 2024 The Jungle Book night of fun!
EP!Cycling
EP!C Harvest
We are busy prepping for the 2024 EP!C Harvest CSA season.
Don’t miss out on getting direct access to high quality, fresh produce grown by EP!C participants. Season starts in July.
EP!C Employees
March Employee of the Month
Kristina Legg was named the March Employee of the Month.
Kristina was nominated because “She has been a leader in setting the tone for staff during the transition to rotational programming for our day service programs. She has consistently approached this change with flexibility, positivity, and a person-centered lens. She has ensured stability and consistency for the people supported in her department. She works incredibly independently and she is the first person to jump in and help when it is it needed. Her dependability, loyalty, and positivity contribute greatly to the culture of Community Day Services.”
April Employee of the Month
Nicole Blair was named the April Employee of the Month.
Nicole goes above and beyond when it comes to creating meaningful and supportive relationships with the individuals she works with in our Southern region. “She was persistent when it came to helping an individual clean up his apartment so that it could pass inspection, she was respectful of his wishes including his desire not to get rid of things. She offered many suggestions and came up with creative ways to meet him where he was. The apartment management team was ve,y appreciative of all her hard work and dedication. Niki is always flexible and willing to help whenever she can. She always has an upbeat personality and wants what is best for the people we support.”
EP!C Harvest
Spring Flower Sales
Shop online at epicci.square.site. Available on May 11th. Contact Sunny Pearson at spearson@epicci.org or (309) 689-3607.
Monthly Giving
Put your donation on autopilot!
When you do, you’ll receive a limited edition EP!C t-shirt as our gift to you.
- $25/month ($300/year)
- $50/month ($600/year)
- $75/month ($900/year)
- $100/month ($1,200/year + Barbara Smiley Society Member)
EP!C Welcome
We are excited to share the addition of a new executive team member at EP!C.
With a 30+ year career in the non-profit sector, Kristina “Kristi” Williams has joined us as our newly created Senior Vice President of Business Development. In this role, she will be responsible for overseeing the growth and stability of our Service Coordination Teams as well as the Behavioral Health Departments.
Kristi is a native of the Peoria and Central Illinois region. She has a clinical background that also includes both project and program development and management. She’s currently attaining her Doctorate in Health Sciences and she is coming to us most recently serving Heartland Health Services as their Vice President of Clinical Operations.
Her philosophy is that as service providers in the community, we must break down any barrier possible in order to achieve the elimination of disparities and inequities and to be able to provide the broad support services needed in order to promote every individual having the opportunity to reach their personal best. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as running, cycling, and kayaking, and spending valuable time with her family.
National Conference Spotlight
Recently, our Chief Human Resources Officer, Eric Sutter, and Anytime Fitness Peoria Owner, Doug Pinter, traveled to Florida to present at the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association 32nd Educational Conference. We spoke to all 300+ attendees about the development and growth of our wellness program which includes the onsite Wellness Center, educational classes, participant challenges, fundraising events, and corporate partnerships.
Encouraging those to think outside the box for the health of individuals supported and staff who support them.
Mission Moment
During this year’s 13th Annual Bon Appetit, we shared a mission moment video with our guests. It helped show the connection between our Post-Secondary classes at Illinois Central College and the Employment program, matching people to careers they love. Navigating your life as a young adult can be challenging. EP!C is there to support those with cognitive differences throughout their life. With unique programs tailored to individual’s needs, we empower people to live an EP!C life!
