Newsletters
November/December 2025
CEO Message
The holidays are always a celebrated time here at EP!C. Naturally, it’s a time when people come together, and during this time, we are helping people connect with their families or standing in for those whose families are far apart or no longer here.
Here are just a few of the ways EP!C can be on your holiday list this year.
Annual Appeal – Our largest donation quest of the year is underway. With the funds raised during this ask, we look ahead to greater opportunities to expand services and continue building upon our 75 year legacy. Friend of EP!C, Ed Manley, is once again stepping up with a matching gift challenge!
Giving Tree – The community can adopt someone in our group homes who won’t have family to receive presents from this year or they can purchase wish list items for one of the 12 homes or several classrooms in our Day Program.
Giving Tuesday – December 2nd we’ll join the national day of giving. After you’ve gotten your Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, consider making a donation via our website or through a Facebook campaign, asking your friends to join you.
Volunteering – Help a house decorate, host cookie decorating, volunteer to teach a class or activity of your choice at Day Program or Host Homes Power Team.
Whether feeling extra generous or looking for ways to give back, we hope you look to EP!C as part of your season of giving.
– 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.
EP!C Thanks
October saw our 3rd annual UTSAV Diwali Gala hosted by the Indo-American Society of Peoria (IASP) and PJ Dance Academy (PJDA). This year’s event was hosted at the Prairie Home Alliance Theatre, where over 1,250 audience members attended Alice in Wonderland: Reimagined. The Performance transported us through time and space, celebrating unity, courage, and transformation.
The UTSAV gala dinner and fundraiser after the performance hosted 850 community members who gathered in celebration of the Diwali holiday and to bring awareness to the supports EP!C provides. We thank the many company partners and families who sponsored this year’s event and helped make it all possible.
EP!C Partnership
– Financial independence is something everyone should experience at some level. We’ve been working with banking institutions to get more people their own bank accounts, which is not always an easy task due to permissions, restrictions, and limitations.
Thanks to our local partnerships, almost 120 people in our residential programs are banking at 9 institutions. Almost half of those people are banking with Busy Bank, with 20 new accounts opened this year. We recently visited with their team to share the story of inclusive banking practices and participated in a production video shoot with their marketing team.
EP!C Vacation
The Host Home team recently took people on a magical trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. Individuals worked all year to plan and save for the trip and flew from the Peoria Airport in October. One person was a bit anxious to fly for the first time, but thanks to TSA, the local airport, and our staff, he was able to do a pre-flight run-through, which prepared him to fly. The group had such a fun trip, and we’re sure it won’t be our last one via airplane. Check out some of the magic here and see more on our social media.
EP!C Employees
September Employee of the Month
Moteka Harris is always willing to go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of the individuals we serve. Her leadership shines through in the way she takes initiative, builds meaningful relationships, and creates a happy, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone at EP!C. Even on the toughest days, Moteka’s bright spirit and uplifting attitude inspire those around her. She truly embodies what it means to be EP!C—outstanding, inspiring, and wholeheartedly committed to making every day better for the people she supports.
October Employee of the Month
Celebrating the October Employee of the Month, Marthe Ghomdim was nominated because of her dedication to the role. She works in one department and often picks up hours in another, giving even more consistency to the people supported by her. Marthe allows all people to be themselves and shows up for them, which helps EP!C meet its mission. Outside of work, she is taking steps to increase her knowledge and skills, which will strengthen her ability to provide the best supports.
