Newsletters
September/October 2025
CEO Message
There are lots of things to celebrate over the next two months. September celebrates National DSP Week, where we recognize and advocate for the efforts of staff who directly support people. Those of you who follow the work we do would know the important conversations at both the local and national levels demanding professional wages for DSPs. Direct Support Professionals make up over half of EP!C’s workforce, and we hope you will join us in celebrating our dedicated, knowledgeable staff.
October highlights National Disability Employment Awareness Month. For 45 years, we’ve been working with employers to see the value in hiring people with cognitive differences. Over those many years, we’ve had so many successful placements that resulted in meaningful careers that people have loved. We are grateful to our inclusive employment partners who hire their employees through EP!C, which helps diversify their teams. Follow our social media all month long to see some of our highlighted stories.
– 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 Swings
On July 21st, we held our 6th annual EP!C golf outing to benefit the EP!C Wellness Center. Due to construction at Mt. Hawley, we changed up our date and the scenery to be hosted at Arrowhead Country Club. Despite the fear of rain, it turned out to be a beautiful day out on the course. Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers, and foursomes for another successful event, raising $38,000. Over the 6 years we’ve raised nearly $200,000 for the Wellness Center, which included the original build-out of the center, professional equipment, scholarships for personal trainers, incentive challenges, and more.
Leaving an EP!C Legacy
National Estate Awareness Week is October 20-26. Thinking about and having a plan for your legacy is a vital component of financial wellness. Lynnette Litwiller is not only an EP!C staff member, she is creating an EP!C legacy for the future.
“I had put it off for a long time, but knew it was important for me to make difficult choices about my life plans. For me, I have a personal connection with EP!C because my Aunt Shelia received supports here. I saw the struggle my family went through, but EP!C was there. My Aunt had a great life. EP!C understands people and their disability. They are treated like adults and accepted as wanting the same things everyone wants. I wanted to invest in that for others. I know it will help people realize their goals and be a part of society. Thats what I want to be a part of.”
If you would like to receive a free estate planning guide, please contact Colleen Halberg at 309-689-3771 or chalberg@epicci.org
If you have already made provisions for EP!C in your estate plan, we would like to hear from you and recognize you as a member of our Legacy Circle!
EP!C Health
Earlier this year, we expanded our partnership with CarleHealth and Professional Therapy Services (PTS). Thanks to their collaboration, we’ve been able to create a space for their team to provide Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapies on-site at EP!C. The need for therapy services for the population that we serve is profound. While there are options in the community, given the need for transportation and oftentimes quick access to care needed, this collaborative service option provides the care and support when and where it is needed. The PTS therapists are seeing EP!C individuals 2 days a week and utilize a designated therapy space, but also the EP!C Wellness Center, which is our on-site gym.
EP!C Employees
Victoria Anderson was named our Employee of the Year for FY2025. She was selected earlier in the year as August 2024 Employee of the Month because “her radiance shines wherever she goes, giving positivity into the lives she touches. Victoria is a strong asset to the Community Day Services team, who supports people in meaningful activities. She is a great team player who is always there to help regardless of the need. Victoria is an inspiring DSP because she encourages staff to engage the people supported in meaningful activities.”
July Employee of the Month
Penny Taylor has been a dedicated EP!C employee for almost 30 years. She works in our warehouse, ensuring people can earn a paycheck by packaging parts for Caterpillar, Inc. She is a leader who gives people the confidence to take on tasks they were once uncomfortable doing. Penny is very patient and takes her time teaching people skills they will need to work in the community after our warehouse, if that’s what they want.
August Employee of the Month
Lynnette Litwiller was named the August Employee of the Month. She recently took on the role of Transitions Coordinator, overseeing our PAES Lab in the Career Center. She has stepped up and pushed herself to ensure the success of this newer program. Her willingness to grow and learn makes her a role model for the individuals who come through her class, in how they can empower themselves. She strives for the utmost professionalism, knowing the skills she is teaching can help someone find a successful career in the community.
