Newsletters
September/October 2026
CEO Message
September puts a national spotlight on Direct Support Professionals. The work we do to provide excellent support is driven daily by DSP staff. They are mentors, coaches, and companions who know and understand people deeply.
DSPs make up over 50% of EP!C staff working directly with people to assist with whatever needs they have. Out of those DSPs, 57% work in our residential settings providing around-the-clock support.
EP!C staff continues to find the best ways to support people while working to change the narrative of how people with cognitive differences are seen, respected, and engaged with our communities.
While agencies across the country are forced to turn away people (77%), cut staff, or eliminate programs (57%), we’ve worked to position ourselves as best we can to prevent that. Despite the stagnant reimbursement rates, our DSPs are earning well above minimum wage, making us one of the highest wage providers for DSPs in the state of Illinois. We are only able to do that with the additional unrestricted grants and private funding received throughout the year, which allows the budget to work in our favor.
I continue my advocacy work to educate legislators on the importance of supporting the IDD community. I hope you join me in this next year as we continue to make our voices heard. Join our family advocacy group or visit the advocacy page of our website to stay informed.
– Kim Cornwell, EP!C CEO
Impact Report
As we wrap up our Fiscal Year 2026, let’s reflect on our accomplishments during FY 2025 ( July 1 – June 30 )
Join CEO Kim Cornwell for a breakfast Nov. 5th as she announces our FY26 Impact.
Contact Colleen Halberg for details chalberg@epicci.org
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.
Planning Your EP!C Legacy
October 19-25 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week.
We embrace the philosophy that people with disabilities have the right to live in neighborhoods and experience the same community activities we all enjoy. To help people achieve that, we offer a number of residential options October 19-25 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your legacy. We’ve developed a Planned Giving Guide to help you and your family navigate this journey, fulfill your wishes, and secure your impact. Creating a plan that is unique to you will give you peace of mind, protect your family, and create the provisions you want.
EP!C can help start your conversation. 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 Voices
In January, we welcomed Samantha Alloway, CEO of The Arc of Illinois, to Peoria. She went on a listening tour across the state with the Illinois IDD System Redesign Coalition, gathering voices from individuals, staff, families, and community members. Their goal is to foster an IDD system for Illinois that meets the needs of every citizen with IDD for their entire lifespan.
Watch the recap video they are using featuring Brett & Virginia, to see how we were a part of amplifying voices for our critical cause.
You can learn more about the Coalition and survey by visiting iddsrc.org.
EP!C Summer
What a busy summer we had!
Visiting our community was at an all time high as we went to Camp Big Sky, learned about flower arrangements from Picket Fence then planted flowers at the library, explored accessible parks, helped with landscaping and cleanup at Forrest Park Nature Center and United Stroke Alliance, and continued our bison hunt around Peoria County, just to name a few of our favorites.
In July we held our annual EP!C Night at the Ballpark, gathering our friends and family to cheer on the Peoria Chiefs while raising funds with their pitch in for charity.
EP!Casso had a vendor booth at the annual Ignite Peoria again this year. We were able to show of the talents of artists and hosted a card making station. We appreciated the opportunity to sell the works, and 21 pieces were sold that day.
August kicked off our United Way Pacestter campaign. As a recipient and partner agency since 1955, we recognize how much stronger our community becomes when local organizations support one another through connection and collaboration. Did you know that when you donate to the United Way, you can assign your contribution to come directly to EP!C?
Following us across social media channels will ensure you see all the fun in action.
EP!C Employees
Employee of the Year
Employee of the Year – Justina “Tina” Lynch
Out of the 12 outstanding staff members awarded Employees of the Month, the executive team, anonymously chose from their nominations and selected Tina Lynch as our FY2026 Employee of the Year! Tina was selected back in March because she shows up in every sense of the word. She has maintained perfect attendance, brings consistency and dedication to her work each day, and still makes time for the little things that make people feel seen, like remembering everyone’s birthdays and making sure they feel celebrated.
July Employee of the Month
Nick Gasperi was named our first Employee of the Month for FY2027.
He’s a Financial Analyst in our accounting department, and his role is vital in the strategic and reporting aspects of our agency. Whether it’s evaluating reimbursement rates, market conditions, or projecting future revenue opportunities, Nick is reliable and accurate. He clarifies complex formulas so that everyone can use his data to do their jobs well and make the best decisions. Nick is also a member of our EP!Cycling Club that helps ensure people can have the experience of riding a bike. It’s clear from his conversations with people that he truly cares and looks forward to daily interactions with them.
August Employee of the Month
Leonie Nkami Batchanou was selected as our August Employee of the Month.
She has a strong knowledge of the people she supports, incorporating their goals and preferences into the activities provided. Other staff see her compassion and dedication, and it helps push them forward. Leoni is very hands-on with a can-do attitude whose kind heart reflects in her passion for the mission. Her nominator said she is kind, resourceful, patient, and a delight to have on the team. Her positive approach and the way she supports people is contagious.
