The Most EP!C Moments of 2015

One of the best parts of the end of the year is being able to look back and reflect on the most important moments of the previous year. (I must admit that I am a sucker for "The Best (Insert Object Here) of (Insert Year Here)" lists, especially books and recipes.) EP!C has had a big year, and I have had the privilege of looking through all the things EP!C has been up to in order to find out what the some of most EP!C moments of 2015 were. The ones that have made it on the list reflect both the challenges and the successes EP!C has experienced over the last year.

1. The Komen Walk 'n Roll Campaign Sets a New Record
EP!C continued to grow its relationship with Susan G. Komen for the Cure with EP!C's Walk n' Roll campaign. On a brisk October morning, EP!C staff and individuals came out to walk and roll to raise money for Susan G. Komen. We were able to present a check of $1,368 to the memorial, our highest ever!





2. Lauren Coyle Revamps Educational Services
Lauren Coyle joined the EP!C team this year as the new Director of Educational Services. In the mere months since her arrival, she has spearheaded a series of changes to reorganize Educational Services. She has designed a new skill- and objective-oriented curriculum that provides individuals with the skills they need to achieve their personal best and greatest level of independence. To make sure that each individual can get the level of support they need, she has also implemented a new assessment scale and protocol to great success. Under her direction, Educational Services has become more responsive with the creation of committees that include both Direct Care Providers and individuals to discuss what is working and what needs improvement.

3. EP!C Harvest Cultivates its Relationship with Table 19 
Another of the successes of this year is the cultivation of a close relationship between EP!C Harvest and Table 19 at the Pere Marquette. Marc, EP!C's horticulture expert, and his team of individuals from Dunlap High School witnessed the full farm-to-table process. They helped cultivate Harvest's produce, made deliveries to Table 19, and then were treated to a delicious lunch by Table 19 where they got to see their hard work come to fruition. This trip highlighted the growth of the EP!C Harvest program and commitment of Table 19 to serving high-quality, fresh, locally-grown produce.

4. Respite Must Close Due to the State Budget
This year, EP!C closed the doors of the Respite Care Center as the Illinois State stalled and cut the center's funding. Though the closing of Respite prevented families throughout Illinois getting the temporary and emergency care they needed, EP!C hopes to reopen its doors in the future. Meanwhile, the closing of Respite presented the opportunity to raise awareness of how an ineffective State budget can mean major changes in the availability of human services. We made two presentations to the Illinois House of Representative and were featured in four news segments addressing the far-reaching effects of the State budget hold. We hope that as the impact the budget is having on Illinois families becomes more and more apparent, the State will be able to find a solution that provides people with the access to the services they need.

5. EP!C Harvest Breaks Records with Poinsettia Sales 
Marc outdid himself in many ways this year, including selling a record number of poinsettias. In EP!C's annual poinsettia sale this year, Marc managed to find welcoming homes for some 400 plants! Our greenhouse was certainly a sight to see with rows of poinsettias bursting with their vibrant reds. In typical Marc fashion, we also had some special varieties of poinsettias with spotted, deep maroon, and even fuchsia leaves.



6. EP!C Increases the Wages of Direct Service Providers
In a series of efforts to offer more competitive pay, EP!C increased the wages of Direct Service Providers as well as some management positions. The Direct Service Providers are EP!C's feet on the ground, as they ensure all individuals are getting the care they deserve. EP!C Direct Service Providers are at the core of EP!C's mission, and the new wage increase reflects the efforts and skill they offer the individuals and EP!C.




7. Bradley Students Commit to Volunteering at EP!C
In a trend of increasing ties between EP!C and Bradley University, student members of the Lewis J. Burger Center for Student Leadership and Public Service have made a commitment to volunteer regularly at EP!C. At their most recent event, they helped us celebrate the holidays by assisting individuals as they made personalized stockings, Christmas tree ornaments, and holiday cards. They were a great help, and we are looking forward to working with them in 2016!



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