Happy New Year! Now Let's Get down to Business...

Turning fives into flat-topped sixes, joining a gym, and setting the alarm clock earlier- it is the beginning of a new year and New Year's resolution time, a time when we make plans for the coming months and look to the future with excitement, optimism, and a fresh perspective. EP!C is embracing 2016 and looking forward to another year of serving the Central Illinois community with a host of changes, improvements, updates, and outreach. We are celebrating the New Year by diving into our New Year's resolutions and turning our plans into a reality. Though I can only scratch the surface in a blog post, here are some of the big ones to keep your eye out for in 2016:

1. Improve Art, Music, Dance, Cooking, and Fitness Opportunities

EP!C's day services are going to see a big boost this year with more regularly scheduled art, music, dance, cooking, and fitness classes. We are moving the location of our art room to a more spacious one and are upgrading many of our art supplies and materials. Meanwhile, we are increasing the frequency and regularity of interest clubs and classes. We plan to add a quiet sensory room where individuals with autism in particular will be able to engage and learn in an environment that is more comfortable for them.

2.  Recruit and Retain More Direct Service Providers

Like many organizations in Illinois, EP!C is looking to recruit and retain more Direct Care Providers. In order to recognize the fantastic job our DSPs do and to attract the most qualified professionals, we have increased our pay rates. And we are starting off the New Year with an HR bang: a job fair this Saturday, January 9 from 9-12 a.m. at EP!C. We are looking forward to growing the EP!C team to continue offering the high level of care we are known for.

3. Expand the EP!C Host Family Program

The EP!C Host Family Program enables individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities to be immersed in home, community, and work life, allowing for more independence while maintaining an EP!C network of support. The Host Family Program is welcoming seven new host providers within just the first two months! This is sure to be an exciting year as Host Family continues to match more individuals and host families over the course of 2016.

4. Increase Community Involvement through Service

We believe that we can accomplish the most when we work together, which is why we are increasing our engagement with the community through service. We are hosting more volunteers at EP!C as well as volunteering in other community projects. Through our involvement with Bradley, CAT, United Way, Early Ford V-8, Limestone High School, OSF, and Ameren volunteers over the past year, we have witnessed the difference a helping hand can make. For more information of ways you can support EP!C by volunteering see a list of our upcoming projects at justserve.org.

5. Cultivate Relationships between EP!C Harvest and More Local Restaurants

Our record-breaking poinsettia sales of December were a harbinger EP!C Harvest's big plans for 2016. Not only is Harvest expanding the garden to be able to produce a greater amount and variety of fresh produce, it is also in the process of building partnerships with more local restaurants and vendors. Keep posted for updates as Harvest gears up for the growing season by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter!

6. Increase Fundraising and Awareness through Bon Appetit

We are already getting ready for Bon Appetit 2016 and plan to make this year's Bon Appetit our most successful yet. Chef Darren McGrady, former personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, and Princes William and Henry, will be our featured chef, and we will hold live and silent auctions and have a raffle for a custom-designed piece from Bremer's Jewelry. It is sure to be an exciting evening as we share what we do here at EP!C and how the community can help support us.



7. Employ More EP!C Individuals through Community and Organizational Employment
EP!C's individuals are well-known for their dedication, enthusiasm, and attention to detail throughout the Peoria area when it comes to employment. This year we plan to increase our contracts with companies and organizations for work at EP!C's production facility as well as increase the number of individuals working in the community.






8. Relaunch Our Website
We are in the process of redesigning the EP!C website and will be launching it early this year. By redesigning our website, we hope to better connect with those we serve, our community partners, and families more effectively, providing the information and support they need. Keep your eyes peeled in the coming weeks for more information about our website relaunch!





This year is starting with a bang, and EP!C is ready to take it on. We have big plans, and some of them are already off to a strong start. Stay tuned to hear more about how we achieve our resolutions!