If the hearts, greeting cards, boxes of chocolates, and flowers haven't given it away, Valentine's Day is here and a time when we have the opportunity to show how much we care and love someone. This year, we have been reflecting on why we love EP!C, and it really all comes down to the people. The people at EP!C are at the center of what we do and why we love doing it.
1. We Give Back to the Community
When people think of caring for people with disabilities, they often think it's a one-way street: community members give time and money to support them, and they use it to live a better life. As you might guess by now, EP!C is proof that this assumption is mistaken. While EP!C certainly does utilize volunteer, State, and donation support, this support then enables individuals at EP!C to give back. For example, last year, we raised more money than ever before for Susan G. Koman with our annual Walk 'n Roll event. We also empower individuals to gain the skills necessary to be committed, hardworking employees, both as a part of EP!C's Organizational Employment Program and in a wide variety of community locations from libraries to hotels to fitness studios. At EP!C, we use our resources to give back to the community- whether through volunteer events and fundraising or by contributing to local businesses and the economy.2. EP!C Brings Families Together
On a similar note, EP!C gives back by bringing families together. Those who come to EP!C not only have a family in us, but also are able to connect with other community members and families throughout the area. Even several generations after a family member first joins EP!C, EP!C is a hub around which family members gather and reconnect. For employees, too, EP!C is a place where family members can connect with their community and help make a difference, volunteering and offering support. One of the programs where family is most prominent is EP!C's Host Family Program. Here, individuals expand their family to include their hosts, while also maintaing strong bonds to their biological family. The families of individuals, EP!C employees, and community members create lasting bonds that strengthen our impact and outreach.3. We Think Everyone Deserve a Chance to be their Best
Especially during this time of economic instability and insecurity as the State navigate a changing economic landscape, a process that has hit human services hard, more and more service providers are turning away individuals that require more care, time, and money. EP!C is one of the few in the State that has continued to welcome individuals with a wide variety of care needs. We strongly believe that everyone, regardless of their ability level, should have the opportunity to maximize their abilities to live their best life.4. EP!C's Halls Are Always Filled with Positivity
Regardless of how your day has been or how things are going, whether you walk through the halls at Townline, visit an apartment, or stop by a host family house, you are always enthusiastically greeted, often times with smiles, hugs, and questions about what has been going on in your life. You are constantly surrounded by positive, friendly faces that are eager to talk to you, learn about you and what you do, and tell you about what they've been up to. The individuals EP!C serves remind us why we do what we do every day.5. For EP!C Employees, EP!C is so Much More than Just a Job
With all of that in mind, it should come as no surprise, then, that EP!C employees know they are making a difference and are committed to helping however they can. They are generous with their time, be it by supporting the basketball team at their games, helping out with special events on weekends or after hours, or donating materials for projects. For people working at EP!C, EP!C is more than just their employer- it is a place that transforms lives, and they welcome the ability to be a part of it.
So, today, we would like to wish everyone- individuals, families, employees, donors, community members, businesses- who have helped EP!C to continue to support individuals with disabilities.
