Bon Appetit 2016: A Sold-Out Royal Evening

Bon Appetit was a smashing hit this year- the event was sold out and raised more money than ever. We took full advantage of the beautiful Grand Ballroom at the Pere Marquette this year, which fit the theme of a royal evening to a T. The chandeliers complimented the lavish royal blue, gold, and silver decorations, while the classically painted walls and high ceilings of the Cotillian Room were the perfect setting for the silent auction artwork.

The evening began with an exclusive VIP hour where guests had the opportunity to meet Chef McGrady before the main event. The VIP hour featured plenty of opportunities for socializing and a signature basil lemon drop cocktail that utilized freshly picked basil microgreens from EP!C Harvest.

Following the VIP hour, the main doors to the Cotillian Room and the Grand Ballroom were opened and guests were able to peruse the silent auction items and meet and greet one another. Many of the artists whose work was featured in the silent auction were also present and able to speak with interested guests.

Chef McGrady then treated us to some stories of his time at Buckingham Palace, including the reason why the Queen, though she herself did not like scones, insisted that a fresh batch of scones be baked daily, alternating flavors every other day (if you want to know why, you will have to ask someone who attended Bon Appetit!). Meanwhile, guests were able to enjoy artfully designed amuse-bouch courtesy of the Pere Marquette.

Following Chef McGrady's address, guests were served the first and second courses of the meal- asparagus soup with avocado and lump crab followed by a pink grapefruit and feta salad with avocado and caramelized pecans with an agave lime dressing.

Before presenting the main dish and dessert, Chef McGrady wowed us with how this meal is prepared- flames and all! Then out came the Gaelic steaks with whiskey cream wild mushroom sauce paired with sage derby scalloped potatoes and baby carrots. As people polished their plates, the Queen's favorite dessert of bread and butter pudding was served to round out the meal on a sweet note. 

As guests finished up their meal, they prepared for the live auction featuring a four-course craft beer dinner for ten at Thyme, a trip to Napa Valley, an all-inclusive getaway to Jamaica, and a four-course dinner for ten prepared at home by Chef Luca who was the feature chef at Bon Appetit 2015. Chef McGrady then threw everyone for a loop by offering an exclusive dinner for forty people scheduled for September 2 that he would cook using specially grown Harvest produce. Within five minutes all tickets were sold!

The evening ended with the drawing of the winner of the hand-crafted Bremer Jewelry necklace inspired by Princess Diana and the closing of the silent auction.

With an evening as full and as lively as that, it is no wonder Bon Appetit 2016 was such a success! We owe a big thanks to our generous sponsors who not only supported Bon Appetit, but also support EP!C and the work that we do.

Five Reasons Why We Love EP!C

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.

The EP!C Hub: A Gateway to Endless Possibilities

You may have heard of the EP!C Hub and how it is one of the features that sets EP!C apart from the rest, but I am betting you have not heard about all of the things the Hub does. The Hub is one of Educational Services' many programs that provides opportunities for EP!C individuals to access and utilize technology for a number of different purposes. It is aptly named, as it acts as the intersection between curious minds, information, employment, education, technology, communication, hobbies, and more.

So, how, exactly, does the Hub provide this amazing service, you might ask. There are many stories we could tell of how the Hub has changed EP!C individuals' lives and possibilities, but I will limit this post to an overview of the ways the Hub is making a difference:

Adaptive Technology

One of the biggest obstacles in utilizing technology for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities is the traditional keyboard, mouse, and screen size, which does not allow people who may have limited ranges of motion or need to magnify the screen to use technology effectively. The Hub provides individuals with a wide range of devices to help them use the technology from special keyboards to buttons that they can click with their heads, elbows, or knees to select an option to trackballs that are more easily manipulated than mice.

Communication Devices

The Hub also provides and assists with the use of individuals' electronic communication devices. These devices open up a world of opportunities as they allow individuals to communicate in real time with those around them as they aid those with severe speech impairments to express themselves. These devices can also be connected directly to a computer, allowing them to use computers more effectively.

Classroom Technology and Education

As part of the EP!C Hub Outreach program, the Hub also outfits EP!C classrooms with computers and projectors to facilitate lessons. With these tools, EP!C individuals can more easily see, read, and interact with the material they are learning as a group.

Technology at Home

Another arm of the EP!C Hub Outreach program provides computers for all twenty-one of EP!C's group homes. The computers can be used to connect with others, access needed information, and promote leisure time activities.

Employment

Because the Hub's adaptive technology enables individuals to more effectively use computers, EP!C individuals also have the opportunity to do paid computer work to earn a paycheck on their own. Many EP!C individuals design and print flyers, posters, calendars, and greeting cards; develop presentation materials; create business cards; and enter data.

Hobbies and Leisure Time

When EP!C individuals are not using the computers for paid work, they have time to pursue their interests on the computer. On any given day you might see one person browsing antique tractors, another chatting with friends on Facebook, and yet another watching the latest WWE match.

The EP!C Hub is just that- a hub of intersecting strands of life where individuals at EP!C can pursue their interests and achieve their goals. Whether it is paid work or browsing the internet, the Hub contributes greatly to the building of self-esteem and independence, while improving overall quality of life.

EP!C Prepares for Bon Appétit 2016 with EP!Casso

There's no time like the present, and that is why we are already working toward two of our New Year's resolutions: improving art opportunities and increasing funding and awareness through Bon Appétit. EP!C individuals can be seen hard at work creating some of the artwork that will be for auction at Bon Appétit 2016 as part of EP!C's art program, EPICasso! Phoebe Johnson, EP!C's Activities Director and a talented artist, teaches the individuals about color mixing, depth, and painting technique while offering suggestions as they paint.  Each of the individuals has chosen the subject of their piece and will be working on them in the coming weeks.

Many of the individuals' pieces are already taking shape quite nicely and will fit in perfectly with the royal them of Bon Appétit 2016. Chef Darren McGrady, the former personal chef to the British royal family, will be treating the guests to a delicious, four-course meal that is sure to impress. Meanwhile, Bremer's Jewelry will be raffling off a piece of hand-crafted jewelry designed specially for Bon Appétit. The art pieces EP!C individuals have been working on in EP!Casso will be a perfect addition to the royal evening. In addition to them, there will be painted pottery created by EP!C individuals as well as several live auction items.

To round out the royal theme, EP!C Harvest will contribute to the decorations with vibrant violas, grown and nurtured by EP!C individuals in EP!C's greenhouse. These little sprouts will grow into full, blossoming violas by the time Bon Appétit rolls around on March 3.

Between the artwork being created by EP!C individuals, Chef Darren, the Bremer's Jewelry piece, the auctions, and Harvest's violas, Bon Appétit 2016 will be a hit. To get your tickets, visit our event site.

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!

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!



Liked what we've been up to in 2015? Tune into our Facebook and Twitter pages to keep up to date on what's happening in 2016.

Celebrating the Holidays at EP!C

EP!C poinsettias decorating the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church

The holiday season is one of my favorite times of year as I join the millions of others taking part in the holiday festivities- attending parties, buying gifts for family and friends, and giving back to the community. Luckily, I have found that EP!C shares the same enthusiasm for the holidays. There seems to be a continuous stream of exciting and unique events going on in all corners of EP!C in celebration of the holidays, ranging from the annual poinsettia sale to making and decorating Christmas trees to donating toys and games to the Children's Hospital. So grab your mug of hot cocoa (with whipped cream if you're like me, though I'll leave that up to you) and take a look at the ways EP!C has been celebrating and impacting the lives of individuals and the community.

One of the completed trees welcoming
 EP!C employees and visitors

Marcus lining up for his turn to paint the tree

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The individuals in room 152 helped us kick off the holidays by creating Christmas trees from recycled wooden pallets, Christmas trees that now warmly welcome anyone to EP!C!

Limestone High students pitching in to get
 EP!C into the holiday spirit

The Early Ford V8 Club helping to stuff
stockings for the individuals

We also had a number of volunteers help us celebrate by decorating the hallways, making ornaments and personalized stockings with the individuals, and stuffing stockings for the individuals. Bradley students, Limestone High School students, members of the Early Ford V8 Club, and volunteers from OSF generously offered their time to brighten our holidays. EP!C individuals joined in the giving spirit, too, as they gave back by donating two big bags of toys to the Children's Hospital!

A volunteer from OSF on Rt. 91 doing
 arts and crafts with Devon

Tim and one of the Bradley volunteers
decorating personalized stockings

The Host Family program did hold back either in their celebrations. EP!C welcomed individuals and their host families for an evening of fun, cheer, and fantastic food.

The Host Family Program is all smiles
 at a big holiday get-together.

The staff at EP!C even got to have a bit of fun, too. We joined in the celebrations with a delicious buffet lunch and raffles. We were even treated to beautiful caroling and live guitar and saxophone music.

Eric and Amanda spread the holiday cheer
with their enthusiasm at the EP!C
holiday party.