EPIC

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our dear friend Darryle Price passed away last month.

A gathering celebrating Darryle's life will be from noon to 4 p.m. this Sunday, September 8, 2024 at the Bartonville American Legion. Inurnment will be at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria.

Darryle had been utilizing EP!C services since he was a young child. He went to class and worked with us, but as he got older, also lived in our group homes with his roommates, who miss him very much. He was an artist in our EP!Casso program and often had his work on display in the community.

Darryle was a prankster and could be found joking with his friends and staff, often if you were with Darryle, you were laughing and rolling your eyes at him.

He loved any chance to visit our friends at Camp Big Sky or Hooked On Fishing Park. A big fan of movies, he preferred superhero films with Spiderman being his favorite.

Darryle liked to talk with his sister on the phone and enjoyed it when they got to spend time together. He was very close to his housemates and when not hanging out with the guys at home, loved to spend time and go on dates with his long-time girlfriend Julie who wanted to share that she loved him and misses him.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/pekin-il/darryle-price-11926269

We've shared our partnership with delivering Healthy Cells, Magazine, Greater Peoria Metro Area Edition before but we had to share an example of what it means to us.

For us, it's so much more than volunteering. With these deliveries we are expanding our relationships with the community, we are providing a service that someone is taking pride in, building confidence, and self-worth, along with showing that we are assets.

For Kawanda (first 2 images), we have been slowly having her deliver to doctors' offices due to a deep fear she has of them. This last delivery, she did great! She was able to walk into the offices and place the magazines where they go. Then she began talking with the people in the waiting room. Then she went to another office, handed the magazines to the staff and she shook his hand and talked with him.
For Kawanda, volunteering to deliver magazines is helpful to her quality of life. We are so proud of the progress she has made by taking on this challenge.

Our EP!C offices will be closed to observe the Labor Day holiday next Monday.

We honor those who have and continue to standup for the rights of workers. We also take the time to celebrate our Inclusive Employment Partners and encourage other employers with hiring needs to consider diversifying their teams with someone receiving support from EP!C.

We all have the right to work and contribute to our communities!

For the last 6 weeks we've been participating in the Camp Big Sky volunteer training program.
These 3 EP!C people can now help others (including other EP!C friends) enjoy all the activities the camp has to offer.

Each year we host an after-hours event for those supported and their families along with our staff and their families.

It's the conclusion of our week-long celebration during DSP Week and it gives everyone a chance to hang out, have some fun, and connect with each other.

While this event isn't open to the public, we are looking for volunteers that want to help run and or host a carnival game. With stations manned by volunteers, it allows more of our staff to participate and enjoy the event.

If you are interested in running a game, or your group/company wants to support a game by bringing it, renting it, or donating prizes, please contact Ally De Roo at [email protected] or 309-689-3606

Our first Employee of the Month for FY2025 was Dylan James.
Named as our EOM for July.

Dylan is part of our Community Options team helping residents in our Host Homes program. He was nominated because "he creates stability and a safe space for people supported. Dylan is a good, friendly role model, building meaningful relationships with people. He's always positive and reassures Host Home Providers that we have a strong team with a solid foundation."
Dylan even unexpectedly jumped in front of the camera to help someone during an interview for our marketing team, something most staff shy away from.

Congratulations Dylan, we truly appreciate YOU and your work on the EP!C Team.

What an EP!C Night at the Ballpark!
We had so much fun with everyone who joined us last night.

Stay tuned for more photos of the fun.
Thanks again to our friends at the Peoria Chiefs for an accommodating and inclusive evening. We are proud to support this local team and one of our Inclusive Employment Partners

The Paralympic Games start next week!
Watch these amazing athletes compete on a global stage from Aug. 28-Sept 8.

https://www.paralympic.org/paris-2024
NBC Olympics & Paralympics

It's your last chance to VOTE for EP!C in this year's Community's Choice Awards from the Journal Star
You can vote once per day, per email until Midnight Tomorrow for EP!C to win in the following Categories:

• Entertainment & Leasure – Best Event – EP!C Bon Appétit

• Services – Best Staffing Agency – EP!C

• Services – Best Non-profit/Charity – EP!C

Those with the most votes from now until August. 23rd will move on to the Top 3 and attend the awards program in November.

VOTE NOW!
https://pjstar.gannettcontests.com/2024-Peoria-Communitys-Choice-Awards/

Tickets are in for the Annual EP!C Night At the Ballpark Saturday, so get ready to cheer on the Peoria Chiefs

If you already purchased tickets – those are available for pickup at Townline until 3pm Friday.
If you still need to purchase tickets those can be done online and will be at will call before the game.
https://epicci.org/event/anual-epc-night-at-the-ballpark/?instance_id=1006

Gates open at 6pm Saturday so please plan to join us early for giveaways and EP!C activities.
Please remember Dozer Park has a clear bag policy and is cashless vending (card only) so please make arrangements prior to coming.

Join us at our headquarters tonight for a job fair - 1913 W. Townline Rd. Peoria.

Help build confidence, increase independence, and create friendships when you support people with cognitive differences in their daily lives.

See what opportunities await you!
https://epicci.org/careers/now-hiring/

Last week we spent some time with a group from OLLI at Bradley University as they learned more about EP!C.

We gave a tour of our Townline facility and spoke about history and highlighted all our programs housed in the building or outside community supports.

Then we shot over to one of our group homes so they could better understand how someone with a cognitive difference may choose to live in the community.

We love the opportunity to give people a hands on, in-person view of the work we do.
If you are interested in a tour to find out more please contact Ashley Schreck, Director of Marketing, at [email protected] or 309-689-3605

Did you come see us at Peoria Park District India Fest this weekend?
We had a cast of characters getting people excited for PJ Dance Academy performances of The Jungle Book during this year's UTSAV Diwali Gala Featuring The Jungle Book hosted by the Indo American Society of Peoria (IASP) *check out the photos in the link captured by the Journal Star

Gala and Opening performance Sat. Oct. 26th.
2nd performance (show only) Sun. Oct. 27th.

Fun for the whole family with proceeds benefiting EP!C.

Tickets on sale now and Sponsorships available!
https://epicci.org/event/ustav-diwali-gala-featuring-the-jungle-book/?instance_id=1002

Indian culture takes over the Peoria riverfront for annual festival The riverfront is flooded with colorful costumes, exotic foods and lots of dancing at the annual India Fest on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Peoria.

Today is National Nonprofit Day.

We are reflecting on the impact and achievements of charities today.
Did you know that the Human Service agencies in the Peoria region make up the 5th largest employment sector, via our impact study from the Human Services Collaborative?

Consider making a contribution today to help support your favorite nonprofit as it continues the work being done.
Donations to EP!C can be made on our website https://epicci.org/donate/ or you can create a mini fundraiser of your own on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fund/epiccentralillinois/

Today is and our Behavioral Health Team has some suggestions to help you relax today!

When thinking about our mental health, relaxation is not the same as rest. Rest is about stopping activity, where relaxation is about actively stimulating the process that brings a sense of calm to your mind and body. Relaxation techniques can help you cope with both everyday stress and long-term stress.

Practicing relaxation techniques can have many benefits, including:
• Lowering blood pressure
• Improving digestion
• Reducing muscle tension and chronic pain
• Improving focus and mood
• Improving sleep quality
• Reducing anger and frustration

Swipe through the images to find out more about these three techniques then choose one practice every day and note any benefits to your stress level. If one doesn’t work for you, try a different one!

Yesterday we got the call that a guilty verdict had been announced in the murder trial of Nancy Vorrath.

Nancy was an EP!C employee for 12 years.
When she was taken from the world in November of 2019, she had recently been named Employee of the Month for August. Nancy was dedicated to her classroom and the people she supported. She was the epitome of someone who had a caregiver's heart and she is missed every day.

Our team cooperated with local officials and gave testimony on Nancy's behalf. We thank them for the work done and for being a voice for Nancy. For her and her children, we are grateful her case is finally closed and wish them peace.

https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/guilty-verdict-returned-for-man-in-drowning-death-of-his-wife/

WMBD, 25News WEEK, WMBD Radio reporting
Peoria County Coroner's Office Peoria Police Department Peoria County State's Attorney

Looking for a fulfilling career where you can make a difference?
Help build confidence, increase independence, and create friendships when you support people with cognitive differences in their daily lives.

Join us next week at our Headquarters 1913 W. Townline Rd. Peoria for our bi-monthly job fair and see what opportunities await you!
https://epicci.org/careers/now-hiring/

VOTE for EP!C in this year's Community's Choice Awards from the Journal Star
You can vote once per day, per email for EP!C to win in the following Categories:

• Entertainment & Leasure – Best Event – EP!C Bon Appétit

• Services – Best Staffing Agency – EP!C

• Services – Best Non-profit/Charity – EP!C

Those with the most votes from now until August. 23rd will move on to the Top 3 and attend the awards program in November.

VOTE NOW!
https://pjstar.gannettcontests.com/2024-Peoria-Communitys-Choice-Awards/

Macaroni KID Peoria IL is the local chapter of a national online network dedicated to bringing information to families.
We've partnered with them to create a special needs resource guide for Peoria area parents & caregivers.

From local services, sensory-friendly events, and inclusive playgrounds, they have collected information into one convenient spot.

Special Needs Resources for Peoria Area Parents and Caregivers | Macaroni KID Peoria Thanks to our sponsor EP!C! The support of our sponsors allows us to continue to offer Macaroni KID Peoria at no cost to you! Navigating your life as a…

What do you do on a Thursday night when the weather is so nice?

Drive over to Pekin and spend time with our friends at the Pekin Park District Magic Dragon Mini Golf and the Pekin Lagoon.

Come say hi next week when we are with Speak Out Illinois LLC at the 2nd Annual Community Day Fair at Tower Park in Peoria Heights, Illinois.

We're so excited to be back in 2 weeks for Our 2nd Annual Community Day Fair at Tower Park in Peoria Heights, Illinois. Here is a brief overview of Our Vendor Lineup. There are a few surprises that are available for In-Person Discovery. Be sure to stop by and check us out!

THIS SATURDAY join us for the annual Ignite Peoria 2024! hosted by ArtsPartners of Central Illinois. This is the BIGGEST, FREE art show in the area featuring music, performances, photography, fashion, robotics, comics, painters, crafters, a custom car show, and other artisans.

The EP!Casso Art Studio & Gallery will be there with capable artists' works on display and for sale, along with hosting a makers station where you can make your own greeting cards.

Earlier in the day there will be an element of Sensory Ignite to allow for a calmer environment to engage and get resources in the community.

Come see us at the Peoria Civic Center!

For the past year or so we've been working with We Hear You to help beta test their PUSH automatic accessible door opener. This allows a user to open an automatic door without having to use the mounted button that may not be accessible to them for many reasons. It also allows the user to keep the door open as it may take them longer to enter than the doors are timed to stay open.

Recently one of the co-founders was awarded a grant from The Jed Foundation - JED and Victoria's Secret PINK for a new tool called The Hero Door.

We are so very excited for this next wave of accessible tech being created right here in Central Illinois. The new app that is launching will allow those with less dexterity to use PUSH with their voice or a quick tap, and The Hero Door Opener could change the way people access their homes or other internal doors.

We are grateful to be a partner with them and to Thomas Garverick - WMBD for covering and sharing their success.

If you have an automatic door that needs a push button to open, please consider installing the push system so anyone with the remote can open it more independently.

New devices making central Illinois more accessible PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A central Illinois non-profit is helping distribute devices that are making the world more accessible to those with disabilities. Bethanie Couri is the co-founder of the…