ABOUT EPIC DELAWARE

EPIC DELAWARE

EPIC is a community-based program “Without Walls” that provides clients with meaningful, self-determined, inclusive health and wellness opportunities that initiated programming in January of 2015.

 

EPIC HAS EVOLVED TO A SINGULAR PURPOSE…

LIVING A SELF-DETERMINED LIFE
IN THE COMMUNITY.

 

2012

Terri and her husband chose to end Brigitte’s participation in a center­-based adult day program after graduation from Leach School. During her time in the program and upon reflection, it was determined that this type of program was not a good fit for Brigitte due to its lack of self­determined choice of activities and community inclusion with non­disabled peers. Jack knew from follow­up conversations with parents of Leach graduates that many of their son/daughter’s were also receiving this type of programming in similar segregated center­based sites or choosing not to participate at all and staying at home. It was also evident that families and caregivers were extremely limited in their knowledge of opportunities offered in the community for their sons and daughters. Families and caregivers working on behalf of adults with disabilities also made Jack and Terri aware of their frustration by their lack of success in attempting to navigate a fragmented system of supports.

2013

After seeing how happy and engaged Brigitte was when she made, with family support, self­determined choices of community activities with non­disabled peers in her community, i.e., auditing classes at a university, volunteering at the Food Bank and Firefly concert, engaged in recreational opportunities that led to her becoming a real part of her community, EPIC’s, decided that this was the type of opportunity that others with disabilities should be afforded supporting a purposeful and rewarding life.

2014

EPIC’s Board also determined that the organization will work closely with families and caregivers to improve their navigational skills of Delaware’s disability support system. This improvement will be facilitated through their personalized and group training in their access to EPIC’s official website, use of social media venues. Serving as prominent “voices of advocacy” within Delaware’s disability community, EPIC staff members will continually advocate for the rights of people with disabilities to have equal opportunities for: living and participating fully within their communities; developing personal and lasting relationships with other members of their communities, and; developing and improving their individual life skill levels. With the support and encouragement of the Department of Health and Social Services, the Division of Developmental Disability Services, the DD Council, families, caregivers, agencies, university and legislative leaders, and culmination of a successful fund­raising campaign, EPIC plans to initiate a pilot program in 2015 supporting ten clients in self-directed activities within their community.

FAQs

What services does EPIC offer?

EPIC offers customized health and wellness fitness programming within the inclusive setting of the Bear/Glasgow YMCA.

Who are your services available to?

Adults ages 18 and older with moderate to severe physical and/or intellectual Disabilities who are clients of the Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services and/or Medicaid.

Does EPIC provide transportation to the Bear Y?

No, clients coming to the Y would use paratransit or be driven by family, friends or caregivers.

Does EPIC charge for its services?

In general there are no fees for EPIC services. EPIC is a DDDS vendor and reimbursed for services provided to clients covered by DDDS or Medicaid.

Where does EPIC’s funding come from?

EPIC’s funding comes from a variety of sources. EPIC has a contract with the Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) and Medicaid to provide programming. EPIC hosts several fundraising events each year, and relies on donations from individuals and grants from foundations, corporations to fund its current initiatives.

Where does EPIC provide services?

EPIC is a statewide organization. However, as a new non-profit organization programming is currently taking place at the Bear/Glasgow YMCA but plans to expand in the future throughout the YMCA’s of Delaware.

Do you have to live in Delaware to receive EPIC services?

You must be a Delaware resident and client of DDDS or Delaware Medicaid to receive EPIC services.

Can I attend another day program or work while using EPIC’s services?

Yes, since EPIC is a part-time program you may also attend another program when you are not at EPIC.

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EPIC MISSION STATEMENT

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Supporting the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities through meaningful, self-determined inclusive fitness and social skills activities leading to more productive and active lifestyles.

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Educating clients, families, and caregivers about “wrap around” social services support and medical resources available for individuals with disabilities within their community.

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Supporting the right for people with disabilities to interact in their communities, develop personal and lasting relationships, and increase their individual skills.

Our 3 EPIC Initiatives

Community Integration

Community Integration

Assisting persons with disabilities in developing friendships while accessing, with emerging independence, venues of their choice in integrated settings within the community. We are able to assist our consumers in this endeavor by providing a web of community-based services and supports. Consumers will be supported one on one when needed with hopes of fading this support to “natural supports” in the community.

Raising Expectations

Raising Expectations

EPIC actively works to educate and develop partnerships with the client's family and caregivers; particularly encouraging families, caregivers and persons with disabilities to dream and raise their expectations for meaningful community participation, thus raising expectations in the community.

Self-Advocacy

Self-Advocacy

We wish to teach our consumers self-advocacy skills and support them as they advocate for themselves and others on a state and national level. We wish to give our consumers and their families the skills to educate legislators and the broader community about issues that are important to them; the outcome being improving the lives of people with disabilities.

Board of Directors

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Terri Hancharick

Chair

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Jack Jadach

Vice Chair

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Elorm Ahiamadje

Board Member

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Emmanuel Jenkins

Board Member

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Dr. Allen Friedland

Board Member

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Carol Shrader

Board Member

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Paul Specht, CPA

Board Member

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Bill Monaghan

Board Member

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Gary Heckert

Board Member