EPIC

10/22/2026

Inclusive employment matters because everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute, grow, and be valued for what they bring to the workplace.

As we continue recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re highlighting Precision Planting and the importance of employers who create space for people of all abilities to succeed.

Inclusive employment can build confidence, independence, purpose, and connection. It gives people the opportunity to develop their skills, earn an income, be part of a team, and take pride in the work they do.

It also strengthens workplaces. When employers recognize talent, embrace different perspectives, and focus on what people can do, they help create stronger teams and a more inclusive community.

We’re grateful to Precision Planting for being part of that effort and for supporting meaningful employment opportunities.

Because inclusion at work doesn’t just benefit one person, it benefits all of us.

10/21/2026

Today could be the day you find your next opportunity!

The EP!C Career Fair is happening TODAY, and we’re excited to meet you!
We’re currently hiring for multiple positions and looking for people who want more than just a job, people who want an opportunity to learn, grow, connect, and make a difference.

Come by, meet members of the EP!C team, learn about our open positions, and discover how you could become part of our mission.

📅 TODAY — Wednesday, October 21
- 3:00–7:00 p.m.
- EP!C Townline

Whether you already know EP!C or you’re learning about us for the first time, come as you are and start a conversation with us.

Your next opportunity might be waiting at EP!C. We hope to see you this afternoon!

10/19/2026

The holiday countdown is ON! Just ONE MONTH until Tinsel the Town!

EP!Casso is getting ready to bring some extra creativity and holiday cheer to this year's Tinsel the Town!

Our talented artists will have their one-of-a-kind artwork available for purchase, making it the perfect opportunity to find a unique, meaningful gift for someone special.

Whether you're shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, we hope you'll stop by the EP!Casso booth and celebrate the creativity of the people we support!

Mark your calendars!

Thursday, November 19 | 5–9 p.m.

Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino, East Peoria
stayhappening.com

Learn more and purchase tickets: https://www.tinselthetown.com/

We can't wait to see you there!

10/16/2026

Step by step, we’re building a more inclusive community.

EP!C is excited to be part of Autism Walk 2026 this weekend at Peoria Stadium!
Join us from 8:00–10:30 a.m. for a morning of connection, awareness, and community support. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Central Illinois Autism Association and the work they do throughout our region.

Be sure to stop by the EP!C resource table while you’re there! We’d love to connect, share information about our programs and services, and answer any questions you may have.

We’re proud to support events that bring people together, celebrate neurodiversity, and strengthen resources for individuals and families in our community.

We hope to see you there!

10/15/2026

Springfield, we’ll see you tonight!

EP!C is excited to be part of ‘Shoes, Brews & Biz with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

We’re looking forward to an evening of connecting with local businesses, meeting new people, and sharing more about the work happening at EP!C.

If you’re attending, be sure to stop by our booth and say hello. We’d love to tell you more about our programs, services, and the ways we’re working to empower people and inspire capabilities across our communities.

Tonight | 5:00–8:30 p.m.
LRS Hangar
820 S. Airport Drive, Springfield

Learn more about the event here:
https://business.gscc.org/events/details/shoes-brews-biz-27033

Come enjoy a fun night out, make some new connections, and be sure to find EP!C while you’re there!

'Shoes, Brews Biz! Craft B**r Tastings, Unique Horseshoes, Cool Cars Motorcycles, and a Business Expo All Wrapped Into One. For Chamber Members Chamber members can secure a booth (6-8 foot table, 2 chairs) to showcase their products and services. Two (2) tickets to the event are included with each b...

10/15/2026

Strength. Determination. Opportunity.

As we continue celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re highlighting Anytime Fitness and the role inclusive employers play in helping people turn their goals into careers.

One of the people EP!C supports worked hard to earn their personal training certification and is now putting those skills to work with Anytime Fitness.
That journey represents exactly what NDEAM is about: recognizing talent, supporting growth, and creating opportunities for people to contribute in meaningful ways.

Employment should be about more than simply having a job. It should be an opportunity to build skills, pursue passions, gain independence, and be valued for what you bring to the team.

Thank you, Anytime Fitness, for helping create an inclusive workplace where talent and determination have room to grow.

We’re proud to celebrate this accomplishment and the employers who help make stories like this possible.

10/13/2026

Looking for a career where the work you do truly matters?

EP!C is growing, and we’re looking for caring, dedicated people to join our team!
Come meet us at the EP!C Career Fair on Wednesday, October 21, and learn about the many positions currently available across our organization. Whether you’re looking for a new career path, ready for a change, or simply curious about what it’s like to work at EP!C, we’d love to meet you.

EP!C Career Fair
- Wednesday, October 21
- 3:00–7:00 p.m.
- EP!C Townline

At EP!C, our team helps empower people, inspire capabilities, and make a meaningful difference in our community every day. Come discover where your talents might fit into our mission.

Stop by anytime between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. and explore what your next chapter could look like with EP!C!

10/12/2026

The Festival of Lights is almost here!

Join us for the 2026 Utsav Diwali Gala: Bollyverse, Diwali Through the Ages, a vibrant celebration of culture, community, music, and movement.
This year’s performance will take audiences on a journey through the eras of Bollywood, brought to life through the choreography and creativity of PJ Dance Academy, in partnership with the Indo-American Society of Peoria and EP!C.
Come experience an evening filled with dazzling performances, colorful costumes, meaningful tradition, and a gala dinner — all while supporting EP!C and the people we serve.

Saturday, October 24 | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 25 | 4:00 p.m.
Five Points Washington

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available:
https://bit.ly/Diwali26

Celebrate light. Celebrate culture. Celebrate community.

10/10/2026

Sometimes, the most meaningful thing we can do is listen.

Today is World Mental Health Day, a reminder that mental health matters and that every person's experiences deserve to be heard, understood, and respected.

This year's theme, "Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change," reminds us that people with firsthand experience should have a voice in shaping the support, services, and decisions that affect their lives.

At EP!C, we believe in empowering people to express their needs, make their own choices, and have a meaningful voice in their lives.

Whether it's checking in with someone, making space for an honest conversation, or listening without judgment, we all have a part to play in creating a more understanding and supportive community.

Let's do more than listen. Let's make sure every voice has the opportunity to create change.

10/08/2026

We are sad to share the passing of former staff member and volunteer Sandi Purtscher.

Sandi retired from PARC/EP!C in 2013 after 23.5 years of service. During her time here, she wore many hats, including 1 on 1 support for individuals, a communications instructor including ASL, and support in our PARC Assistive Technology Services program.

After retirement, Sandi still spent much of her time dedicated to people supported by EP!C whether teaching ASL classes for staff or attending support meetings for those who needed help translating to ensure their voices were heard and needs were met.

The community lost a committed advocate and a true friend who will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with Jim and their girls during this time.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/peoria-il/sandra-purtscher-13062112?fbclid=IwY2xjawUx3fVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mA2JyaWQRMXUyRVp4eG93UlBtUldiSzBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81MTQ3NzE1NjkyMjgwNjEAAR78D9J-7LeOBi1helBVi-Qt2ahEMTgfEQOxKCILlLfr665N4J5rYP6PWMKfXQ_aem_Um34B2ywoBGqv6jplh7wOA