Page 7 - 2020 Annual Report

SUCCESSES IN LINE WITH

STATE INITIATIVES

Community Based Services
At EPIC we encourage community exploration to build appropriate social interactions by tapping
into what people enjoy. We offer a variety of activities, so we can observe behaviors of those who
cannot use verbal speech to express their wishes and dislikes. Through this process, we can
determine ways to best support a person live a productive life.

Pictured in the photo to the right, is Tracye where she is standing
backstage with vocalist Zack T. Brown. Tracye and her EPIC
support staff attended the Publick Playhouse in Cheverly,
Maryland where she enjoyed the Memphis Gold Blues Band. As
well as being fun, “research says people who go to more concerts
are happier and healthier than people who do not. Music has been
shown to decrease the release of stress hormones and pain relief
by releasing endorphins, neurotransmitters that block pain.” This
experience for Tracye helped meet her outcome that involves
taking part in activities she enjoys and exploring new ones.

Visit our Facebook page for more stories on how EPIC helps
people meet goals in a fun and exploratory way. Check out
postings about visits to the Westphalia Community Center, Local
Gyms, Movie Theater, and much more.

Employment First
EPIC continues to move steadily to ensure that people with developmental disabilities can work
and be just as effective and important to our communities as everyone else. Earlier in the year,
our team successfully empowered 90% of individuals in our employment program to engage and
maintain employment that have competitive wages. The pandemic forced furloughs of 13% of this
number and we ended our year with 78% of people employed. Although times were challenging,
many people retained employment, such as Diron, featured below.

Our team seeks employment opportunities and encourages people we support to engage in job
searches like the October Job Fair hosted by Prince George’s County Department of Family
Services, Aging and Disabilities Services Division.

10 Years on the JOB!

EPIC congratulations to Diron who was honored by Goodwill

Industries for his 10 years of service to the organization. We
also commend our supported employment team for their

dedication to helping adults with developmental disabilities to
get and keep meaningful jobs.