posted
on Friday, May 19, 2017
In the year 1957, the number one hit was Elvis Presley’s “All Shook Up”, gas was only 24 cents a gallon, and our president was Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Services for persons with disabilities at this time were virtually non-existent. Families were typically presented with two choices - keep their child at home with very little support or place them in an institution. Something needed to
be done.
Early leaders stepped forward like Bill Brown, Wayne Mooers, Perry Grier, Frances Mills, Helen Henderson, Barb Emerson, Paul Porter, George McGee, Larry McDonald, Al Frerichs, Ethan Akins, Bob Wells, and
many more.
These visionaries brought a ‘can do’ attitude and a determination to make the community a better place for everyone.
On May 21, 1957, EPI became officially incorporated to provide program planning, service coordination, and advocacy for people with disabilities.
What was started by a determined few, is now an organization employing close to 400 staff, serving more than 375 individuals in over a 100 sites in several surrounding communities.
Our environment has been ever-changing in our 60 years. We’ve learned to be ready, evolve, and find the best path forward to provide the highest quality service.
Through the years, one thing has remained the same, the people we serve are at the heart of what we do.