About Us

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" I wanted to take a moment and tell you what Epoch has meant to our family. In a nutshell it’s been a lifesaver. Having the program available now and when Vaughn was younger, saved our family from asking ourselves what activities can we find for Vaughn. Knowing Vaughn is in a loving and caring place when Vaughn was younger helped with the stress of day to day life. EPOCH provided an outlet for Vaughn to be his true self. The activities along with the occasional trips throughout the year gave Vaughn something to look forward to. As Vaughn began to age out of the program, you allowed him to stay and help out. I believe he will never want to leave your side or EPOCH as the program has truly become his second home. Thank you for all that you have done and being there for everyone who enjoys their time at EPOCH."

" I love EPOCH because the hands on work I get to do with the students. I have become so close and made so many connections with them that we will always have the rest of our lives. I have been going since I was a senior in high school; I am now a senior in college and we all have impacted each other’s lives greatly. I have fallen in love with working with special needs children and am currently working to get my master’s in special education. Without this program, I would not have found my calling and I would not be the person and future teacher I currently am. I am forever grateful for everyone that has impacted me for the better while volunteering for EPOCH."

"As the mother of 4 daughters, I can't say enough about how EPOCH has touched the lives of our family. My youngest daughter, Macclaren, was born with Down Syndrome and has been an active participant with Eileen and the student volunteers at EPOCH since she was 6 years old. The craft activities, singing, dancing, snacks, swimming, mini day trips, and most importantly, the sense of camaraderie among the EPOCH participates and volunteers alike, is what I love about EPOCH. My 3 older daughters grew up with volunteering at EPOCH and their lives have been enriched. They are not afraid of people who might be different than others, they do not walk away, they stay and spend time with a smile and kind words or lend a helping hand if needed."

"Becoming an EPOCH volunteer was one of the best decisions I ever made. Not only did I have fun, make friends and form meaningful connections with the EPOCH students, but I found my career as an occupational therapist! One day when I was a freshman volunteer, I had a conversation with one of the EPOCH students about his day, and he mentioned that he had OT that day and how much fun he had. I went home, looked up occupational therapy, and decided at that moment that occupational therapy was the career for me. Fifteen years after a simple comment, and I am a practicing occupational therapist working with special education students, and I have EPOCH alone to thank for that. Working with the EPOCH students was a rewarding experience that taught me the value of appreciating everyone's differences, the importance of patience, the ability to think on my feet, and how small acts of kindness can have the largest impact. Simply put, without EPOCH, I do not know where I would be today, and I cherish the memories of the years I spent volunteering and working with the EPOCH students."

"I have been working with the EPOCH program and its members for about 8 years now. A program I joined when I was a freshman in high school, continued to attend during college, and still volunteer with. Often when I brag about my time spent at the program, I often get asked, “You still volunteer there?” My response is always; “Yes I do. EPOCH holds a special place in my life, one I couldn’t let go of. It is a place where anyone is free to be themselves without any room for judgment. It has allowed me to form very special, unbreakable bonds with each of our members. The members of the EPOCH program are truly my heart and soul. With their help, I have been able to refine my skills in patience and I have been able to become a more caring and compassionate person. My special connection with each member has allowed me to choose my career path of becoming a nurse. Because of EPOCH the missing puzzle piece to my heart has been found and placed in the right spot."

"When I first joined EPOCH as a volunteer my freshman year, I had no idea that I would become a part of such an incredible and welcoming community of people. Working with the children at EPOCH was some of the most rewarding work I have done in my life. The students I got to see grow over the four years I was there made a lasting impression on me. I had so much fun getting to know each of them during my time there. Although I graduated high school a few years ago, I make sure to visit EPOCH whenever I get the chance to catch up with the students. I’m amazed by how kind and caring everyone at EPOCH is and I am truly grateful for having gotten a chance to be a part of it."

"My son has been an EPOCH participant since first grade.  It is a wonderful place for him and his peers to socialize by playing games, swimming, going on local walking field trips, or just hanging out.  The Program Director and volunteers provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all participants.  One of the few after-school activities we've tried that has never gotten old!"