EPIC’s story begins with a group of parents who were determined to make a difference in the lives of their children with disabilities. They saw a need for support services after graduation from special education classes and decided to take matters into their own hands. Thus, Southern Maryland Vocational Industries was born in 1985 and developed a trade name in 2012 where we now conduct business as EPIC.
Our Journey to Empowerment
A Vision Takes Shape
As SMVI grew, so did its mission. The organization quickly realized that it could make an even greater impact by helping people with intellectual challenges find meaningful employment. Through partnerships with local businesses and the dedication of our team, we were able to match people with jobs they enjoyed and were skilled at. This not only provided them with a source of income, but also boosted their self-esteem and sense of independence.
Growing to Meet the Needs of Our Community
In 1989, SMVI opened its first community home to accommodate the needs of people with housing limitations. Our services continued to expand as we recognized that each individual’s needs were unique. We began providing support services in the homes of families and customized our care to meet their expressed wishes. We believe that everyone has the right to live a fulfilling life and our services are designed to help them achieve that.
A New Chapter Begins
In 2013, Southern Maryland Vocational Industries underwent a transformation and rebranded as EPIC – Empowering People with Intellectual Challenges. Our name change reflects our evolving mission and commitment to empowering individuals with intellectual challenges to lead fulfilling lives.
Empowering All People with Limited Abilities
As our organization has grown and evolved, we have recognized that people with limited abilities come in many forms. As people age or lose levels of independence due to trauma and they begin to lose mental and physical health, it is important to know that there are services available to encourage them to be as independent as possible. In addition to people with intellectual challenges, we have expanded our services to include support for those who have limitations due to age or physical disability. Our in-home care services now provide vital assistance to people who need help with daily living tasks, medication administration, and complex care but want to remain in the comfort of their own homes. We are committed to empowering all people with limited abilities to achieve greater independence, inclusion, and fulfillment in their lives.
Continuing to Make a Difference
Today, EPIC provides a wide range of support services to adults with limited abilities across Prince George’s, Montgomery, and the Southern Maryland Tri-counties. Our dedicated team of professionals works tirelessly to help people achieve greater independence and inclusion in their communities. We believe that everyone has the capacity to engage in meaningful paid work and our employment support services continue to help people find and maintain jobs they love. Through our residential, day, personal support services, and in-home care services we also assist people with developing daily living skills, coping strategies, and meaningful experiences.
Join Us in Our Journey
Our journey is far from over and we invite you to join us in empowering adults with limited abilities. Whether through volunteering, making a donation, or spreading the word, your support helps us continue to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.