A New Generation of Impact: Community Inclusion in Action

posted on Thursday, July 10, 2025

“We truly could not serve the community at this capacity without these dedicated volunteers."
— Ellie Rogaczewski, The Salvation Army Waterloo/Cedar Falls

If you attended this year’s More Than You See benefit, you heard this quote firsthand. As a dozen of volunteers - who also happen to be served by EPI - stood on stage, Ellie shared how transformational their contributions have been.

In the past, traditional day habilitation programs often limited time in the community and restricted opportunities for engagement or self-directed scheduling. These rigid systems placed unnecessary barriers between people and full participation in life.

We knew something had to change.

Today, the people we support are choosing their own paths—filling their days with activities that matter to them. Whether it’s volunteering at the Salvation Army, focusing on health and wellness, participating in recreation, or connecting socially, the key difference now is freedom of choice.

That’s the heart of My Life, My Way, EPI’s enhancement to Supported Community Living (SCL) and a next-generation approach to service. It’s person-led. It’s flexible. And it’s working.

One of the most powerful examples of this impact is our growing partnership with The Salvation Army of Waterloo/Cedar Falls. Earlier this year, EPI was named their 2024 Volunteer Group of the Year—a recognition that speaks volumes about what’s possible when people of all abilities are given the opportunity to contribute and connect.

But this isn’t just an award—it’s a movement.

Each week, a dedicated group of volunteers, served by EPI, show up with purpose to help operate The Salvation Army’s Food Pantry and Community Meal Program. Their work helps ensure thousands across the Cedar Valley have access to nourishment and support.

“There are no less than 10 people from EPI volunteering each week—serving meals, running the pantry," Ellie said. "We truly could not serve the community at this capacity without them."

Their contributions in the last year alone are staggering:

• 30% of 8,048 total pantry volunteer hours came from individuals supported by EPI.
• They helped distribute over 189,000 pounds of food to local families.
• They contributed 25% of the volunteer hours serving over 9,500 community meals.

And while the numbers are impressive, it’s the personal connections that leave the biggest impact.

Ellie shared a moving story about Preston, an EPI volunteer who has developed a close bond with another community member through their shared service. Together, they’ve become an efficient team—waiting for each other before starting tasks, working side by side, and building genuine friendship.

Ellie described how Preston and his volunteer partner light up when sharing life updates and how their connection reflects the very best of what community can offer. In a moving moment, she presented Preston with a framed photo of the two of them working alongside of one another. Preston then held the photo up to the crowd, smiling ear to ear, a symbol of joy, pride, and belonging.

“These individuals behind me,” Ellie concluded, “are not only making a difference in how we serve thousands of people—they’re enriching the experience for the other volunteers, too. They’re making others show up more fully, because they now feel a sense of belonging to their community.”

These aren’t just outcomes—they’re the foundation of My Life, My Way, and the future of disability services. EPI is proud to have redefined what support can look like: flexible, person-led, and rooted in real community connection.

To the EPI volunteers—thank you for your dedication, your compassion, and your belief in the power of showing up. You’re not just helping your neighbors—you’re transforming your community.

To our community - thank you for your acceptance and support in building a more inclusive Cedar Valley.

Together, we are proving what's possible - one self-led experience at a time.