posted
by Katie Slade on Tuesday, February 3, 2026
As we look back on the past year, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for how far we’ve come and how boldly we continue to evolve.
This year at EPI has been one of innovation, adaptability, and resilience. Even as the world changes, our mission of connecting people, creating opportunities, and nurturing growth remains unwavering.
Building Community and Advocating for What Matters Most
On the cover you meet a gentleman we serve who recently received an award for this volunteer efforts. What was most important to him was the relationships he's developed with his fellow volunteers. The smile on his face says it all - "I belong, I'm accepted". That's our mission in action - connecting people.
It's the community we all work to build that supports advocacy efforts like saving Medicaid. Our team, families, and advocates stood together to ensure decision-makers understand what quality care requires. Advocacy isn’t just policy work, it’s protecting the systems that make full, connected lives possible.
Empowering Independence
We believe in empowering individuals to achieve greater independence and self-sufficiency. In fact, creating opportunities and nurturing growth, is another major part of our mission. A major milestone this year — through our use of technology to help enhance independence, we're seeing more and more people we serve reach this goal. Several in our employment services are stable in their jobs and no longer need us. A number of individuals achieved their dream of moving into an apartment of their own with hourly services and out of a daily residential setting. And finally, we've been able to move a few back home to Iowa from out-of-state facilities.
Tools like remote monitoring and virtual coaching are empowering individuals to take greater control of their daily lives while staying connected to support when needed, a powerful blend of innovation and compassion changing lives every day.
Supporting Families and Providers
Our Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) team continues to help parents and providers navigate an ever-changing landscape — connecting families to quality care and equipping professionals with tools for success. This year, CCR&R introduced the new Iowa Child Care Roadmap, a statewide guide helping parents find trusted, practical information about choosing and sustaining child care. It’s one more way we’re building stronger beginnings for Iowa families.
Honoring Roots, Embracing the Future
What inspires me most is how our team meets change with both courage and compassion while remaining focused on human connection.
EPI is about people helping people: those we serve, those who serve, and those who support our mission. To our staff, board members, families, partners, and advocates — thank you. Your dedication and creativity keep EPI moving forward.
As we look ahead, we know innovation isn’t just about technology — it’s about imagination, empathy, and hope.
Together, we’re building a future full of promise.
If you’d like to explore more of the stories, achievements, and forward momentum that shaped this past year, take a look at our most recent Community Report.