EPIC- Every Person Influences Children is pleased to announce that they have received support from the Office of Children and Family Services Family Opportunity Center funding. EPIC was awarded $1.8 million over the next three years to open centers in Niagara and Cattaraugus Counties. 

“We are incredibly excited to continue to grow our presence and have a greater capacity to serve families in Niagara and Cattaraugus counties through this innovative endeavor,” says Tara N. Burgess, EPIC’s Executive Director. “This funding will allow us to provide support and resources in these two communities. Additionally, a portion of the funding will go directly to the families served to help with emergent needs, which is a groundbreaking way of thinking about families and the barriers they may experience when trying to provide for their children.” 

The centers will work in partnership with the local Departments of Social Services, community organizations, and school districts in the two counties. EPIC will provide case management support and several evidence-based programs with the goal of strengthening families and improving the safety and wellbeing of children and families.

“Niagara County Department of Social Services is incredibly excited to work with EPIC and have their support in helping serve families within our Niagara County community," says Billie Tylec, Director of Services at Niagara County DSS. "This will be such a great resource and have such a positive impact on families and children!”

Anthony Turano, Commissioner of the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services, agrees. "We appreciate the opportunity to create partnerships to aide in our ongoing work to engage and strengthen families in Cattaraugus County," he says. "Rural communities like ours have similar challenges when working with families but often struggle with having adequate community partners. EPIC will help fill those gaps in services." 

EPIC will implement programs such as Incredible Years, Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP), and Strong African American Families (SAAF) through this funding. EPIC offers these and other programs to families throughout Western New York. 

“EPIC currently has active partnerships with community groups and schools in Niagara County and a direct contract with Salamanca City Central School District, so expanding EPIC’s services in those regions made so much sense,” says Sam Costa, EPIC’s Board Chair.

For more information on the Centers, please contact EPIC's Director of Development and Marketing, Liz Vetrano.