Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI)

10/29/2025

Play. Teach. Grow. 💛 We're hiring full and part-time assistant teachers!

Apply online here: https://episervice.bamboohr.com/careers/510?source=aWQ9OQ%3D%3D

10/28/2025

Thank you to the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa for their ongoing support of EPI's mission and our community. We are honored to be among this great group of recipients.

10/27/2025

As previously shared by Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, due to the ongoing federal shutdown, November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be issued.

In anticipation of this disruption, EPI and our staff are launching Fill the Gap: Help Feed Iowa Families — an Emergency Food Drive benefiting the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.

Why it matters: Many of the people we support rely on SNAP, and with them countless families across the Cedar Valley may face food insecurity in the weeks ahead.

You can join us in helping fill the gap by donating nonperishable food and personal care items now through November 7.

📍 Where to Donate
• Northeast Iowa Food Bank (1605 Lafayette St., Waterloo – mark as “EPI”)
• EPI Office (760 Ansborough Avenue, Waterloo)

💡 High-Need Items
Canned meats, peanut butter, soups, cereal, pasta, rice, and personal care essentials.
Together, we can ensure no one goes hungry.

10/25/2025

College students — want a job that means something?

Make a difference, build your resume, and still have time for class, friends, and life.
As a Direct Support Professional with EPI, you’ll support adults with disabilities in living more independently — all while gaining real-world experience in teaching, healthcare, or human services.

Why you’ll love it:
✨ Build meaningful connections
✨ 3–4 day work weeks (hello, flexibility!)
✨ Day and night shifts available
✨ $17–$19.50/hr + paid training (even get paid $9.50 an hour to sleep!)
✨ Real experience. Real purpose. Real impact.

Not just a job — a chance to grow while helping others thrive.

Apply today to start your next chapter: https://episervice.bamboohr.com/careers/535?source=aWQ9Mw%3D%3D
📲 Not looking right now? Share this with a friend who’d be a great fit!

10/24/2025

October DSP of the Month: Miatta Sieh! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Miatta is the definition of dependable—hardworking, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile. She’s the person you can count on to find solutions, take on tough tasks, and do it all with genuine care and compassion.

Her steady leadership and unwavering commitment shine through every day, making her a true reflection of EPI’s Mission and Values. Thank you, Miatta, for the positive impact you make on everyone around you!

Congratulations and welcome to the Five Star Club!

10/23/2025

Help us celebrate Jackie, winner of the 2025 IACP DSP Award! ✨

At EPI, Jackie is lovingly described as “human sunshine.” She brings warmth and a person-centered approach to every interaction—looking past challenges to see the whole person. Whether helping someone maintain housing, navigate benefits, or transform a cluttered home, Jackie pairs compassion with action.

Her path to direct support work came after years in the corporate world and caring for her parents. Now, she’s found her calling—and it shines through in everything she does. Beloved by the people she supports, their families, and her team, Jackie embodies what it means to connect people, create opportunities, and nurture growth.

💛 Congratulations, Jackie! We’re so proud to celebrate you and your incredible impact.

Read more about Jackie’s story and what makes her shine on our blog! https://www.episervice.org/blog/experience-working-at-epi/2025-iacp-dsp-award-winner-jackie-peterson.aspx

10/22/2025

“I love saying hi to everyone staying here and finding out where they are traveling from." - Aquaia

Every story begins with an opportunity — and your support makes it possible.

At Hampton Inn, Aquaia brings joy and connection to every guest she greets. With EPI’s supported employment services, she found a role where she shines — even earning Employee of the Month! Her story is proof that with the right support, people with disabilities thrive with purpose and pride.

📖 Read Aquaia’s full story: https://tinyurl.com/yu5x6s9z

💙 Together, we can ensure every person has the chance to write their own success story. Give a gift today to create more opportunities: https://www.episervice.org/you-can-help/donate-to-epi/

10/21/2025

Please join us in congratulating Kristin Snyder on her promotion to Controller and her new role on EPI’s Leadership Team!

“Kristin has grown tremendously over the past decade, stepping into increasingly complex responsibilities with grace, determination, and vision,” said Katie Slade, EPI’s Executive Director. “She’s a leader who brings both heart and precision to her work, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to our Leadership Team.”

For the past decade, Kristin has been a pillar of our Business Office—leading with integrity, financial expertise, and a deep commitment to EPI’s mission. We’re thrilled to see her continue shaping our future with heart and precision. 💙

Click here to read the full announcement: https://www.episervice.org/blog/experience-working-at-epi/kristin-promoted-to-controller.aspx

10/20/2025

We’re sharing this important update from Iowa HHS regarding potential SNAP benefit delays due to the ongoing federal shutdown. This could impact individuals and families across Iowa — including some of the people we support.

Please take a moment to read the full update and stay informed: https://hhs.iowa.gov/news-release/2025-10-17/iowa-hhs-alerting-snap-recipients-potential-federal-shutdown-impacts

Iowa HHS is alerting Iowans who use SNAP that due to the federal shutdown continuing, there is a possibility that November benefits will not be issued onto cards. Iowa received notification from the Food and Nutrition Service late last week directing the state, and all states nationwide, not to issue November benefits.

Iowa HHS continues to monitor the situation very closely and will provide updates.

See press release here: https://hhs.iowa.gov/news-release/2025-10-17/iowa-hhs-alerting-snap-recipients-potential-federal-shutdown-impacts

10/18/2025

Make every day a little brighter — become a Child Care Assistant Teacher! 🌟

At the Hawkeye Child Development Center – ALC, you’ll help little learners explore, grow, and discover the world around them through play, creativity, and care. From finger paints to first friendships, you’ll be part of so many important milestones! 💛

If you love working with children and want to make a difference in their early years — this is your moment.

📍 Full-time | Waterloo, IA
💼 Great benefits | Supportive team | Meaningful work
👉 Learn more & apply today: https://episervice.bamboohr.com/careers/510?source=aWQ9Mw%3D%3D

10/17/2025

🚒🔥 What an exciting way to spend Fire Prevention Week!

A big thank you to the Waterloo Fire Rescue department for stopping by and teaching our kiddos all about fire safety. They loved seeing the fire truck up close, meeting real firefighters, and learning how to stay safe!

10/15/2025

"With safety in place, I want to learn how to cook on my own one day. It'd be an honor to do that." - Mannal

Every story begins with an opportunity — and your support makes it possible.

Because of EPI’s tech-enabled services, Mannal doesn’t have to worry about her safety. Instead, she can dream big — like learning to cook on her own one day. With peace of mind in place, she’s building skills and confidence for her future.

📖 Read Mannal’s story and watch her video: https://tinyurl.com/ce2k52j6

💙 You may not know Mannal yet, but her journey shows just how far someone can go with the right support. Give a gift today to create more opportunities: https://www.episervice.org/you-can-help/donate-to-epi/