Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI)

09/04/2025

🎉 Celebrating our amazing team! 🎉

Please join us in congratulating these dedicated team members on their work anniversaries. 💙 Your commitment makes a difference every day, and we’re grateful to have you as part of the EPI family. Here’s to many more milestones ahead!

09/02/2025

📢 Congress is back in session — and our priorities are clear.

At EPI, we’re focused on protecting access to essential services and advocating for inclusive policies that support individuals with disabilities.

This fall, we’re urging lawmakers to:
✅ Pass the HCBS Relief Act
✅ Support the HEADs UP Act
✅ Remove age limits on Medicaid Buy-In

Medicaid cuts threaten the independence and well-being of thousands of Iowans. Now is the time to act.

🔗 Learn more and take action: https://www.episervice.org/you-can-help/be-informed/advocate-for-us.aspx

09/01/2025

💙 This Labor Day, we’re celebrating the heart of our workforce.

Across homes and communities today, our direct service staff are out making a difference—supporting independence, creating connections, and showing that care doesn’t take a day off.

While our offices are closed, our gratitude is wide open. Thank you to every member of the EPI team for the dedication you bring not just today, but every day.

08/29/2025

🌟 Five Star Friday Spotlight! 🌟
Please join us in congratulating Allison Duff, our July DSP of the Month!

If we had to choose one word to describe Allison, it would be supportive. She’s a compassionate leader, a go-to mentor for new Virtual Connection Center staff, and a fierce advocate for the people we serve. Her positivity uplifts everyone around her, and her integrity shines through in everything she does.

Allison, thank you for being a role model of kindness, advocacy, and leadership. We’re so lucky to have you on the team. Welcome to the Five Star Club! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

08/27/2025

🌟 Our very own Mary Janssen, Director of Children & Family Services, is at it again—sharing her expertise and helping families across Iowa!

Mary can be seen featured here on the City of Waterloo, Iowa - City Hall's page to introduce the Iowa Child Care Roadmap, a brand-new online tool from Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R). This guide helps families find the best child care options in Iowa, all in one easy-to-use place.

Watch the interview to learn how the Roadmap works.
🔗 Try it out here: https://iowachildcareroadmap.org/ or visit www.iowaccrr.org to learn more.

And while you’re at it—join us in wishing Mary a very Happy Birthday! 🎉💙

Curious about the connection between EPI & Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral? Click here: https://www.episervice.org/find-a-service/need/child-care.aspx

08/25/2025

"They teach me little things I can learn every day—like measuring out my cup of coffee,” shared Mannal. “I want to learn how to cook on my own one day. It’d be an honor to do that.”

Everyday independence starts with everyday moments. With discreet technology and a caring team, people supported by EPI are not only staying safe in their homes, but also learning new skills, building confidence, and embracing more choice.

Our newest video shares real stories and voices from those living—and growing—with tech-enabled services.

🎥 Watch the video and read the full blog here: https://www.episervice.org/blog/experience-matters/building-confidence-with-everyday-moments.aspx

08/22/2025

🎉 Big things are happening for child care in the Cedar Valley!

We’re proud of our CCR&R Children & Family Services Director, Mary Janssen, and the entire Cedar Valley Child Care Coalition team for their leadership in making yesterday’s ribbon-cutting at the new Cedar Valley Kids Child Care Center possible.

This milestone reflects the power of collaboration — bringing together families, providers, and community partners to create more access to safe, high-quality child care in our region. 💙

👏 Join us in celebrating this exciting step forward for children and families!

Visit us online to learn more about our connection: https://www.episervice.org/find-a-service/business-organization-services/child-care-coalition.aspx

Cedar Valley Child Care Center Ribbon Cutting CeremonyThursday, August 21, 2025

08/21/2025

Newest Career Opportunity - Business Director!
EPI is seeking a strategic, people-focused leader to oversee finance, compliance, property, fleet, and representative payee services.

Details:
📍 Waterloo, IA | 💼 $71K–$76K | 🚀 Senior manager/supervisor experience

Why EPI?
✅ Full benefits (health, dental, vision—even pet insurance!)
✅ PTO, 401(k) match & student loan forgiveness eligible
✅ Free telemedicine & employee discounts

Bring your expertise in finance + leadership and make an impact where it matters most.

🔗 Apply now: https://episervice.bamboohr.com/careers/588?source=aWQ9Mw%3D%3D

08/21/2025

Big changes for Iowans seeking disability and behavioral health services!

Iowa’s Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new system to make accessing services simpler and more consistent—no matter where you live in the state.

Here’s what’s new:
✔️ Disability Access Points (DAPs) for easier navigation of disability supports
✔️ A more unified Behavioral Health Service System for mental health, substance use, and recovery care
✔️ 24/7 Your Life Iowa helpline remains available for immediate support

At EPI, we believe that clear, accessible systems are key to empowering people with disabilities and their families.

👉 Read our blog to learn how these updates may affect you or someone you love. http://episervice.org/blog/experience-matters/a-new-way-to-access-disability-and-behavioral-health-services-in-iowa.aspx

08/19/2025

We’re Hiring: Payroll Specialist

Exceptional Persons, Inc. is excited to welcome a Payroll Specialist to our Business Office team! Are you dependable, detail-oriented, and passionate about ensuring everyone gets paid accurately and on time? This role could be your perfect match.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:
✔ Work with a mission-driven organization where your precision directly supports people’s independence and quality of life.
✔ Collaborate with a dedicated, team-oriented staff in a role that combines technical accuracy with community impact.
✔ Enjoy the stability and growth of a professional position with tangible results—every paycheck matters.

About the Role:
✔ You’ll manage payroll functions, verify time and attendance, track leave, and assist with payroll-related reporting. You’ll serve as a key link between our team’s efforts and financial operations.

If you’re looking for a role that blends analytical skills with community purpose, this is it!

🔗 Ready to Apply? Click here to view full job details and apply: https://episervice.bamboohr.com/careers/586?source=aWQ9Mw%3D%3D

08/08/2025

🧩Back-to-School Tip for Parents!
This school year, let’s go beyond lunchboxes and meet-the-teacher night. Let’s spark a deeper conversation—talk to your kids about disabilities and inclusion.

Instead of sidestepping questions about differences, encourage curiosity. If your child asks, “Why does that student use a wheelchair?” you can simply say:
“A wheelchair helps them get where they need to go—just like your legs help you. Everyone moves in their own way!”

Here are a few conversation starters:
💙 Embrace curiosity—kids are observant and eager to understand.
💙 Explain honestly and directly—use clear, age-appropriate language to answer their questions.
💙 Use positive language and examples—focus on what kids have in common, not how they differ.
💙 Lean into diversity as a strength—differences enrich our community and conversations.

Want to dive deeper? Read the full blog for more tips on supporting inclusion from home.
👉 https://www.episervice.org/blog/more-than-you-see/embrace-curiosity-.aspx

Let’s help our kids grow up compassionate, curious, and inclusive.