AN UPDATE FROM OUR DIRECTOR:

Have you heard of the OneNY Cares Challenge? It kicks off TOMORROW, and EPIC is so excited to be a nonprofit partner!

What it is: since race season was more or less cancelled this year, OneNY created virtual challenges, where people could clock miles on their own time by running, walking or biking, and letting those miles add up until they completed their virtual "race." Tomorrow, a fresh challenge starts and runs through December 24. Routes include "Fenway Park to Yankee Stadium" (200 miles), "Touring the Adirondacks" (800 miles) and several in between.

Here's the best part- all routes cost the same, all participants get a medal and OneNY quarter-zip, AND you can select EPIC as your nonprofit of choice! When you do that, OneNY automatically makes a donation on your behalf, as well as giving you the option to fundraise further. Sweating for a good cause has never been easier- or better for you. Register here today!


In other news:

  • Several school districts saw some last-minute changes this week, so parents, we want to support you however you need it. We've updated our Parenting on Pause page, have our support line and support groups in full effect, and are virtually offering both our tried-and-true parenting programs like Just For Teens as well as newer ones like Triple P. If you are homeschooling or remote learning with your children and need supplemental educational content, EPIC Academy has you covered, and if you're seeking guidance from additional local resources, Kitchen Table Talks can help. Is there something you need that's just not out there? We want to know that too. Our team's top priority is supporting families during yet another massive change.


  • This October, join us for the Buffalo Baby & Toddler Expo: a 4-day virtual event sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY. This year, the expo will be held over the course of four days, entirely via Zoom. We've targeted each day into specific topics, so you can customize your Expo experience and tune in to the parts that matter most to you! Topics like car seat safety, early literacy, breastfeeding support, prenatal yoga, telemedicine, massage therapy, child care information and nutrition demonstrations will still be available. Register here- it's free!


  • Our Heroes nominations have been pouring in, and it's been incredible reading about the acts of kindness and bravery being done in our community. Who is your hero? We want to know. We are collecting nominations for Heroes for one extra week, and winners will be honored throughout our annual Heroes celebration this fall. Click here to submit your nomination!


Stay safe, stay well, and as always, know we are here for you.

Tara
Tara N. Burgess, Executive Director
and the entire EPIC team