EPIC’s mission has three tiers: 1) is to meet the needs of the elderly 2) adults with special needs 3) random acts of kindness and compassion. One aspect of sharing compassion with others is to provide companionship and organize physical and social opportunities for residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and day centers for adults with special needs.
Some examples of the services EPIC has provided are calling bingo, playing cards (10 Point Pitch), providing transportation, doctor appointments, volunteering opportunities in the community, and facilitating physical activities once a week for adults with special needs at Pathfinders Inc. I have collected and donated items such as bingo prizes, puzzles, crossword puzzles, teddy bears, socks, blankets, relaxing music and cd players for local rehabilitation centers. Bicycling, hiking, and volunteering with adults with special needs have also been part of my volunteer services.
My services have been, and always will be, free to anyone in need. EPIC has operated solely through the donation of goods, money and volunteers, as well as my own personal contributions.
EPIC faces
Christy Ralph
Executive Director
My love and concern for the aging population have motivated me to start a 501c3 non-profit called EPIC Compassionaries (Embracing People in Compassion), in January of 2014. I began to visit with a friend’s mother who was in a local health and rehab center. As I talked and developed a relationship with her and the other residents, I became acutely aware of the lack of companionship, socialization and creative opportunities available to the elderly. To gain understanding and experience, I attended Ombudsman training, Circle of Life Hospice training, and received a CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) license from Northwest Arkansas Community College.
Mckinney AKA “Mickey”
Executive Director
Mickey is named after Gelene McKinney who was one of my first elderly friends who needed a companion. Her daughter was talking with the owner of Golden Valley Doodles one day about how EPIC is assisting her mom. The breeder decided to donate a Double Doodle which is a mix of a Goldendoodle and a Labradoodle to be trained as a therapy dog. Mickey has been trained with Amanda at Dogtastic in Fayetteville. Mickey’s certifications include Love on a Leash Therapy Dog, Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine, and Urban Canine Good Citizen. We volunteer mostly in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, VA Hospital, and schools.