Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI)

11/07/2025

A huge thank you to our friends at Hogan - Hansen, P.C.! 🙌💙

When they heard that EPI was participating in an Emergency Food Drive to support Iowa families during the SNAP disruption, they didn’t hesitate—they stepped up in a big way.

Their team filled the entire backseat of a truck with donations for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, helping ensure families in our community have access to the food they need right now.

This is what community looks like.
This is what generosity looks like.
And we are so grateful.

Thank you, Hogan Hansen, for your partnership and for leading with heart.

11/06/2025

🛠️ We’re Hiring: Maintenance Technician

Join our team and put your hands-on skills to work making a real difference every day!

As a Maintenance Technician with EPI, you’ll help keep our homes, offices, and facilities safe, comfortable, and running smoothly for the people we support and our staff.

🔧 Now offering a new, competitive wage: $21.59–$22.84/hour
💼 Full-time | Daytime hours | Based in Waterloo, IA

If you have experience in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, or general maintenance — and you’re looking for a role where your work truly matters — we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Apply today: https://tinyurl.com/4f2xhaap

11/06/2025

Now Hiring: Child Care Center Coordinator!

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced leader to oversee daily operations at the Hawkeye Child Development Center - ALC! This role is perfect for someone who wants to make a difference for children, families, and child care staff every day.

If you’re ready to combine your early childhood expertise with leadership impact — this could be your next great opportunity!

✨ Apply today: https://tinyurl.com/mpcess5d

11/04/2025

There’s still time to make a difference! 💙

EPI’s Emergency Food Drive is underway to support the people we serve and local families who may be affected by the ongoing SNAP benefit disruption. Every can, box, or dollar helps ensure no one goes without.

📅 Donate by November 7
📍 Drop off at:
• Northeast Iowa Food Bank (1605 Lafayette St., Waterloo – mark as “EPI”)
• EPI Office (760 Ansborough Avenue, Waterloo)

If you’re able to give, your financial donation will go even further right now — thanks to a 1:1 state match of up to $1 million for Iowa’s six Feeding America food banks, including the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.

💻 Give online here: https://donorbox.org/2025-general-donation-to-neifb

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, the Food Bank has compiled a list of local pantries and meal programs here: https://www.neifb.org/find-help/services-in-your-area

Let’s come together to fill the gap and keep our community strong. 💙

11/01/2025

🎃👻 Happy Halloween from the Hawkeye Child Development Center – ALC! 👻🎃

Our classrooms were full of fun today — from pumpkin carving and painting to festive treats, costumes, and even a few first Halloweens for our littlest friends! 🧡

We love creating memories that make learning fun — and if this looks like the kind of place you’d love to be, we’re hiring! 🌟

👉 Apply today: https://episervice.bamboohr.com/careers/510?source=aWQ9Mw%3D%3D

10/31/2025

As announced by Iowa HHS, November SNAP benefits will not be issued.

If you’re able to help, EPI’s Emergency Food Drive for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank is underway to support the people we serve and local families who may be affected. Every can, box, or dollar helps ensure no one goes without.

Donate by: November 7
Drop off locations:
Northeast Iowa Food Bank – 1605 Lafayette St., Waterloo (mark as “EPI”)
EPI Office – 760 Ansborough Ave., Waterloo
💻 Donate online: https://donorbox.org/general-donation-to-neifb

If you need food assistance, contact 211 Iowa to find a local food pantry:
📞 Call 211
💬 Text your ZIP code to 898211
🌐 Visit 211iowa.org

Due to the federal government shutdown, November SNAP benefits will not be issued.

You will still be able to use any remaining balance on your EBT card after November 1. You can check your EBT balance by calling the number on the back of your card, 800-359-5802, logging into your ConnectEBT account online, or using the ConnectEBT Mobile app. Iowa HHS will continue to process eligibility for the SNAP program at this time. If approved, SNAP cards will be mailed, but no benefits will be loaded onto the card if the shutdown is still in effect. Please visit hhs.iowa.gov/SNAP for updates.

If you need food assistance, please contact 211 Iowa to find a local food pantry.

•Call 211
•Text zip code to 898211
•Visit 211iowa.org
•Download 211 NE + IA app

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