Press Releases

An epic commitment: Highmark Delaware's crucial support sustains, expands life changing programs for people with disabilities

• EPIC supports people with disabilities through two programs: EPIC Day Services and EPIC Abilities
• Services provided at multiple YMCAs throughout the state
• Six-figure commitment helps improve health and well-being of nearly 150 Delawareans with special needs

Wilmington, Del. (December 4, 2024) — Endless Possibilities in the Community (EPIC), a Newark based nonprofit specializing in community-based health and wellness programming for people with disabilities, has expanded the reach and impact of its activities thanks to recent financial support from Highmark Delaware. The six-figure investment helped EPIC maintain its EPIC Abilities inclusive and adaptive fitness program at its most popular site and extend the EPIC Day Services program’s reach to additional locations throughout the state.

EPIC provides individualized services through its two programs. EPIC Day Services, supported by the Division for Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS), provides day services for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. EPIC Abilities is a pilot program for adults with physical disabilities not supported by DDDS.

Highmark Health Options (HHO DE), through support from its Health Equity Fund, financed the continuation of EPIC Abilities programming at the Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA through the end of the year when its most recent grant funding was sunset this summer. Disbanding EPIC Abilities at that location would have displaced 25 individuals with disabilities benefitting from an individualized health and fitness approach in specially designed areas.

“Our members played an important role in our financial support of EPIC Abilities as they speak very highly of the value and benefit it provides them and their caregivers,” said Todd Graham, president, Highmark Health Options. “Based on this member feedback, we intentionally provided a funding amount that would enable EPIC to continue at the Bear-Glasgow YMCA through the end of the year and expand the program at that site to up to 50 people. This expansion allows long-term services and supports members, both at Highmark and at other managed care organizations, who have been on a waiting list to be admitted into the program.”

Graham added, “We thank the state and the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, which was the most recent funder of the program, for bettering the lives of our members through its support of EPIC Abilities.”

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware (Highmark BCBS DE) also made a substantial investment in EPIC this year through its Blueprints for the Community grant program at the Delaware Community Foundation. This generous support underscores Highmark BCBS DE's strong commitment to EPIC's vision of empowering individuals with disabilities. The investment has directly contributed to EPIC's Strategic and Sustainable Expansion Plan, enabling the organization to provide more meaningful, self-determined, and inclusive health and wellness opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Highmark Delaware's continued support demonstrates its unwavering belief in EPIC's mission and its dedication to creating a more equitable and accessible community for all.

EPIC Abilities provides year-round 90-minute exercise sessions, nutrition and health education to its participants. Exercise has been shown to manage body weight, improve mental health and lower the risks for chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Various health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have documented the increased prevalence of these conditions in adults with disabilities. Ancillary program benefits include reduced isolation and increased independence.

The Blueprints for the Community commitment earlier this year funded the expansion of EPIC Day Services to four additional YMCA locations throughout Delaware, including Western Family, Brandywine, and Dover, and the hiring of 10 new staff. EPIC increased the capacity of the Hockessin Athletic Club site from two days of services to a full week. Monies also support program delivery costs, staff training and development, client transportation costs, adaptive fitness equipment for individuals with disabilities, program supplies, and marketing costs.

"BluePrints for the Community is more than just an investment program; it's a blueprint for a brighter future,” said Nick Moriello, president, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware. “By supporting the fine work of EPIC, we're building a community where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and reach their full potential."

Once the Blueprints for the Community funding has been fully implemented, EPIC will have the capacity to serve up to 40 individuals weekly at each of its four new partner sites. Through the support of Highmark, EPIC has increased the number of Day Services participants from 30 to 119 individuals.

“Highmark Delaware has been instrumental in our ability to maintain and expand our specialized services to help individuals who are unable to receive these services elsewhere,” said Kathryn Luebke, executive director, EPIC. “We know we’re making a difference in people’s lives because they tell us. One of our clients has set a goal of completing a 5k and another wants to walk on their own again. We are making these very personal goals a reality thanks to the support of organizations like Highmark Delaware.”

In addition to Highmark Delaware, the YMCA of Delaware, and the Hockessin Athletic Club, other key EPIC partners include the University of Delaware, DDDS, and the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, along with Christiana Care Health Systems.