Promoting Healthy Attitudes and Behaviors of Youth in Southeast Missouri
History
Our Story
EPIC is a non-profit organization formed in 2000 to address the issue of youth substance abuse in our community. The EPIC Coalition works for community change to reduce substance use among youth ages 12-20. EPIC receives the support of many community organizations including the Community Caring Council, New Vision Counseling, local law enforcement agencies, Southeast Missouri State University and other local schools.
EPIC has successfully promoted and supported several programs and publications into our community, helping both children and parents realize the dangers of underage drinking and the negative effects it can have on a young person’s life. EPIC is a member of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America. EPIC currently receives funding from the Drug Free Communities Support Program, Missouri Division of Youth Services and Missouri Foundation for Health.
Mission
To Join together in a common effort to build a health and safe community, reducing the risks of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs while promoting the healthy attitudes and behaviors of youth in Southeast Missouri.
Board
Our board members.
Pastor Phil Roop — Board President
Stacy Taylor – Board Vice President
Danny Johnson – Board Treasurer
Linda Garner – Board Secretary
Bethany Beggs – EPIC Coalition Chair
Sheila Sauer • Donna Bullard • Carly Bowles • Ed Pikes
Staff
Mercedes Fort
Project Director director@epicprevention.org
Shelly Wood
Pals Project Coordinator pals@epicprevention.org
Jessica Belanger
DFC Project Coordinator coordinator@epicprevention.org – 573-587-1921
Committees
ADVOCACY
The Advocacy Committee works to support and promote ideas, activities and policies that reduce youth substance abuse. Advocacy Committee Co-Chairs:
Donna Bullard – dbullard@jackson.k12.mo.us and Rachel Penny – rpenny@CityofCapeGirardeau.org
YOUTH GROUP | COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The Community Outreach Committee works to raise awareness of EPIC throughout the community and to identify and recruit new members to EPIC. Youth Group/Community Outreach Committee Chair:
Bethany Beggs – bbeggs@bbbsemo.org
MEDIA
The Media Committee works to promote EPIC and activities and events that EPIC sponsors. The committee also develops media campaigns to target youth and adult community members. Media Committee Chair:
Nicolette Brennan – nbrennan@CityofCapeGirardeau.org
RESOURCE
The Resource Committee is a newly formed committee that works to secure resources for the EPIC Coalition. Resource Committee Chair:
Melissa Stickel – director@communitycaringcouncil.org
PROGRAM
The Program Committee is a newly formed committee that will focus on asset-building programs for youth in our community. Program Committee Chair
Josh Andrews – andrews.josh21@yahoo.com
