The focus in 2023 has been fundraising, programming, increasing EPIC's volunteer pool, and operations.Several organizational changes have been implemented focused on operational improvements andprogramming at the Westview Village community. Although our focus is currently on the WestviewCommunity off Ventura Ave, Girl Scouts continues at Cabrillo Village, and we continue to exploreadditional activities as opportunities and resources are identified. Here are a few of our important 2023 accomplishments. • Fundraising: We continue to receive donations and sponsors as we identify and apply for communitygiving and grant opportunities. EPIC's first 2023 organized fundraising event, conducted by FirstWednesday's Bob Davis, netted just over $4,000. The real estate community, family and friends were verygenerous, and EPIC received much needed exposure. We also have new sponsors like Port of Huenemeand other foundations. Our fundraising activities have increased our donor pool. EPIC is positioned betterthan ever to begin 2024. Fundraising is a critical activity in Q1 2024. • Outreach: EPIC increased visibility and exposure in Ventura and Ventura County with several newsarticles in the Ventura Breeze highlighting the start and end of our summer programs and initiation of ourfall after school program. EPIC was also included in the November 2023 Ventana in the nonprofitsshowcase edition. Outreach will continue to be a key focus In 2024. • Volunteers; Our volunteer pool hasincreased with residents of the Westview Community and the local community that are drawn to ourmission. We continue to focus on this important operational support which allows us to Implementadditional activities and programs. • Tutoring: Due to new volunteers and funding, Individual tutoring has started for the children that needadditional help with reading and math.• Parent1n1 Support Class: Jim CoJe, PhD, Is leading a parenting support class at Westview. This classis critical In ensuring EPIC not only provides for the children and youth, but that parents come alongsideus with their support and direction. • LION: A class for tweens/teens, Leadership In Our Neighborhood, has started with focus on leadershipskills and character building. • Field Trips: A new EPIC sponsor has provided funding for several field trips outside the community. Atrip to the Rubicon Theatre "The Lifespan of a Fact'', was a big hit and there was an overwhelming "/would do It again". One young person, Cheyanne, Interested In theater, wants to attend the summerprogram and Is planning to apply for a scholarship at the Rubicon. A second trip provided for an outing tothe Ventura harbor on dragon pedal boats for 7 children, another hit; they experienced the ocean andharbor In a fun way. Charlotte said, "I didn't know they had dragon boats here". • Recently, in celebrating the Christmas season, Kate Simonson, Program Director and resident ofWestview, coordinated seven children (9-16 years old) to participate In packing of shoeboxes forOperation Christmas Child on the Community Presbyterian Church, Ventura campus. The children andseveral young people, understood that there are children in other countries around the world that hadnever received a gift, let alone a shoe box full of gifts specifically for them. The energy and excitementover giving and being able to select gifts for a specific age range and gender resulted in anywhere from 8-13 boxes that were stuffed by each child. One of the younger girls said, "The 9-year-old that gets this boxis going to be so happy". EPIC believes these events outside of Westview Village create lasting memories and make childrenaware of opportunities. Your continued financial support of .EPIC goes towards creating positiveexperiences such as Creative Mondays, Physical Fridays, Girl Scouts and field trips (outings) that help toemphasize character and expand their world beyond Westview Village. We plan to include sailing, bikedub, and skateboarding club as additional funding is realized. We are planning our winter break and after-school programs which depend on donations so we can purchase art supplies, snacks and pay forneeded professionals among other operational expenses. We continue to look for additional volunteers toattend weekly activities and need more tutors. Lastly, this month, EPIC Is emphasizing giving with our children. We are painting rocks with Christmasimages and making gifts to give to other children in a local hospital. In this season of hope, we thank youfor your past and future giving to EPIC. We know that without your support, none of this would bepossible. We ask, If you are able and are drawn to our mission, to consider EPIC In your year end givingto support our winter break and 2024 programs. We are excited about 2024 and what It may bring. Have a Very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, read more... read less