Epic - Every Person Influences Children Inc

In Buffalo 1977, the Wilson family's world was shattered when their beloved wife and mother Linda was murdered by her next-door neighbor, a teenager living in foster care. Linda’s husband, Bob Wilson, was somehow able to choose empathy and forgiveness, despite his unbearable grief, and learned that the teen had been passed through 11 different foster homes and his 15 years on earth were filled with abuse, violence and neglect. So 42 years ago, Bob founded EPIC- Every Person Influences Children, so no family would ever have to experience the immense loss that his family did.

One man's grief has now changed more than one million lives. EPIC has four main departments: Family Engagement, Parenting, Youth Services and Professional Development. We have never forgotten Bob's vision of uniting families, schools and communities together and it is the "why" in everything we do.

Because 60% of teen parents drop out of high school, and 98% don't finish college- that's why there's Just For Teens.

Because 65,000 adults in Buffalo are functionally illiterate- that's why there's Ready, Set, Read.

Because nearly 4,000 parents go through our County court systems each year, desperate to regain custody of their children- that's why there's Families in Transition.

Because no parent should ever have to pull a car seat from a dumpster in an effort to keep their child safe- that's why there's Car Seat Safety.

Because behind EVERY statistic is a story- and we want to help families write their next chapter.

EPIC's mission is strengthening families, building community and raising children who make a positive impact in the world.