The mission of Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU) is to strengthen and empower children and families facing extraordinary medical, developmental, and parenting challenges.
We do this by:
Our vision is that children grow up in families in which their individual needs are met; their parents have confidence in themselves and their ability to meet the needs of all family members and have a sense of comfort with their personal situations that brings forth an internal sense of empowerment.
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Founded in 1976, EPU started as a support group for the parents of children with Down's syndrome. The name Exceptional Parents Unlimited was chosen because EPU wanted to provide services for the parents of children with all kinds of special needs. The concerns and efforts of these parents became EPU's foundation.
Over the years EPU developed a wide range of programs and services in response to the expressed needs of the families in our community. Today EPU is a national leader in providing and promoting comprehensive, family-centered services through five major EPU programs.
More than 3,000 families receive direct services each year in
English, Spanish, and Hmong. These services are available
through home visits and our urban and rural centers.
See locations for more
information...
EPU's Family Resource Center provides training and support to families through the (Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) Grant and Family Empowerment Center (FEC) Grant.
Since EPU began in 1976, it has grown to a staff of almost 100. This staff includes experienced management personnel, including a Chief Financial Officer who is a Certified Public Accountant, a Human Resources Director, a Development Director, a Director of Evaluation and Data, and five other program managers.
Watch The Story of EPU video...
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In 2003 EPU was honored with the Central Valley Excellence in Business Award in the charitable/non-profit category by The Fresno Bee newspaper, The Fresno Economic Development Corporation, and The Fresno Chamber of Commerce. This prestigious honor is awarded to businesses that demonstrate high ethical standards, financial success and growth, employee and customer service, and concern for our environment.
In 1998 EPU was honored with the Daily Points of Light award by the Points of Light Foundation, founded in 1990 by former President George Bush. The Points of Light Foundation honors individuals and volunteer groups with a commitment to connect Americans through service to meet critical needs in their communities.
Douglas Treisman
Board President
Deputy District Attorney
Paula McGlasson
Board Vice-President
Senior Implementation Manager, Aetna, Inc.
David Hathcoat
Board Treasurer
CPA
New Age Metal Finishing
Kelly Fourchy
Board Secretary
Parent/Volunteer
Gerald S. Cross
Past President
Senior Vice President
Colliers Tingey International
Paula Guzman
Community Supporter/Volunteer
Amy L. Lopez, Esq.
Lopez, Smith, Attorneys at Law
Kyle A. Loreto
Deputy Chief of Staff for Fresno Mayor
Sobie Lozano
Farmers Insurance/parent
Janice Mathurin
Consultant
Juli Ann Mitchell
Owner
Sierra Sport & Racquet Club
Trish Mora, RN, BSN
Continuing Care Service Director
Kaiser Fresno Medical Center
Anita Morris
Managing Probate Investigator
Fresno County Superior Court
Mary Ann Orloff
Jeweler
Betty Riley
Parent/Homemaker
Mort Rosenstein, MD
President, Fresno Regional Foundation
Wendy Wagoner, Esq.
McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard
Wayte & Carruth
Executive Director
Marion M. Karian
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