OUR HISTORY
For over five decades, we have provided support, resources, programs and services to individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
During our long history, we have focused on delivering holistic, person-centred service with the ultimate goal of empowering people in community and improving overall quality of life. Our belief that all people are valued members of our community inspires our goal to build inclusive communities and help individuals thrive in everyday life.
Epic – A Noteworthy Name
From 1972 to 2010, we operated under the name Hope Centre Inc. In June 2010, we began using the name Epic Opportunities. This new name reflects our goal of Empowering People In Community – advocating for people with intellectual disabilities and providing meaningful opportunities for all people to participate and connect with their communities.
The Beginning
The Christian Reformed Churches of Winnipeg founded Hope Centre Inc. in 1972 to provide outreach and support to people living in the north end of Winnipeg.
The original location on Alfred Avenue was torn down in 1981. Using grant money from the City of Winnipeg, a new location was built at 240 Powers Street.
By 1983, the organization had grown so much that it was necessary to re-structure into Hope Centre Health Care, Hope Centre Ministries and Hope Centre Inc. (now Epic Opportunities). These three organizations share a common history , but now operate independently. Eventually, our services expanded to all areas within the City of Winnipeg. Our head office, where employees providing leadership and administration supports to the entire organization operate from, is currently located at 200-1600 Ness Avenue.
Establishing Services to Empower People in Community
In 1976, a needs assessment showed that people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities needed more support services and programs and would benefit from an informal church structure.
To respond to this need, the Christian Reformed Church began offering services at Hope Centre Church in September 1977.
In 1981, the board of directors worked with the Province of Manitoba to develop our first day service for adults. It was located in the basement of Aberdeen Mennonite Church until construction at the new location – 240 Powers Street – was completed.
In 1987, Hope Centre began supporting four people to live in a house of their own. By 2010, people were supported in more than 40 homes in Winnipeg.
Over the years, our services expanded to include supported independent living in 1991 and a connections and outreach service for individuals preparing to move into their own home – in 1995. In 2021, we began to invest in the development of additional Home Share opportunities to provide an opportunity for people we serve to share a home with a supportive roommate. This provided an opportunity for people to enjoy the consistency of support from one person, in contrast to a shift-staffed home shared with other housemates and support from multiple staff.
Since these early days, we grew significantly and operated out of numerous locations. Today we are focused on reducing our facility-based services, with a strong desire to promote natural relationships and build opportunities for full inclusion within the community.
Our services have grown and may look very different from these early days, but the passion to demonstrate respect, develop strong relationships, and live out our beliefs for inclusion still influence our daily work.