To commemorate its 60 years in business, EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc. announced it will donate a total of $60,000 to local nonprofits in the coming months. To-date, EPI-HAB’s “Six Decades of Service” celebration has included giving a $6,000 gift to Lura Turner Homes (LTH) and a $3,000 check to The Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona. 

The next “Six Decades of Service” beneficiary will be Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH).  A check for $10,000 will support the research of Dr. Varina Boerwinkle, a global medical community leader in targeting hard-to-treat tumors that cause epilepsy. Matt Redmann, EPI-HAB’s Executive Director, will present the check in the main reception area at PCH on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 10:00 a.m. 

“A great many employees (past and present), local businesses and individuals worked together to make EPI-HAB thrive and provide six decades of meaningful employment opportunities for those with epilepsy and other challenges,” said Redmann.  “Leading EPI-HAB into our 60th anniversary celebration, I could not be more proud.  To give back to our fellow nonprofits, what better way to say ‘thank you’ to our customers, friends and community for supporting us since 1958?”  

EPI-HAB’s check to LTH was used to bring the organization’s Civitan House into compliance with new utility metering regulations. The donation paid for the required upgrades, which were in turn approved by the utility inspector.

Staying true to the organization’s values, EPI-HAB is a proud, year-round supporter of The Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona, with the most recent donation benefiting its upcoming 5k for Epilepsy Run/Walk in March. Previous donations supported the foundation’s Camp Candlelight and Waves of Change for Epilepsy Gala. 

EPI-HAB was founded in 1958 with the mission to provide meaningful employment to individuals with epilepsy by performing valued work for customers. Over the last six decades, as epilepsy seizure treatment significantly improved, EPI-HAB expanded its mission to welcome employees living with other challenges, such as hearing impairment, physical limitations and mild intellectual disabilities. 

Typical work focuses on hand labor skills, with EPI-HAB often operating as a customer’s production plant and warehouse; receiving, storing and fulfilling orders. All employees are paid at or above minimum wage and have the option of a flexible work schedule. 

“EPI-HAB is unique in that we do not solicit donations or charitable contributions, receive any grants – government or otherwise – nor do we conduct fundraisers,” explained Redmann. “EPI-HAB operates and competes, for the most part, as a for-profit business.”

With that revenue stream, wages and benefits are paid, materials and supplies are purchased, and investments are made in capital improvements. Moreover, excess profits are donated to other not-for-profit organizations which share similar objectives. 

“EPI-HAB represents an ideal combination of ‘helping individuals who need help’ while assisting businesses in need of our flexible services, all without government or taxpayer expense…a true WIN, WIN, WIN,” said Redmann, “and then when we can share the ‘fruits of our 60 years of successes,’ it’s the frosting on our 60th anniversary cake.”