EPIC Society

About EPIC Society:

Founded in 1996, the Educational Program Innovations Charity (EPIC) Society aims to “advance marginalized learners through innovation, empathy, volunteerism, diversity and partnership.” EPIC Society focuses on the learning needs of marginalized individuals in Cape Breton, including African Nova Scotians, Mi'kmaq, disadvantaged learners and youth at risk. Its programs include its Youth Peer program, Breakthrough program, Parents PEACE program, and scholarships and volunteerism awards.

EPIC Society’s Youth Peer program is an after-school 1-on-1 mentoring and tutoring program for youth ages 8 to 18 in Cape Breton. Mentors help youth overcome personal obstacles, guiding them through social activities and academic achievements. In F2015, the program made 997 mentor matches (down 13% from F2014), engaging youth over 4,985 program hours. The majority of the participants were junior high students (43% of youth) and elementary school students (33% of youth). EPIC Society reports that school personnel saw a 20% reduction in behavioural concerns, and caregivers saw a 16% increase in youths’ average academic performance

EPIC Society’s Breakthrough program is a Tuesday night program for youth ages 15 to 29 who are current or former Youth Peer participants. The program aims to reduce personal and interpersonal risks, and promote on-going social adaptiveness in marginalized youth. In F2015, the program served 12 youth, averaging 7 participants each week.

EPIC Society’s Parents PEACE program is a weekly parenting workshop for caregivers with school-aged children. In F2015, an average of 6 caregivers attended each week. During the year, guest speakers covered topics such as adolescent mental health, bullying, addictions, anger management and teen sexuality.

Also in F2015, EPIC Society awarded $500 education scholarships to 3 high school graduates. It also awarded 2 Volunteerism Awards of $500 to graduating post-secondary students.

EPIC Society has been the recipient of the William H. Donner Award for excellence in Delivery of Social Services. It has also been a winner in the Services for Children category in 6 of the final 8 years (ended in 2014) it was awarded.

Financial Review:

EPIC Society is a small-cap charity, with donations of $131k in F2015. Its administrative costs are 3% of revenues, and the charity does not report its fundraising costs in its audited financial statements or in its T3010 filing. For every $1 donated to the charity, 97 cents is put towards its programs, falling outside of Ci’s reasonable range. The charity’s funding reserves of $92k result in a program cost coverage ratio of 66%. This means that the charity can run 8 months of its annual programs using its existing reserves.

This charity report is an update that is being reviewed by EPIC Society. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on August 8, 2016 by Lynn Tay.