The Epic Center was born out of a personal journey—and a deep desire to fill a critical gap in services for young adults with disabilities. After their son Coleman aged out of post-22 programming, Bill and Janet Fennelly were struck by the lack of meaningful, ongoing opportunities for social engagement, learning, and growth.

Traditionally, kids like Coleman moved from integrated special education programs into state funded day programs, known as Community Based Day Services (CBDS).  But a post-covid labor shortage, along with a burgeoning rise in the over-22 disabled population has maxed out the existing system, leaving hundreds of families without programming. 

Helpless, families attempted to piece together meaningful days for their kids, but a lack of appropriate activities left most families resorting to simple outings, like trips to the mall, to a movie, to the library or museum.  Some said they spent hours going for walks.  Parents posted on social media and parent support groups seeking help, looking for options, looking for peers and social connections.  Unilaterally, they lamented the unbearable loneliness of their kids and the corresponding regression from the isolation. 

Janet and Bill knew something had to change. With their son’s future in mind and their hearts full of hope, they began searching for a space to bring their vision to life. That search led them to a charming 1692 farmhouse—quaint, warm, and full of character. From the moment they stepped on the grounds, they knew it was something special.