Policies

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At EPiC (Equitable Parenting in Communities), we are committed to creating access and opportunities for all children to thrive. We welcome and serve families from all backgrounds, and we believe that when we work together across our diverse community, we create stronger outcomes for every child.

Nondiscrimination Policy

EPiC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing equal access to our programs, services, and activities for all families.

Our Programs and Services

All EPiC programs, services, and activities are available to eligible participants without regard to:

Race or ethnicity
Color
Religion or creed
Sex or gender identity
National origin or ancestry
Disability status
Age
Any other protected characteristic under applicable law

Our Mission-Driven Focus

While EPiC intentionally centers Black families in our programming—in response to documented educational disparities and systemic barriers that disproportionately impact Black children—our commitment to educational equity extends to all families. We believe that addressing the needs of those most impacted by inequity creates pathways for all children to succeed.

Accessibility Commitment

EPiC is committed to ensuring that our programs, services, and digital platforms are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities.

Physical Accessibility

We strive to host our meetings, events, and programs in accessible locations. If you need accommodations to participate in any EPiC program or event, please contact us at least 72 hours in advance, and we will work to meet your needs.

Digital Accessibility

We are committed to making our website and digital communications accessible to people with disabilities. We continually work to improve the user experience for everyone and apply relevant accessibility standards.

Requesting Accommodations

If you require accommodations to access our programs, services, or website, please contact us:

Email: [info@epic.org]
Phone: [919-283-1196]
Mail: [411
W. Chapel Hill St. Durham, NC 27707]

We will respond to accommodation requests promptly and work with you to ensure meaningful access.

Compliance with Federal Laws

EPiC complies with all applicable federal nondiscrimination and accessibility laws, including but not limited to:

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal financial assistance
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 – Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 – Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs receiving federal financial assistance
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life
The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 – Prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in programs receiving federal financial assistance

Filing a Complaint

If you believe you have experienced discrimination or have been denied access to EPiC programs or services, you have the right to file a complaint.

Internal Grievance Process

Please submit your complaint in writing to:

EPiC Compliance Officer
[Jovonia Lewis, Executive Director]
[411 W. Chapel Hill St. Durham, NC 27707
[info@epic-nc.org]
919-283-1196

Your complaint should include:

Your name and contact information
A description of the alleged discrimination or access barrier
The date(s) of the incident(s)
Names of individuals involved, if known
Any supporting documentation

We will investigate all complaints promptly and confidentially to the extent possible.

External Complaint Options

You also have the right to file a complaint with:

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
[Regional Office Address]
Phone: 1-800-421-3481
Email: OCR@ed.gov
Website: www.ed.gov/ocr

U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530
Phone: (202) 514-4609
Website: www.justice.gov/crt

Translation and Language Access

EPiC is committed to providing language access services to individuals with limited English proficiency. If you need materials translated or require interpretation services, please contact us, and we will work to accommodate your needs.

Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about our nondiscrimination or accessibility policies, or if you need assistance accessing our programs or services, please contact us:

EPiC
Jovonia Lewis, Executive Director
411 W. Chapel Hill St. Durham, NC 27707
Email: info@epic-nc.org

Phone:919-283-1196