EPIC Long Island’s commitment to excellence is rooted in the belief that education, training and supportive services can help all individuals reach their fullest potential.  Established in 1953 by a small group of parents of children with epilepsy who were determined to see their children lead productive and satisfying lives, our founders worked tirelessly for all those with epilepsy.

Our longevity as an organization and our success in improving the lives of so many individuals throughout the years is a direct result of our planning for changes in the environment and being flexible in our response to the needs of the communities we serve.

Over the years, EPIC Long Island has grown from a small support group for parents to one of Long Island’s leading centers of excellence for providing care, education, support and services to individuals with epilepsy, to individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities and more recently, children and adults with mental health challenges.

The evolution of EPIC Long Island’s services over the years is summarized in the timeline below.  Although our locations and names have changed over time, our commitment to providing critical services to our Long Island community has been steadfast.

1953
United Epilepsy Association197-01 Hillside Avenue, Hollis, NY
Service Population:  38,000 individuals with epilepsy
Programs:  Medical research, clinical and rehabilitation services
Founders: Mike and Rose Lee and Naomi and Barney Silverman
1960

Epilepsy Association of America (Nassau Chapter), 134 Jackson Street, Hempstead; provides educational and social services for individuals with epilepsy.  During this time, Judge Samuel Levine was instrumental in securing a government subsidy from the Nassau Board of Mental Health to support program expansion.

1970

Epilepsy Foundation of Nassau County is established as a chapter of the Epilepsy Foundation of America.

1980

Epilepsy Center of Nassau County moves to larger headquarters, 550 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, and services now include physical and occupational therapy.


Our first Residence for adults with Developmental Disabilities, as well as epilepsy, opens in Hicksville.


1987

A Home Respite Program is implemented to provide short-term assistance for families caring for a loved one with a developmental disability.

1988

Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island is established with expanded services beyond Nassau County to include Suffolk County.

1990

The growth of our residential program continues and we open four more residences bringing our total to ten residential houses.

1999

Moved to a new Garden City location at 506 Stewart Avenue.

2010

The Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island opens a Mental Health Clinic for adults with services available to the entire community.

2012

Rebranding of the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island to EPIC Long Island.  The rebranding reflects the evolution of our agency with the goal to raise awareness of our broad range of services that include not only epilepsy support, education, training and advocacy but multi-layered services for adults with developmental disabilities, as well as adults with mental health challenges.

2014

EPIC Long Island moves to current location at 1500 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow.

2015

Our mental health clinic services expand to include services for children as well as adults.

2016

EPIC Long Island and South Shore Child Guidance Center merge under the umbrella organization of EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, Inc.  Each agency maintains separate nonprofit 501 (c) 3 status and separate Boards.  A Corporate parent Board governs the agency Boards.

“EPIC Long Island is committed to providing superior services and quality care to all the individuals we serve. We welcome anyone with epilepsy, seizure disorders, or physical, intellectual, or emotional challenges, as well as their friends and families. “At EPIC you can expect to receive respect, care, and support from everyone in this organization. I hope you’ll join us and experience all we have to offer.”
– Tom Hopkins, CEO