EPIC Creates Virtual Family Center; Comprehensive Web Presence Part of Oishei Foundation Funded Technology Initiative.

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- EPIC-Every Person Influences Children Inc., a national parenting and character education not-for-profit, announces the launch of its new Web presence, located at www.epicforchildren.org.

Since the founding principle of EPIC is that every person plays a role in the character education of children, EPIC focused its energies on creating an online resource to its primary target audiences: parents, teachers, school administrators, and community members; a place on the Web where they can gain insight into the 'why' and 'how to' of effective parenting and character education.

Vito Borrello, president of EPIC, said, "This Web presence is a significant step toward achieving EPIC's vision of reaching regional and national audiences with our message. It will enable EPIC to build and support relationships that promote effective parenting and the character education of hundreds of thousands of children. Attempted through conventional means, this accomplishment would take tens of years and cost millions of dollars. That's powerful. However, the step would not have been possible without the vision and support of the Oishei Foundation."

The John R. Oishei Foundation awarded EPIC a $500,000 grant that encompassed facilities, development and implementation of distance learning programs; creating a pilot for a potential national parenting television series; and a state-of-the-art Web presence.

Thomas E. Baker, president of the John R. Oishei Foundation, said, "EPIC approached our foundation with a vision for serving families through technology and the media. This comprehensive website positions them to achieve exactly that. They've created a place on the Web where parents, teachers and community members can gain knowledge and become a positive force in the character education of our young people."

EPIC selected Conbrio Design (Buffalo, NY) as its Web-development partner, incorporating content development, Web design and functionality. Conbrio's team included FS Enablers, a provider of Web-based content management solutions, and WEIT Marketing, a content developer, both of Amherst, NY.

The John R. Oishei Foundation

The John R. Oishei Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Buffalo area residents by supporting education, health care, scientific research, and the cultural, social, civic and other charitable needs of the community. The Foundation was established in 1940 by John R. Oishei, founder of Trico Products Corporation, one of the world's leading manufacturers of windshield wiper systems. More information is available at www.oisheifdt.org.

EPIC - Every Person Influence Children, Inc.

EPIC-Every Person Influences Children mission is to help parents, teachers and community members raise children to become responsible and capable adults. A not-for-profit founded in 1980, EPIC offers prevention programs and services that include parenting workshops, educational materials, school curricula and comprehensive training to the most influential persons in a child's life by providing resources for adults about raising responsible and capable children. For more information, call EPIC at 716.332.4100 or visit them at www.epicforchildren.org.