Strong communities are built through collaboration and leadership. We are excited to welcome Byron Furdge, Jennifer [Last Name], and Jocelyn Vana to the Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning (EPEL) Board of Directors. Their diverse backgrounds in business, finance, community engagement, and leadership will help guide our mission of creating equitable opportunities for young children and ... Read more

From Neighborhood Park to Parent Leaders Children do not get themselves ready for school. School readiness happens when families and communities are engaged, informed, equipped, and supported. It takes a coordinated system of supports—early learning, family literacy, health care, and community connections—to help children thrive. When families are connected to trusted resources and invited into ... Read more

Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning (EPEL) is honored to share that we were recognized by School District U-46 as the 2026 Business Partner of the Year at the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on March 4. U-46 Chief of Staff Brian Lindholm presented the award to EPEL Executive Director Amber Peters during the Chamber’s annual meeting. “EPEL has been a vital partner to ... Read more

Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning (EPEL) is honored to share that we received the Community Engagement Award from The Basics, Inc. Network while attending the national conference in Boston. This recognition celebrates the collective work happening across the Greater Elgin Area to support young children and families through The Basics of Greater Elgin. It reflects the power of partnership—when organizations, educators, ... Read more

Dear EPEL Partners and Friends, This past year, EPEL has experienced remarkable growth with the addition of The Basics of Greater Elgin under our umbrella and a new full-time staff member to lead this exciting work. Our reach and impact continue to expand as partners, families, and community champions step forward with passion and purpose—meeting ... Read more

Introducing middle school students to future career paths helps them see what’s possible and start envisioning how they can make a difference. Events like the Explore event, hosted by the Alignment Collaborative for Education, give students the chance to connect with professionals who inspire them to dream big. EPEL Board Member Joy D’Amico, founder of Elevate & Sustain, LLC ... Read more

We’re honored to share that the SBB Research Group Foundation has answered the call for early childhood by investing in Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning (EPEL). This generous support will strengthen EPEL’s efforts to engage, inform, and equip families — ensuring every young child in the Greater Elgin area has the opportunity to thrive and ... Read more

Connect & Play is a free, bilingual playgroup for families with children birth to five. Families gather in welcoming, neighborhood-based settings to explore play-based learning, build early literacy and social-emotional skills, and connect with other parents and caregivers. Each session includes hands-on activities, story time, and take-home resources that extend learning at home. Guided by The Basics ... Read more