How it Works

EPIC Zone welcomes all youth ages 12-17, providing opportunities and experiences to support youth to identify needs which drive the programming content.  We seek member input to share power for program decision making. Providing an environment and atmosphere with an emphasis for safe space is the premise for expectations.  

 At EPIC Zone youth walk into a safe space, our space offers a home like setting, with a staff to youth ratio that allows for more individualized relationship development.  We can get to know them, and they get to know us so we can increase and support resiliency through asset building.  We strive to meet members where they are at.   EPIC Zone operates as a drop-in, members can come every day, once a week, once a month it doesn’t matter EPIC zone will be that safe space -not just -environmentally safe but emotionally, spiritually, holistically.  

Our priority is to build relationships with our members at their pace and embrace all situations.  To help achieve this priority we intentionally practice the Developmental Relationships framework from the Search Institute.   Our intentions are to help youth process through their needs and desires, to help them identify barriers and frustrations and to problem solve solutions.  We hope to enhance skills and successes of our valued youth members so they can contribute to their community.    Relationship development is foremost and achieved through everyday interactions and noticing the small things.  Conversations open about a variety of topics that come up and the start of natural youth driven engagement begins.  We work closely with our members to help them discover their strengths and appreciate who they are as unique individuals.  In addition, we are providing many of the 40 developmental assets framework, also from the Search Institute, increasing assets, reduces risk factors.  

EPIC Zone is funded by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports with The Partnership for Ontario County as the fiduciary agent.  We have been in existence since June of 2016.  We were able to get off the ground through our collaboration with the Geneva Community Center through use of the facility.  It was exciting to have our members begin asking for our own space to gain a sense of ownership and freedom to express themselves. We currently are located at 21 Worthington Avenue in Geneva.  EPIC Zone creates and provide a variety of options daily.  We also regularly collaborate with other agencies, individuals and entities to provide opportunities from those with expertise in certain areas for positive youth experiences.   We welcome resources that youth may benefit from and fit well with our program.