EPIC COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC.
ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA

MISSION believes that recovery from addiction, substance use disorders and mental health disorders is real. People can, and do, overcome the internal and external challenges, barriers, and obstacles that confront them. EPIC agrees that addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. EPIC also recognizes that many individuals served by our agency are challenged by a mental health disorder. While treatable, EPIC believes that substance use and mental health disorders impact all areas of an individual’s life, including all of their relationships, vocational/education goals and skills, emotional well-being and their physical health. For both substance use and mental disorders, our commitment is to provide effective, affordable, evidence-based, culturally-sensitive and comprehensive care to impacted individuals and families. EPIC pledges to provide quality services and care to our community’s most vulnerable citizens. We will work to improve understanding in our community about mental and substance use disorders. We will promote emotional health and the prevention of addiction/substance use and mental disorders and will increase access to effective treatment and wellness programs while supporting recovery. EPIC promises that children, adolescents, families, adults and seniors will find the support and help needed through our continuum of care to improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential while on the path to recovery from addiction/substance use disorders and mental health disorders. Dr. Baringer has over 46 years experience as a psychiatrist. He first served as a flight surgeon in the Navy and then studied psychiatry at the University of Mississippi Medical School. In addition to being in private practice, he was also an instructor in psychiatry at the school. He came to Florida in 1971 as an Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at the University of Florida Shands Teaching Hospital in Gainesville. Dr. Baringer then came to St. Augustine as the Medical Director of Tri County Mental Health Services in 1973. Since then, he has had a private practice and also continues to be on the Flagler Hospital Medical Staff. Dr. Baringer provides clinical consultation to the staff at both EPIC campuses and also sees patients. Tami joined EPIC in 2011 as the Finance Coordinator and became the Director of Finance & Human Resources in 2014. She has over ten years experience in the banking industry, serving as a Branch Manager before switching careers to the financial field where she has accrued over 15 years experience in Bookkeeping. She received her Associates degrees in Accounting and Business Administration from St. Johns River State College and is currently pursuing her Accounting degree at St. Leo’s. Tami moved to Florida from Missouri in 2002 to be closer to family. Tami served on the Heath and Safety Committee for four years, currently serves on the Risk Management Committee, and is the Chair of the Staff Development Committee. Teresa has more than 26 years experience working with non-profit organizations. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Masters of Science degree in Counseling & Human Services, both from Florida State University. Her accomplishments include program management, marketing and public relations, special event and fundraising coordination, development and management of training programs, volunteer training, volunteer program management and crisis intervention. During her 17 years at EPIC Behavioral Healthcare, she has been responsible for the management of their community-based prevention programs, the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and the agency fundraising activities and special events. Teresa is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive fund development strategy for the organization. She also serves as our media and public relations specialist. Teresa is a QPR Instructor (Question, Persuade, Refer – a Suicide Prevention strategy). She is also a recipient of the Who’s Who in Prevention Leadership for the State of Florida. Teresa chairs the Cultural Diversity Committee for our company. Tim joined EPIC in December, 2014 as Chef and Facility Manager for the new EPIC Recovery Center. Tim has over 30 years experience in the local restaurant and hospitality industry as chef, partner, and owner and has experienced the many facets of operating service oriented businesses. After ‘retiring’ from restaurant life, he began a new venture in setting up and operating private school lunch programs and also worked with the Council on Aging to modernize their Meals on Wheels and Congregate dining experience. We have ambitious plans for EPIC’s future with the goal of providing an even stronger continuum of care for our citizens who need help with a substance abuse or mental health issue. Your financial support will, and does, assist us in helping others. We could not provide the services that we do without the support of our community members and organizations like you. With your help, we are “Saving Lives…Transforming Families” every day. “EPIC has helped me learn more positive ways to cope with my mental health and has been a good influence for me. I really appreciate all EPIC has done for me and how they’ve helped me make a foundation for my future.” “Thanks EPIC staff for helping me out in my steps to recovery. My heart is full of thanks for you all. Best wishes to all!” “I have had the opportunity to learn through others mistakes and experiences as well as my own. This programs has fostered much thought and provided me with the experience to implement change in my life. I thank everyone at EPIC for providing a positive learning experience.” “I want to express my thanks and gratitude to all of the techs, nurses, doctors, chefs, counselors and our awesome housekeeper. I have learned so much from all of you in these last weeks. I am going to miss all of you so much. You are all so caring and kind, even when we are having a meltdown. Your patience and understanding is such a blessing. I will never forget the people that have gone the extra mile for all of us. Each and every one of you has made a BIG difference in my life and I will always be in your debt. “3rd time is a charm!”