service

EPAC's public service programs are centered around Delta's Five Point Programmatic Thrust: Economic Development | Educational Development | Physical and Mental Health | Political Awareness and Involvement | International Awareness and Involvement.

Below are just a few initiatives and programs that EPAC sponsors to advance Delta's 5 Point Programmatic Thrust:

Scholarship and academic excellence are core to EPAC's ideals.  Each year at its signature Jazz Brunch and Silent Auction event, EPAC awards scholarships to deserving high school seniors who have distinguished themselves through academic excellence and outstanding public service. In addition, EPAC leverages donations made to the Delta Foundation, a 501c(3) non-profit entity, to fund these scholarships, as well as pledges made from perpetual annual donors. Since 2008, EPAC has awarded more than 25 scholarships to students from Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. 

At its heart, social action is grassroots work within the community to positively effect the lives of everyday people.  Since its chartering, EPAC has focused its social action efforts on Voter Education and Registration, Legislative Advocacy, National Census Participation, and other social action initiatives centered on benefiting the community.  

In the past, EPAC has partnered with the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to develop an Expungement Series. EPAC has successfully assisted several individuals in the process of petitioning the courts for expungement, as well as petitioning for Governor’s pardon. Additionally, EPAC has sponsored school buses to transport voter-age high-schoolers to polls. EPAC has sponsored candidate forums in partnership with area newspapers and other organizations.  

EPAC hosts a wide range of programs and initiatives on the importance of physical and mental health.  In the past, EPAC has hosted events and speakers focused on cardio-vascular disease, diabetes, and mental illness. EPAC has sponsored fitness events and healthy living challenges in an effort to encourage its members and the larger community to become healthier by exercising and eating properly.   Most recently, EPAC has led initiatives to educate the community on the importance of wearing a mask to protect against COVID-19 and to educate the public on the benefits of vaccination.

EPAC is fortunate to partner with organizations and community leaders that share the same public service goals and ideals.  Over the years, EPAC has teamed with local chapters of the NAACP, libraries, area school systems, historical societies, banking institutions, fire & police departments, law firms, hotels, restaurants, local universities & colleges, and area businesses.  

Each year, EPAC recognizes an area organization or individual with its "Friend of EPAC" award. The award is given to a community partner who has worked with EPAC to advance public service initiatives.  In 2021, EPAC gave this award to the Contemporary Arts & Theatre Festival (CATF) in recognition of the organization's partnership with EPAC on Arts & Letters initiatives and in gratitude for CATF's contributions to EPAC's scholarship fund.    

Since its chartering, EPAC has hosted numerous youth initiatives and events.  EPAC’s Delta GEMS is a program created to mentor African American adolescent girls ages 14-18. The program offers a road map for college and career planning by conducting activities focused on self-reflection, individual growth, academic excellence, and goal setting. 

Additionally, EPAC hosts an annual workshop "Degrees Not Debt: Scholarship 101" to provide information about scholarships, financial aid, and general financial planning to address the rising costs of secondary education. 

EPAC has partnered with public school systems and area libraries to expose African American literature to area youth.  EPAC has also partnered with Ranson Elementary School in Jefferson County to implement reading programs and healthy eating initiatives.

Each year, EPAC hosts signature fall and spring fundraisers that benefit its public service initiatives.  In April, EPAC hosts its Jazz Brunch & Silent Auction -- a signature event that shines a spotlight on individuals and entities in the Eastern Panhandle who have distinguished themselves through public service.  At the event, EPAC presents five honors:  an Educator Award, two Service Awards, an Arts & Letters Award, and a Friend of EPAC Award.  EPAC also recognizes deserving high school seniors with scholarships and book awards at the event.  

In the fall, EPAC hosts its Annual Bingo Bash in partnership with the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department.  Local donations from area businesses and friends of the chapter are used towards elaborate prizes.  Proceeds from the event are used to fund EPAC's scholarships and programs.