Qlarant Foundation Awards $20,000 Grant to Epoch Dream Center for Mental Wellness and Mentorship Program

Qlarant Foundation presented a $20,000 grant to the Epoch Dream Center (Epoch) as part of the 2024 annual awards. Epoch creates nurturing relationships that empower, mentor, and encourage students in the areas of academics, character development, and social emotional wellness. The Qlarant Foundation grant will help fund the Mental Wellness and Mentor program which provides support, resources, and opportunities for students to reach their greatest potential. Through access to on-site therapeutic sessions and the creation of a safe space, the program provides a platform for students to openly address stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges.

“The Epoch Dream Center was founded on a vision to transform the lives of children whose personal backgrounds and situations have limited their ability to dream beyond their current circumstances,” said Executive Director and Co-founder Joann Blackmon.

In 2013 as part of an effort to help youth break out of the cycle of poverty, unemployment, crime, drug culture, and incarceration in the greater Salisbury area, Blackmon and Co-founder Erin Sheehan began the Epoch Dream Center as an initiative of Eleven 21, Inc., a non-profit, outreach organization assisting the economically disadvantaged. “Epoch launched with just 12 students in second through fourth grades whom the administration of Westside Intermediate School recommended as high risk,” she continued.

What began as a small after-school program now boasts 62 attendees ranging from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Epoch serves the Western Wicomico County communities and surrounding areas and adds a new grade level each year as the oldest students advance. “The 2022 school year was a milestone for the program as the Epoch family celebrated the graduation of its first group of high school seniors,” said Blackmon. “Several have been with Epoch since its beginning years.”

Additionally, mentorship plays a crucial role, pairing students with positive role models who offer guidance on personal growth, academic pursuits, and life skills. Epoch is dedicated to the students they serve providing them opportunities for physical health as well as emotional and mental health. Paralleling Qlarant Foundation’s focus on quality, clarity, and opportunity, Epoch has an on-site therapeutic mentor who oversees and teaches the Mental Wellness and Mentor program.

One student in particular, encapsulates the mission and vision of Epoch. When she first came to Epoch at 8 years old, she had a lack of a support system from her family and faced academic challenges due autism. Through her attendance at Epoch, she found inclusivity and emotional support. The program met her diverse needs, offering individual and group counseling sessions while creating a safe space for her to express herself and navigate through life. The student was paired with a one-on-one mentor who gave her unwavering support and guidance as she grew up. As she continued through the program, she overcame her obstacle and started to excel academically.

As she entered her senior year, she decided to pursue higher education. During that year, she was supported by her Epoch classroom teacher and mentor in applying for scholarship, completing college applications, and finishing her last year of high school. Today, the student is sophomore at her local 4-year university and first-generation college student. She lives on campus and has a part-time job in the registrar’s office. She is a testament to the purpose of Epoch’s program. She is able to now break through generational poverty and start a new chapter for herself because of the relationships fostered and support she received while attending Epoch.

“Epoch offers more than a jam packed schedule of fun and engaging activities for its students,” continued Blackmon. “It also aims to teach youth valuable lessons to promote positive character development. Students learn the value of working hard, loving everyone, respecting authority, and forgiving quickly during their time at Epoch—values that makeup what is known as the “Epoch Code” and are at the core of all programming. Epoch’s students are encouraged to abide by this “Epoch Code” and maintain a high standard of behavior both within the bounds of the program and outside in their schools and communities.”

“We are excited to see the impact that our grant will have on the Epoch Dream Center,” said Qlarant Foundation Chair, Amanda Neal. “By providing the support and guidance these children need, Epoch seeds the opportunity for these students to grow and develop and ultimately improve their communities. Welcome to our team, Epoch.”

about the author

Lisa Blanchfield

Lisa Blanchfield is the Program Coordinator for Qlarant Foundation. Lisa is also an Administrative Assistant at Qlarant and has been with the company for over 30 years. See all posts from Lisa Blanchfield.