EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies Rides for Inclusion at Bike to the Beach New York

The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies proudly participated in the 2025 Bike to the Beach New York, a charity cycling event dedicated to raising awareness and support for individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The event brought together hundreds of riders, volunteers and supporters to celebrate inclusion, community and determination, all while raising critical funds for local nonprofit partners.

“What an incredible day to see so many people come together with one shared goal to make the world more inclusive and supportive for people with autism,” said Lisa Burch, CEO/President of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies. “Our riders, donors and volunteers embody what EPIC stands for: empowerment, education and compassion. Every mile pedaled represents hope and opportunity for the individuals and families we serve.”

Bike to the Beach is more than a cycling challenge; it’s a national movement connecting fitness, philanthropy and community impact. Riders took part in scenic routes ranging from 25 to 100 miles, all culminating in an inspiring finish line celebration at the beach. The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies team rode in support all the way from Battery Park in Manhattan to Smith Point Beach, Long Island. Along the way, participants were cheered on by volunteers and community members who share a passion for creating awareness and promoting acceptance.

Manny Melendez, Captain of the EPIC Cycling Team, who are also members of the FDNY Cycling Team, led EPIC’s participation in this year’s event with tremendous enthusiasm and dedication. In the days leading up to the ride, Melendez joined EPIC’s Day Habilitation program in East Meadow for Special Olympics Day, rallying participants and staff to get involved and raise awareness about the upcoming event. His leadership and commitment reflected the spirit of unity and empowerment that drives the Bike to the Beach mission.

This year’s event supported numerous nonprofit partners and The +ADD Impact Network, whose mission is to build more efficient autism and disABILITIES support networks in communities nationwide. Together, these partnerships help expand access to critical programs, promote inclusivity and create lasting impact for individuals and families living with autism and related challenges.

Through community-driven initiatives like Bike to the Beach, EPIC continues its mission to provide life-changing advocacy, education and healthcare resources for more than 10,000 individuals and families across Long Island.

The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies comprises three organizations that provide advocacy and healthcare resources for families and communities throughout Long Island. EPIC Long Island operates a Day Habilitation program in East Meadow along with 18 group homes located throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties and provides clinical services for children and adults who have developmental disabilities. These facilities are led by incredible caregivers who offer support and help facilitate wonderful experiences and programs for those in their care. Each of EPIC Long Island’s residences is unique, and the individuals who live there have various abilities as well as life challenges.

The Epilepsy Foundation Long Island helps raise awareness and provides vital advocacy and resources for the more than 35,000 Long Islanders who have been diagnosed with epilepsy and suffer from seizures. This includes providing community education in schools and healthcare venues and offering Seizure First Aid Certification to help train Long Islanders to provide immediate care for someone experiencing a seizure. Surprisingly, 1 in 10 people will experience a seizure in their lifetime.

The South Shore Guidance Center in Freeport is an outpatient behavioral health clinic within the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies. It provides a wide range of care for Long Islanders of all ages to accommodate the unique needs of children, adolescents, and adults. This includes individual, group, and family psychotherapy, substance use treatment, crisis stabilization, and medication-assisted treatment.
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