VW Passat Mechanic help – EPC light and car won’t drive

Any help would be appreciated, especially a trusted inexpensive mechanic near i10 and Antoine. My EPC and check engine light came on this morning and my car won’t accelerate without chugging. I got on the freeway and it wouldn’t go past 20 miles per hour. My two little kids were in the car and it scared me. I got it home driving only at 20 mph. I can’t really afford to get it fixed so I’m hoping anyone here has ideas? Thank you!