Our Legacy

Episcopal Community Services (ECS) was founded in 1927 by All Saints’ Episcopal Church to provide chaplaincy to those confined to hospitals and public institutions. The agency was funded by the proceeds of a local thrift shop and the contributions of the 117 paying members. In 1939, a Board of Directors was formed to help set policy. The board expanded the scope of the agency in 1954 to provide programs that would address the welfare as well as the spiritual needs of the San Diego area. ECS was incorporated in 1955 and obtained its first government contract from the County of San Diego to provide chaplaincy services to inmates of San Diego County honor camps. Today, ECS is responsible for the provision of over $18 million of health and human services in San Diego and Riverside counties.

Our Mission

Operating under its mission of serving God by serving those in need, ECS provides comprehensive social services to low-income families and individuals. ECS ensures each client is served without regard for ethnic background, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation or religious creed. Since its inception, ECS has served those who are hurt and neglected, victims of abuse, or suffering the consequences of poor choices. More oftentimes than not, clients represent those who are ostracized by their families, peers and by society in general. Clients suffer from poor self-esteem, lack the belief that they can be loved and accepted, and see only despair and hopelessness in their future. Episcopal Community Services provides programs and services that build a bridge to a brighter future.

Our Ministries

ECS programs encompass a broad range of social services: chronic homelessness, mental health, domestic violence, child and family services, emergency groceries and substance abuse education. Each day, no less than 3,000 individuals benefit from the life-changing services provided by Episcopal Community Services.