UTSH Taps into Creativity

UTSH residents work on a various art projects. March 2025.

Residents at ECS Uptown Safe Haven (UTSH) tapped into their creativity during another art class, this time painting door signs. The art class projects vary — residents try their hands at everything from creating abstract watercolor pieces and still life drawings to decorating wood cutouts and ornaments. The classes begin with an education session on different art techniques such as mixing prime colors, studying light, and learning about still life.

Residents express their creativity by painting door signs. March 2025.

These classes would not be possible without the dedication of two volunteers: Paula McColl and Gerri Smith. Paula and Gerri are parishioners at St. James-by-the-Sea, and they are also both artists with experience in art instruction. The women plan the projects for each month’s class and provide all of the supplies.

Art classes provide a relaxing positive enrichment activity for residents and allows them to express themselves through a creative outlet.

Residents will have the chance to showcase their finished products at the Art Speaks art show on October 24 at St. James-by-the-Sea. 100% of the proceeds from the sales of each piece at the exhibit go directly to the resident who created the piece.

To learn more about the work UTSH does, visit Uptown Safe Haven — Episcopal Community Services.

Art classes allow residents to learn more about art and relax as they craft. March 2025.

Volunteers from St. James-by-the-Sea give their time and talent to UTSH art classes. March 2025.

Information Regarding Immigration Enforcement Operations

SAN DIEGO — On Jan. 20, the White House passed an Executive Order titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion which states “It is the policy of the United States to faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens, particularly those aliens who threaten the safety or security of the American people.”

Immigration enforcement has increased since January, causing uncertainty for some. February 2025.

Immigration enforcement operations went underway across the US in response to this new Executive Order and others directed toward immigration. These operations are intended to primarily target immigrants with criminal backgrounds, however, there is public concern that immigrants with no criminal record will also be subject to this enforcement.

According to NBC News, in the first week of President Donald Trump’s second term, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had made at least 2,681 arrests. It is currently unclear how many of those arrested have criminal records.

There are roughly 1.4 million people in the US with final orders of removal, but only about 6,000 Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers, making Trump’s goal to deport 600 to 1,000 immigrants a day difficult to achieve logistically. The Trump administration is seeking $175 billion dollars from Congress for immigration enforcement efforts through the next four years. Immigration enforcement authority has been expanded to various federal agencies beyond ICE to assist these efforts.

The Trump administration also expanded “expedited removal” authority, allowing ICE to deport more people without an appearance before an immigration judge, making the deportation process more rapid. Now, anyone who cannot prove they have resided in the United States for two years is subject to expedited removal. The removal policy previously applied only to individuals who had been in the US for less than two weeks and were within 100 miles of the border.

Another change in the immigration landscape since Jan. 20 is the status of “sensitive locations” such as schools and churches. The new administration rescinded sensitive location status, and without that distinction, there is now a possibility that ICE operations could enter these locations.

Immigration enforcement operations are particularly relevant in San Diego as one of the largest US-Mexico border cities. According to CBS 8, San Diego County is home to around 170,000 undocumented immigrants.

Some San Diego-specific updates in terms of increased immigration enforcement and changing policies includes the closure of Jewish Family Service’s migrant shelter and – as a result – the termination of over 100 employees, and a new resolution passed in El Cajon stating that “the city will comply with federal immigration law to remove violent criminals, as much as state law will allow.”

As of now, no ICE activity has been reported at any ECS locations or during home visits. ECS is closely monitoring the situation and will update accordingly.

ECS understands that immigration enforcement policies can create uncertainty and concern in our community. We want to reassure our clients, staff, and neighbors that we remain a safe and supportive space. Guided by our core values of belonging, respect, and empowerment, we are committed to providing resources, education, and assistance to help individuals navigate these situations with confidence. For more information on your rights and available resources, click here to access helpful guides and legal assistance options.

Becoming Whole Again

In 2023, 12% of Americans 18 or older reported at some point in their lives, they had experienced a substance use disorder (SUD). Without a doubt, SUDs present a number of challenges, but one of the most heart-breaking difficulties is the loss of self that many face. Ralph experienced this firsthand. As his SUD enveloped his life, he transformed into a completely different person and needed help finding himself again. 

ECS CERRC helps Ralph reclaim his life and reconnect with the things that bring him joy. October 2024.

Ralph dealt with an SUD for many years. He attended rehab in the past but had been unsuccessful in maintaining sobriety. “I didn’t really think I had a problem then,” he explained.  

The problem escalated when his brother passed away in December of 2023. “It kind of took me over the edge,” Ralph said. He leaned even more heavily into drugs and alcohol. Eventually, he felt as if he was “running around in a haze.” He lost the person he was and began to get into all kinds of trouble. “Life is so much better than going down that road, but I was stealing, I was a bad person, I was angry, I was cursing people out,” he said. “When I saw myself at the end there, I couldn’t believe it was me. It was like a different person.” 

The moment of realization about his situation came after a confrontation with the police. Under the influence, Ralph was tampering with a bus, so the police were called. He resisted arrest and the police broke his leg in an attempt to stop him. As awful as the situation was, Ralph commented “if that hadn’t happened, where would I be... I would’ve probably been dead by now.” 

The court instructed him to go to an SUD treatment program, so Ralph ended up at ECS Central East Regional Recovery Center (CERRC). “God intervened; I really believe that,” he said.  

While he sees the experience as a blessing now, Ralph was hesitant at first. “I didn’t want to be here,” he said, but as he heard the stories of other CERRC clients and began to soak in the information the counselors shared, his perspective began to shift. “I felt good about coming,” Ralph said. “I was eager.” He leapt into recovery and learned tools to prevent relapse. 

As Ralph went through the program and moved further along the path to recovery, he also reconnected with himself. “I see the light. Just doing the right thing,” he said. “I feel great, I mean I’m doing basic life things. I get up and brush my teeth every day, wash my hands every day, work out every day, walk my dog.” At one point, even those everyday tasks were impossible. Now, Ralph is making music, looking for a job, and planning on returning to school to finish his degree. “I made that happen,” he said proudly. 

Ralph graduated from the program in August. He is now attending aftercare and getting involved with different opportunities through ECS such as a grief support system. “ECS has given me a purpose,” he said. 

It can be difficult to make the effort to achieve sobriety and find yourself again, but with the support of a program like CERRC and a leap of faith, anything is possible. “Just walk through the doors. Just go,” Ralph urged. “Participate and listen. It might seem like a long journey over three or four months, but it will go just like that. Get involved. Listen. Try to practice what they’re teaching.” 

To learn more about the work of ECS CERRC visit ecscalifornia.org/central-east-regional-recovery-center.  

Leadership Delegation in Sacramento

ECS CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons and Communications Director Adrienne Wilkerson pose for a group photo at the 2025 Leadership Delegation. February 2025.

ECS CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons and Communications Director Adrienne Wilkerson joined regional leaders for the 2025 Leadership Delegation to Sacramento to advocate for policies that strengthen our community.

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce trip focused on critical issues such as housing, healthcare, sustainability, business resiliency, innovation, and public safety.

Through high-impact discussions with local and state leaders, ECS pushed for stronger policies to support our most vulnerable populations and gained insights into upcoming legislation that will shape our region’s future.

By building relationships and driving meaningful policy change, ECS continues to be a voice for those who need it most. Learn more about our work at ecscalifornia.org.