FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Episcopal Community Services Celebrates Success of
Family-to-Family for the Holidays Gift-Giving Program

San Diego, CA – Dec. 27, 2023 – Episcopal Community Services (ECS) is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its annual Family-to-Family for the Holidays gift-giving program. This heartwarming initiative brought joy and Christmas cheer to many San Diego families in need, touching the lives of 315 individuals across 70 client families.

Each family sponsored through this program includes at least one client receiving critical services from ECS in areas such as early childhood education, mental and behavioral health, and substance use disorder treatment. This year's program witnessed not only an outpouring of generosity from the community but also remarkable stories of hope and resilience.

One such story comes from John Hoffman, a former client of an ECS transitional housing program. Having faced homelessness and despair after his discharge from the Navy in the early 1990s, John's life was transformed through the support and guidance he received at ECS. His journey from desperation to becoming a critical care RN is a powerful demonstration of the effect of ECS's work, and his return as a donor this year highlights the organization's full-circle impact.

“I was just discharged from the Navy, homeless, and needed help. The manager there, Linda Thomas, saw the desperation in my eyes and took me in. I lived there for 18 months, went to school, saved money, and met some of the kindest counselors who guided and helped me along the way," John shared in an emotional recount to Angel Ibarra, Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships & Government Affairs, and lead of the Family-to-Family initiative.

Reflecting on John's story, Elizabeth Fitzsimons, ECS CEO, sent a heartfelt message to the staff: "John’s story is a powerful example of the lasting impact ECS makes on the people we serve. Team, thank you for all you do every day to make a difference."

ECS staff members also participated in the program, demonstrating their commitment to the organization's mission. Accompanying this press release are heartwarming photographs showcasing the joy and gratitude of the families involved in the program. These images capture the essence of the holiday spirit fostered by ECS's Family-to-Family program.

About Episcopal Community Services

ECS provides $38 million in comprehensive health and human services, breaking barriers and transforming communities across the San Diego region. Through a range of wraparound programs encompassing early childhood education, mental and behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, and homelessness services, ECS tailors its approach to meet each client’s unique needs. Annually supporting over 7,000 individuals, the organization leverages deep professional expertise and lived experiences to assist clients in realizing their full potential. To learn more about ECS’s transformative impact, please visit https://www.ecscalifornia.org/.

For more information about ECS or to arrange interviews and further media coverage, please contact Adrienne Wilkerson, Communications Director, at awilkerson@ecscalifornia.org or 619-346-8517. ###