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.

Advocating for Healthy Development Services

Last Friday, ECS leaders Rosa Cabrera, Embrie Tapia, Stacie Perez, and Board Member Chris Cate joined Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, the Children First Collective, and other advocates to address critical funding challenges for Healthy Development Services (HDS), a vital program supported by First 5 San Diego.

Healthy Development Services allows ECS to expand its services and make a greater impact on families. February 2025.

With HDS funding at risk, the discussion focused on potential cuts that could impact thousands of children and their communities. ECS highlighted its role in providing Behavioral Health Level 3 services through Para Las Familias since the implementation of HDS, emphasizing the importance of early intervention programs.

Together, we’re striving to protect the resources that strengthen our community and ensure every child has the support they need to thrive.

ECS Supports Head Start in D.C.

In light of recent federal funding discussions, ECS advocates for Head Start and the key support it offers to our community. January 2025.

ECS and MAAC in Washington, D.C., for National Head Start Association's Winter Leadership Institute, advocating for early learning, engaging in professional development, and meeting with lawmakers—including visits to the offices of Representatives Darrell E. Issa and Juan Vargas.

With key funding decisions underway, we’re ensuring that Congress understands the vital role Head Start plays in supporting children, families, and communities. Together, we’re raising our voices to protect and expand access to early learning programs.

Annual Regional Task Force on Homelessness

ECS VP of Programs Stacie Perez and Director of Behavioral Health Services Embrie Tapia assist the #WeAllCount data collection so San Diego can address homelessness in a meaningful way. January 2025.

Yesterday morning, ECS VP of Programs Stacie Perez and Director of Behavioral Health Services Embrie Tapia participated in the annual Regional Task Force on Homelessness' #WeAllCount volunteer data collection effort. This initiative gathers vital information about the needs of people experiencing homelessness in our community. The data collected helps raise awareness and drive meaningful action to address homelessness.

Stacie and Embrie were joined by various community partners, including the San Diego Rescue Mission, to support this important effort.