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.

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.

ECS Celebrates the Grand Opening of Sharia's Closet

Chula Vista, CA — Wednesday night, ECS was thrilled to celebrate the Grand Opening of Sharia’s Closet’s fourth location, housed in the new Family Engagement Center (FEC).

Guests cheer as Mayor McCann cuts the ribbon, officially opening Sharia’s Closet FEC location. January 2025.

The night was a success, filled with a sense of community. Some of the speakers included Sharia’s Closet Founder and CEO Shamine Linton, Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, a representative of the office of Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, and ECS CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons. Guests enjoyed refreshments, heard moving testimonials, and witnessed an official ribbon cutting.

Sharia’s Closet is a nonprofit working to provide free emergency clothing and goods to those experiencing financial hardship or crisis. Whether it be diapers for, clothes for school, or professional attire, Sharia’s Closet is there to lend a helping hand.

Shamine Linton spoke on the partnership of Sharia’s Closet and ECS. “I’m overwhelmed with joy, I’m just so excited and honored for the collaboration and the partnership,” Linton said. “I have always been a partner with ECS as far as supplying and providing clothing, but to be in the same building, this is amazing. ECS and Sharia’s Closet doing the same work, together.”

ECS’ Family Engagement Specialist Heidi Avent echoed Linton’s enthusiasm. “I’m very excited for Sharia’s Closet, as well as ECS,” Avent said. “Having that collaboration and coming together and meeting the needs of our families, that’s the most important thing.”

Sharia’s Closet — located inside FEC — offers new and clean clothing to anyone in need. January 2025.

Since the opening of FEC in August, ECS and Sharia’s Closet have worked side-by-side to provide resources to families in the Chula Vista community. This community partnership is a true testament to the transformative mission of both organizations and how we are truly stronger together.

To learn more about the Family Engagement Center visit ecscalifornia.org/fec.

ECS CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons congratulates Sharia’s Closet on their Grand Opening and expresses gratitude for a bountiful partnership. January 2025.

Many supporters, friends, and clients of Sharia’s Closet attend the Grand Opening. January 2025.