ECS Honors Black History Month

Explore educational resources for a deeper understanding of Black History and American history. February 2023.

As we celebrate Black History Month, let us take this opportunity to honor and recognize the immense contributions of Black Americans to our country. Let’s celebrate their achievements and reflect on the ongoing journey towards achieving our nation’s founding ideals of freedom and equality for all. The story of Black Americans is one of determination and resilience in the face of adversity. The remnants of past and present-day injustices remind us that work still needs to be done. Discriminatory housing practices, excessive use of force by law enforcement, and unequal access to healthcare are a few examples of why we must unite to progress as a nation.

As an agency, ECS is committed to creating an equitable society for all. As our CEO, Elizabeth Fitzsimons, recently wrote, “as an organization, we value belonging and are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all we do. This includes speaking out against injustices and promoting a society where everyone can live free from fear.” Elizabeth’s powerful words are worth repeating today and every day.

The DEI committee invites you to immerse yourself in the history of Black Americans and their struggles for freedom. Visit the links below to learn more.

-ECS DEI Committee

Episcopal Community Services Achieves Award-Winning Status

Step into a world of impact and inspiration with Episcopal Community Services (ECS), the proud recipient of the 2023 Kaleidoscope Award for Good Governance. Presented by The Nonprofit Institute (NPI) at the University of San Diego (USD), this award recognizes ECS' exceptional board governance and commitment to creating a better future for the community it serves.

At the 19th Annual Nonprofit Governance Symposium in January, ECS was celebrated for its strategic planning efforts and innovative approaches. Our board and staff members attended the event to receive the award, network with peers, and gain new insights to bring back to the organization. With a collaborative approach, ECS' board and staff work together to drive growth and impact through thoughtful planning and effective decision-making.

ECS never settles for the status quo; we're constantly evolving and changing to stay ahead of the curve. This includes implementing a self-perpetuating board, a focus on diversity and representation, regular committee charter updates, and a commitment to expanding our reach and impact. With a shared vision of creating an abundant and equitable society where everyone has the potential to succeed, our dedicated board members are making a difference every day.

Are you ready to take your community impact to the next level? Join ECS as a board or subcommittee member and make a difference in your community. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please email efitzsimons@ecscalifornia.org.

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Celebrate with us at the annual Moonlight Ball on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the beautiful Humphreys Half Moon Inn. This elegant fundraiser will feature fine dining, live music, dancing, and exciting auctions, all while raising critical funds for ECS programs serving individuals and families facing homelessness, behavioral health issues, substance use disorders, and early childhood education needs. Purchase your tickets at www.ECScalifornia.org/moonlightball. 

ECS board & staff members attend the 19th Annual Nonprofit Governance Symposium to receive the Kaleidoscope Award for Good Governance. Watch the ECS Kaleidoscope Award Video. January 2023.

Head Start Ventures to Washington, D.C.

ECS Head Start parent, leadership team, and other professionals with Richard Kirk McPike, Congressman Mark Takano’s Chief of Staff in Washington, D.C. January 2023.

ECS just returned from a productive trip to Washington, D.C., for the 2023 National Head Start Association Winter Leadership Institute. The Institute provided valuable information, networking opportunities, and the chance to engage with members of Congress and their staff.

Our team had the privilege of meeting with Representative Sara Jacobs, Congressman Mark Takano’s Chief of Staff, Richard Kirk McPike, and Congressman Juan Vargas’ staff members.

ECS Head Start parent, leadership team, and other professionals at the National Head Start Association Winter Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C. January 2023.

We appreciate our Head Start parent and leadership team for representing us so well: Stacie Perez, VP of Programs, Hazzy Pipo, VP of Administration, Linda Borja, Interim Head Start Director, Nerissa Torralba, Head Start District Manager, and Masada Ellis, Head Start Father & Chairperson of our Policy Committee.

The Nonprofit Institute at USD Recognizes Three Local Nonprofits for their Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. OFFICE OF MEDIA RELATIONS

January 19, 2023
Contact: Cameran Zech
619-260-7448
press@sandiego.edu

The Nonprofit Institute at USD Recognizes Three Local Nonprofits for their Leadership
The Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego just announced the 2023 winners of the prestigious Kaleidoscope Award for Good Governance at their Annual Nonprofit Governance Symposium. Like a kaleidoscope, nonprofit governance is intricate, varied, and constantly evolving. For the past 16 years, this award has recognized, celebrated, and promoted effective, engaged board leadership in the San Diego region's nonprofit sector.

This year’s award winners are:

According to The Nonprofit Institute’s recent State of Nonprofits and Philanthropy Report, San Diego County nonprofits are well positioned to innovate to meet challenging community needs and advance the quality of life in our region. However, the sector’s ability to realize its full potential is most immediately threatened by the impacts of inflation and competition for qualified workers. Furthermore, as fewer people are able to make ends meet due to the impacts of inflation, demand for nonprofit services will continue to go up.

“This year’s Kaleidoscope Awards recognize exemplary nonprofit board leadership during a particularly challenging few years,” said Emily Young, Executive Director of The Nonprofit Institute. “We believe it is important to highlight the role that strong and effective governance plays in ensuring that nonprofits can extend their missions for the greatest good of our communities.”

The Nonprofit Institute provides education, training and research to strengthen organizations that help meet community needs. The Nonprofit Institute’s work represents a broader commitment by the University of San Diego to serve as an anchor institution dedicated to benefitting our region.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO
The University of San Diego sets the standard for an engaged, contemporary Catholic university where innovative Changemakers confront humanity’s urgent challenges. With more than 8,000 students from 75 countries and 44 states, USD is the youngest independent institution on the U.S. News & World Report list of top 100 universities in the United States. USD’s eight academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Knauss School of Business, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the School of Law, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education. In 2021, USD was named a “Laudato Si’ University” by the Vatican with a seven-year commitment to address humanity’s urgent challenges by working together to take care of our common home.