Happy Hearts Dance Party!

Heidi Avent, Family Engagement Specialist, dressed as the ECS Happy Heart. February 2023.

The day before Valentine's Day, ECS Head Start families came together for a night of love, laughter, and joy at the Happy Hearts Dance Party.

As families began to arrive, the room quickly filled with people of all ages coming together with the same goal: to create positive parent-child interactions and promote healthy hearts through dancing.

Over 40 families (80+ adults and approximately 120 children) attended the event. The room was filled with laughter, love, and warmth as parents and children enjoyed the moment with song and dance.

The Parent Committee representatives were on hand to help oversee the flow of the dance and ensure that everything ran smoothly. Their unwavering commitment to the event and tireless efforts to make it a reality was greatly appreciated by all. Bringing smiles to everyone's faces, Ms. Heidi stole the show while dressed in the Healthy Heart and bee costumes.

Community partners, SBCS First 5, FHCSD Lead Awareness, and Molina Health, were also in attendance, sharing valuable information and goodies with families. Their presence at the event was invaluable and greatly appreciated by all.

In the end, it was a night filled with gratitude, kindness, and dedication to creating positive change in the lives of families. The Family Engagement Team was grateful for everyone who had made the event possible and looks forward to continuing to work together to make a difference in the lives of families in the community.

ECS families enjoying the Happy Hearts Dance Party. February 2023.

ECS families dance the night away at the Happy Hearts Dance Party. February 2023.

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.

• The 1619 Project: An ongoing New York Times Magazine initiative that aims to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the center of our nation’s narrative.
  

• The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. is the only national museum devoted exclusively to documenting African American history and culture. The NMAAHC is open to all; anyone can participate, collaborate, and learn more about African American history and culture.
  

• Consider supporting local Black-owned restaurants and businesses right here in your community.

-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.