Episcopal Diocese of San Diego Youth Collaborative Night Watch

The EDSD Youth Collaborative Night Watch at St. Paul's Cathedral was a huge success! This event brought together youth from around the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego to create 30 art kits for ECS Head Start. Each kit contained homemade playdough and sensory accessories to encourage creative play, and the youth had a great time collaborating and learning more about ECS.

In addition to creating art kits, the event also included an annual youth Lent retreat for participants in grades 6-12. The youth had the opportunity to connect with others from around the diocese, share the joy of worshiping together, and participate in a service opportunity that benefited ECS Head Start. It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved, and we are so grateful to our partnering agencies, EDSD and St. Paul's Cathedral, for making it all possible.

Thank you to all who participated!

EDSD Youth enjoying the Collaborative Night Watch at St. Paul's Cathedral. March 2023.

EDSD Youth doing arts & crafts at the Collaborative Night Watch at St. Paul's Cathedral. March 2023.

ECS C-HRT Safe Haven in the Board of Supervisors District 4 Behavioral Services Tour

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher & Daniel, an ECS C-HRT client, smile for the camera after a candid conversation. March 2023.

Today, ECS Community Harm Reduction Team (C-HRT) Safe Haven participated in the Board of Supervisors District 4 Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Tour coordinated by Supervisor Nathan Fletcher’s office.

The tour visited several San Diego behavioral health programs/presentations, including A Better Way, North Coastal Live Well Heath Center Crisis Stabilization Unit and Mobile Crisis Response Team, BHS Opioid Epidemic & Opioid Settlement Framework, and ECS C-HRT Safe Haven.

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher sharing insight and program knowledge with tour participants. March 2023.

Tour participants included Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, Representative Scott Peters, and various leaders interested in San Diego’s work around behavioral health from Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, San Francisco, and staff from San Diego’s Congressional delegation. 

ECS C-HRT Safe Haven provides a safe and supportive space for individuals referred by Family Health Centers who deal with chronic homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental illnesses. Our compassionate team provides evidence-based care, with both lived and professional experience, to help clients on their journey to wellness. 

Thank you Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, County of San Diego, and Family Health Services, for your partnership on this important community initiative. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those struggling with behavioral health issues. 

*(C-HRT) Community Harm Reduction Team 

From left to right: Katie Wood, FHCSD Director Substance Use Disorder Services; Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, County of San Diego; Stacie Perez, ECS VP of Programs; Rhonda Brown, County BHS; Betsy Knight, County BHS; and Cara Evans Murray, Deputy Director, County BHS at ECS C-HRT Safe Haven for tour. March 2023.

Love Your Heart Blood Pressure Screenings

On Feb. 17, ECS hosted free community blood pressure screenings at our Chula Vista Family Engagement Center.

Getting your blood pressure checked is important for several reasons:

1. Early detection of high blood pressure: High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, often has no symptoms. Getting your blood pressure checked regularly can help detect hypertension early and allow for timely intervention.

2. Prevention of serious health problems: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and eye problems. Early detection and management of high blood pressure can help prevent these complications.

3. Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment: If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, getting your blood pressure checked regularly helps monitor the effectiveness of your treatment and whether adjustments are needed.

4. Awareness and education: Regular blood pressure checks can raise awareness and educate individuals about the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and making necessary lifestyle changes to achieve this goal.

Healthy Heart on the scene to share a smile with visitors. February 2023.

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.