Elizabeth Fitzsimons Receives CEO of the Year Award

ECS CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons smiles with her Rising Star Award. June 2023.

SAN DIEGO — At the core of ECS’ mission to break barriers and transform communities is the passionate leadership of its CEO, Elizabeth Fitzsimons. Her commitment to this cause has not gone unnoticed. Fitzsimons was recently recognized as a finalist for the San Diego Business Journal’s (SDBJ) CEO of the Year Award, and on June 27, she was honored with the Rising Star CEO of the Year Award. This achievement has filled the ECS board and staff with immense pride.

With a quarter of a century’s experience as a San Diego business professional and two years at the helm of ECS, Fitzsimons has demonstrated transformative leadership with solid business acumen. Her unwavering dedication to ECS’ purpose of cultivating a strong, vibrant, and just San Diego region is evident in her work.

ECS Leadership Team celebrates with Fitzsimon. From left to right: Hazzy Pipo, VP of Administration; Elizabeth Fitzsimons, CEO; Adrienne Wilkerson, Communications Director; Sherri Kelly, Chief of Staff; Rosa Cabrera-Jaime, Director of Early Education & Family Services; and Timothy Whipple, Development Director. June 2023.

Under Fitzsimons’s direction, ECS has seen substantial growth, including the launch of a new safe haven for unhoused individuals grappling with mental and behavioral health issues. She has also boosted the brand’s recognition and credibility in the community, fostered an inclusive work environment, and made it a point to visit various ECS program locations every Thursday. These are just some highlights of Fitzsimons’s effective servant leadership.

Upon receiving the award, Fitzsimons graciously acknowledged SDBJ for spotlighting the positive strides in the San Diego community. She thanked other finalists, ECS board and staff members for their collaborative efforts, ECS clients for their trust, and her husband for his unwavering support.

In her words, “I always leave these awards feeling so good about our community and all the good things that are happening.”

As Fitzsimons celebrates this well-deserved recognition, ECS looks forward to her continued contributions to the organization and the broader San Diego community.

From left to right: Tony Manolatos, Fitzsimon’s husband; Elizabeth Fitzsimons, ECS CEO; and Jessica Grounds, CEO of Corporate Directors Forum prior to the SDBJ CEO of the Year Awards Ceremony. June 2023.

ECS CEO Fitzsimons hugs Girl Scouts of San Diego CEO Carol M. Dedrich after receiving their awards. June 2023.

From Addiction to Empowerment

Stephanie, former CERRC client. April 2023.

SAN DIEGO — Once living in a tent and estranged from her family, Stephanie struggled with substance abuse. Seeking help from CERRC, she embarked on a journey of healing and growth through their comprehensive outpatient treatment services. Battling her inner turmoil, Stephanie persevered with support from her dedicated counselor, Summer Kahoonei. Now, after 20 months clean, she has reconnected with her family, secured a job, and is determined to make a difference in the lives of others.

As she shared her progress, Stephanie expressed her thankfulness, saying, "Miss Summer, I called to let you know I am still doing good and remember everything you said in [the] group. I'm starting school to be a drug and alcohol counselor!"

ECS’ Central East Recovery Center (CERRC) provides treatment and services to individuals struggling with substance use disorders. CERRC’s multifaceted and dedicated team assists with services such as individual counseling, group treatment, assessments, and discharge planning. Clients who are facing other difficulties, such as homelessness or unemployment, will also be provided connections to related community resources.

According to the California Health Care Foundation, in 2021, nine percent of Californians qualified for a substance use disorder, yet only ten percent of those individuals sought help for their illness. Programs like CERRC are essential now more than ever.

With a high success rate, the CERRC program changes lives like Stephanie's daily. Her story highlights the power of determination and support; anyone can overcome challenges and create a brighter future. Please help us continue making an impact by donating today!

PLF Receives Award and Grant from St. Germaine Children's Charity

(From left to right) Janice Farrow, St. Germaine Children’s Charity President-Elect; Elizabeth Fitzsimons, ECS CEO; Katie Christensen, St. Germaine Children’s Charity President; and Timothy Whipple, Development Director, beam with the Barbara Christensen Heart of San Diego Award in hand. June 2023.

SAN DIEGO — June 13 marked a memorable day for ECS’ Para Las Familias (PLF) program, as its noble mission and devoted efforts were celebrated and acknowledged at the St. Germaine Children’s Charity Luncheon. The PLF program was honored with the Barbara Christensen Heart of San Diego Award and a $5,000 grant.

Moreover, ECS’ CEO, Elizabeth Fitzsimons, delivered an impressive keynote address at the event. She emphasized the crucial need for comprehensive behavioral and mental health services, exemplified by programs like PLF within our community.

PLF is unwavering in its goal to disrupt generational trauma and abuse cycles that besiege numerous families, particularly those within underserved communities. Through a wide range of services - including individual and group therapy, parenting support groups, screenings, and others - the clinic works tirelessly to build healthy parent-child relationships, fostering healing from past traumas and paving the way for a brighter future.

ECS extends appreciation for this recognition from St. Germain’s. This grant empowers PLF to continue its essential work in the San Diego community.

Head Start Hosts its Second Annual Art Expo

A Head Start student smiles in a handmade cardboard airplane. June 2023.

SAN DIEGO — June 2 marked a day of vivid creativity at Chula Vista Memorial Park, with the second Annual Art Expo by ECS Head Start ending in resounding success. This event displayed an array of unique art projects meticulously crafted by talented students and dedicated staff from various ECS Head Start locations.

The art display captivated attendees and showcased the enriched environment fostered by ECS Head Start, which allows children to explore the world through creative, hands-on experiences.

The Art Expo also celebrated outstanding achievements with a friendly competition. Capturing the attendees’ admiration, the Reo Center claimed third place, Montgomery Center secured second place, and the Palomar Center won first place.

Whether art presentations received an award or not, the expo exhibited students’ talent and the teachers’ devotion to innovative learning.

Head Start staff member proudly displays a class project. June 2023.

The art expo creations were nothing short of exceptional. June 2023.