CERRC Receives Visit from Congresswoman Jacobs

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (left) introduces herself to CERRC staff (right). July 2023.

SAN DIEGO — On July 7, ECS Central East Regional Recovery Center (CERRC) had an exciting day. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs visited the center, toured the facility, learned about the work done at CERRC, and listened to the lived experiences of several CERRC clients.

Jacobs represents California’s 51st Congressional District and has demonstrated her support for the fight against poverty, homelessness, and inadequate education, among other causes, through her involvement in various caucuses and leadership roles. Congresswoman Jacobs expressed her care for the citizens of her district and was excited to meet CERRC clients. 

(From left to right) Angel Ibarra, Assoc. Director of Strategic Partnerships and Government Affairs; Adam Gordon, ECS Board Member; Stacie Perez, VP of Programs; Elizabeth Fitzsimons, ECS CEO; Sara Jacobs, California Congresswoman; Rachel Ahakuelo, CERRC Program Manager; and Summer Kahoonei, CERRC Program Coordinator, smile for the camera prior to Jacobs’ tour. July 2023.

Angel Ibarra, ECS’ Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships and Governmental Affairs, explained why connecting with officials like Sara Jacobs is important for ECS. “We are looking at systemic issues, and to really address those, we need full community collaboration from many different people,” he stated.

This is undoubtedly the case at CERRC, as governmental and community focus on substance use disorder (SUD) is a critical issue in San Diego. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, in 2020, nearly 1000 deaths in the region resulted from overdose. Thousands of individuals are suffering from SUD in our community and need help. CERRC works to prevent such tragedies and helps those struggling with SUD. The CERRC team assists with assessments, individual counseling, group treatment, and discharge planning, among other services and resources, to help clients heal and regain control over their lives. 

Jacobs listens intently as CERRC clients share their journeys of recovery. July 2023.

“Our CERRC program serves over 800 people a year, and every month we house over 100 people,” said Stacie Perez, ECS’ Vice President of Programs. She also shared the incredible progress she has witnessed in clients and the dedication of the staff.  “Our staff are very genuine. A lot of our staff have lived experience, and part of their own mission is to give back what was given to them, and they do that every day in their work here with the people we serve,” said Perez.

ECS is grateful to Congresswoman Jacobs for visiting CERRC. We look forward to working alongside her in continuing our work to have an abundant and equitable society where all have unlimited potential.

UTSH Celebrates Independence Day

UTSH resident Kerri poses with the cupcakes she baked for everyone to enjoy.
July 2023.

SAN DIEGO — During the nationwide Fourth of July celebrations, ECS Uptown Safe Haven (UTSH) residents savored their share of summer fun. UTSH is a residential facility that provides transitional housing and supportive services to chronically homeless single adults grappling with moderate to severe mental health issues. Here, residents experience supportive communal living in an alcohol and drug-free environment.

A delicious holiday spread prepared by UTSH residents.
July 2023.

This Fourth of July, the spirit of community was alive and well. The residents prepared the barbecue; James skillfully sauced the chicken and ribs; Naiar sliced up some refreshing watermelon sides, and Kerri's homemade cupcakes ended the meal on a sweet note. 

As the celebration unfolded, it became clear why Lead Resident Assistant Taliea Burton later declared, "Today's celebration was a huge success." Indeed, the jubilant Fourth of July gathering at UTSH beautifully highlighted the warm sense of community that flourishes within its walls. Resident Assistant Renee Coleman organized the gathering and ensured the event was memorable for those in attendance.

UTSH is more than a facility—it's a home for the residents, a refuge for those battling homelessness and mental health issues. Yet, our mission is propelled by the kindness of individuals like you. If you'd like to join our mission, consider donating to UTSH.

SEIU Negotiations Finalized

SAN DIEGO — We are pleased to announce that ECS has successfully concluded negotiations with SEIU Local 221, the union representing our invaluable team of teachers and Head Start staff. On Wednesday, Jun. 28 SEIU finalized voting, resulting in the members ratifying a new contract.

Over the past few months, we have actively engaged in a collaborative dialogue with SEIU Local 221, focusing on how to best support our teachers and staff. Their commitment to shaping the minds and futures of our learners is a valuable part of our organization, and recognizing their contributions is a point of pride for us.

In these negotiations, we sought to ensure our dedicated professionals received a comprehensive package including competitive wages, bilingual pay, additional incentive pay, and other benefits that align with their critical work. We have worked diligently to negotiate terms that honor our team's commitment to ECS's mission and the impact they have on the communities we serve.

We extend deep appreciation to all involved in these negotiations, including Elizabeth Fitzsimons, CEO; Hazzy Pipo, VP of Administration; Stacie Perez, VP of Programs; Rosa Cabrera-Jaime, Director of Early Childhood Education & Family Services; Linda Borja and Leticia Alvarez, Assistant Head Start Directors; Pamela Flores, HR Manager; and Rhonda Hilliard, Head Start Manager. Your dedication to our mission has been crucial in reaching this milestone. We also want to acknowledge the tenacious efforts of Jim Ryan, our Lead Negotiator. Lastly, we thank the SEIU team for working with us on this effort.

To our teachers and staff, thank you for your patience and perseverance throughout this process. This successful negotiation emphasizes our commitment to you, the driving force behind our education work.

Finally, we are eager to continue our work together, cultivating an environment of mutual respect and support. Our goal remains the same: to empower each individual and family we serve with the resources they need to thrive. And with you, our dedicated staff, we are confident in the strength of our collective future.

Thank you for being a part of the ECS family.

ECS extends gratitude to our Head Start teachers and staff. June 2023.

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.