A “Head Start” Toward Success

DiMaggio, former Head Start student, receives his diploma from Wagner College. *May 2023.

SAN DIEGO — Before entering the Head Start program, Yanina and her son DiMaggio were trying to get by. They needed resources to help their situation, especially regarding DiMaggio’s education. “My son was at daycare before he started the program,” Yanina said. “Little to nothing was about learning or education.” Luckily, after two years of non-nurturing childcare, Yanina’s family found their way to ECS Head Start. DiMaggio was a Head Start student for three years, and “once he started kindergarten, he was ready and always wanted to learn more,” his mother shared. Yanina expressed how Head Start “helped our son excel in his scholastics and gave him a strong foundation while making learning fun.” 

Now DiMaggio is leading a successful and fulfilling life. He landed scholarships, graduated magna cum laude, and is pursuing his CPA degree. His mother believes that Head Start set DiMaggio up for success and is proud of their participation in the program. One of Yanina’s granddaughters is currently attending Head Start, and she already sees how the program is giving her a strong foundation and setting her on a trajectory of success, just like it did for her uncle.

Heidi Avent (third from left), Family Engagement Specialist, and Rosa Cabrera-Jaime (fourth from left), Director of Early Education and Family Engagement, enjoy themselves with other Head Start staff. September 2022.

Head Start offers quality childcare, education, and wraparound services through Center-Based and Home-Based programs. Rosa Cabrera-Jaime, ECS’ Director of Early Education & Family Services, discussed the quality childcare that ECS provides. “Our classrooms are smaller in ratio, so we really connect and develop relationships,” Cabrera-Jaime stated, explaining how the teachers and staff ensure that “our children are ready, not just academically, but socially and emotionally.”

The program creates a trajectory of success for students and their families. “Head Start is known for removing barriers from families so they can return to the job force,” Cabrera-Jaime explained. One example of this success is Heidi Avent, a former Head Start parent, and the program’s current Family Engagement Specialist. Avent had two sons go through the program, and when they enrolled, she became a volunteer. Now, she’s been working with Head Start for nearly 30 years. “It feels like I haven’t worked a day in 26 years,” Avent said. “I feel like I’m going to my family. That’s what it’s been to me all these years.” Avent expressed her appreciation for how the program helped her learn to advocate for her kids and equip her with the necessary resources.

Montgomery Head Start students play, learn, and grow during class. May 2023.

One of the most significant advantages of Head Start is the resources that assist families like Yanina’s and the Avents. Head Start cares for and educates its students, but the support offered by the program goes further than that. Many who qualify struggle with issues such as accessing healthcare, food, and shelter, finding services for children with disabilities, or combatting domestic violence. Head Start also has many clients receiving public assistance, in foster care, recently migrated, or first-generation U.S. citizens. Wraparound services such as family and community engagement programs, parenting education, child developmental screenings, services for children with disabilities and pregnant women, behavioral health services, and referrals help these difficult situations. 

Yanina shared how helpful these resources were for her. “I’m so grateful and glad I was part of the ECS family,” said Yanina. Heidi Avent certainly reciprocated the feeling. “[Head Start] benefited our whole household,” she said. “They equipped me with the tools to become a better person and parent.” Avent finished off her story by stating, “Head Start works. They broke the cycle of poverty in my family.” Now she is helping do the same for thousands of other families.

Head Start is free for qualifying families. Eligibility includes CalFresh/SNAP recipients, CalWORKs/TANF recipients, SSI recipients, Foster/Kinship families, families experiencing homelessness, and low-income families. The program is available to children ages 0-5, and additional services are offered to pregnant women. “As soon as the mom becomes pregnant, that’s when the education begins, and we work with those parents from prenatal to age five,” Cabrera-Jaime explained.

Head Start is one of several community-based programs offered by ECS. To learn more, visit ecscalifornia.org. 

*Caption date may not be exact.

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.