Behavioral Health Recovery Luncheon

ECS volunteers and board members serve the clients a tasty meal. November 2023.

SAN DIEGO – Last week, clients from ECS CERRC, ACCORD, and our two Safe Havens (Uptown and C-HRT), alongside government representatives, ECS staff, board members, and volunteers, gathered at St. Mark's Episcopal Church for a Thanksgiving Lunch dedicated to recovery.

ECS CERRC, ACCORD, and Safe Haven clients enjoy the recovery luncheon. November 2023.

Throughout the event, participants engaged in meaningful conversations, shared stories of triumph, and fostered new connections within our recovery community—all while enjoying a delightful Thanksgiving meal.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to every participant, volunteer, and supporter whose contributions played a vital role in making this event a success. Your presence and enthusiasm have left a lasting impact, serving as a powerful reminder that the journey to recovery is not a solitary one but a collective achievement.

ECS Awarded PRSA Bernays for Community Relations

The ECS Communications team, Head Start staff, and leadership smile with their PRSA Bernays award. November 2023.

Working closely with ECS Head Start, our communications team — Maria Simpson, Zayda Sarinana, and Adrienne Wilkerson — designed and implemented an impactful multichannel advertising campaign to amplify awareness of the free early childhood education and wraparound services Head Start offers to qualifying families.

In a proud moment, our comms team, Head Start staff, and ECS leadership accepted the PRSA San Diego's Edward L. Bernays Silver Merit Award for Community Relations in the nonprofit category. Blake Nelson, local chapter president, presented this honor.

A huge round of applause to our comms team for this fantastic achievement!

ECS CEO Awarded The Bishop's Cross

ECS Board President, Megan Costello, accepts The Bishop’s Cross Award from The Right Reverend Dr. Susan Brown Snook on Elizabeth Fitzsimons’ behalf. November 2023.

SAN DIEGO – At the esteemed 2023 Diocesan Convention, a noteworthy recognition was awarded to ECS’ CEO, Elizabeth Fitzsimons. The Right Reverend Dr. Susan Brown Snook awarded The Bishop’s Cross to Fitzsimons for her exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the community. ECS’ board president, Megan Costello, graciously accepted the award on her behalf.

EDSD Diocesan Convention. November 2023.

The Bishop’s Cross is a prestigious accolade reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional service within the community. Under Fitzsimons’ guidance, ECS has achieved remarkable milestones, including:

• Expanding the reach of ECS programs to support over 7,000 San Diegans.

• Extending the services of Para Las Familias to children up to age 12.

• Inaugurating the Community Harm Reduction Team (C-HRT) Safe Haven.

EDSD Diocesan Convention. November 2023.

Furthermore, ECS is developing an innovative early childhood center at SDSU Mission Valley. This project, in partnership with an affordable housing developer, emphasizes ECS’ commitment to nurturing the next generation.

And lastly, ECS is in the process of opening a residential substance use disorder treatment program for transition-age youth.

ECS is proud of Fitzsimons being honored as a Bishop’s Cross recipient. Her visionary leadership continues to create significant, positive waves within ECS and the broader San Diego community.

Joan Borgonia Graduates LEAD SD Advance Program

Joan Borgonia, Education & Behavioral Health Manager, showcasing her LEAD San Diego Advance program certificate. November 2023.

SAN DIEGO – Please join us in congratulating Joan Borgonia, Education & Behavioral Health Manager, for graduating from the LEAD San Diego Advance program last night.

Advance is focused on increasing the presence of women in C-suite and community leadership roles and provides the opportunity to establish connections with female executives while enhancing their leadership abilities. We're excited to see Joan's new skills applied to her work for the ECS community.

Congratulations Joan!