CEO Participates as LEAD Advance Mentor

ECS CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons speaks to the women of the LEAD San Diego Advance program. July 2024.

SAN DIEGO — Authentic leadership shines through mentorship and guidance.

Our CEO, Elizabeth Fitzsimons, is among the respected mentors for the LEAD San Diego ADVANCE program, an initiative of the San Diego Regional Chamber.

The ADVANCE program, designed to elevate women to the highest levels in the workforce, fosters growth and resilience within our community. Through personalized coaching, mentorship, and skill-building, ADVANCE aims to increase the number of women in C-suite and leadership positions across business, government, and nonprofit sectors.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for your commitment to guiding the next generation of women leaders.

Advance supporting the growth of women leaders. July 2024.

Community leaders like Fitzsimons offer guidance to other women through the Advance program.
July 2024.

Letter from a Grateful Para Las Familias Parent

Read Spanish Translation Here/Lea la Traducción al Español Aquí

ECS Para Las Familias (PLF) is an outpatient behavioral and mental health clinic for low-income children ages 0 to 12 and their families. PLF’s bilingual therapists provide a variety of early-childhood mental health services that aim to strengthen guardian-child bonds, address behavioral issues, boost confidence, give tools for successful parenting, and more. Former PLF parent Alicia expresses her gratitude for the program in the following letter:

To whom it may concern,

First of all, I want to thank Para Las Familias for all their support towards my family. Everything we have learned is thanks to them, from the Zoom courses with Angie Puffelis through the Circle of Security; I liked it so much and understood so much that I took it again for eight more weeks to reinforce what I learned. In each class, one could express any doubts and achievements over time.

When the classes ended, I wanted to continue learning more about motherhood and how to help my son. So, I asked for more information and that was when they gave my son and I the opportunity to start therapy with "his Miss Letty," a person so noble and upright in her work.

We learned a lot as parents since my husband and I, along with my son, attended therapy together. My son has learned a lot and we along with him. There were a lot of breakthroughs, I could say a lot of things about her... but in short, she is a professional at what she does... My son still remembers her and every day he asks about her and Mrs. Elizabeth who is the best person to receive parents. She is so cute and so nice, polite, and always available to answer any questions, or any doubts, or other needs. The truth is that they have a super team: Laura, Irene, Miss Margarita, Nancy. Every time I go, I feel at home because that is how they make us feel when we arrive. All the scheduled appointments are respected, they never make us wait, and if there is need to reschedule, or accommodations are needed, there are always options to agree to carry out the appointments in case one of the two sides cannot...

In general, from my point of view, therapy is the best for me. I am taking therapy right now with Angie, and wooo yes, I leave with a lot of information that I can put into practice at home. I am also with Miss Margarita with a nephew in therapy, and she has helped me a lot to understand his emotions and see through his eyes. To put myself in his place and thus help him a lot.

I am so grateful because I know that Para Las Familias came into our lives at the exact moment to be able to continue moving forward as a family and as first-time parents. We already have many tools to continue life and what I love the most is that the Circle of Security applies to any person of any age and is very well understood.

You never leave empty-handed. The children always leave with stickers, snacks, or a small toy. The attention they give to each child is extraordinary, I definitely recommend this beautiful place. They also help you with a lot of resources, information for support either pantry, activities for children, or more courses, etc...

Thank you so much for everything and God bless anyone who reads these humble words...

These are the words of a grateful mother with a heart willing to learn with her family. The road is not easy, but I know that little by little and with patience everything will work out.

Alicia’s story is just one example of how PLF can make a profound difference in people's lives. We are grateful for her willingness to share her journey with us. These heartfelt words from a grateful mother show her dedication to learning and growing with her family. The road is not easy, but with patience and perseverance, progress is made, little by little.

THANK YOU, PARA LAS FAMILIAS.

Donate today to provide funding and support to help families like Alicia’s.

The Power of Faith & Love

SAN DIEGO — As an artist, social activist, and kind soul, ECS Uptown Safe Haven (UTSH) resident Faith is filled with joy and hope thanks to your generous support.

Faith poses with some of her artwork in her room at UTSH. April 2024.

However, the Faith you see today is not the same person you would have met last November when she arrived at UTSH.

Originally from South Carolina, Faith moved to Washington, DC, in her 20s, where she built a successful career as a sous chef. During this phase of her life, she started her gender-affirming transition and witnessed her self-confidence flourish as she embraced her true identity.

Then, suddenly, her life took a sharp turn when she experienced a violent act by a family member, triggering a period of debilitating depression. “I could not work in kitchens anymore, which was the love of my life,” she shared. “I lost everything — my house, car, friends, everything.”

She attempted to get back on her feet by accepting a job offer in San Diego, but when she arrived, she discovered the offer to be a scam, leaving her without income or shelter.

Experiencing homelessness and having no support system, her downward spiral continued as she faced persistent violence while living on the street, including being beaten and left for dead.

While recovering at the hospital, Faith was fortunate to connect with a therapist who helped her secure a place at the ECS Uptown Safe Haven. This crucial intervention provided the stability she needed to change her trajectory, a testament to the impact of your support.

“I was in a women’s shelter for a while and had nothing going for me. My transition had stopped. I didn’t have hope for housing,” she sighed before enthusiastically offering, “I came here, and it’s been a complete 180. I feel so much better.”

“It’s given me the second chance that I needed,” Faith continued. “I feel so re-energized now. I’m in such a better place now.”

Art is a source of self-care for Faith. April 2024.

Thanks to the love you have shown through your gifts to ECS, Faith now has the strength to forge a new path forward. “I’m in school again. I’m going to be a surgical tech in plastic surgery — a new career field that I’m really excited about.”

While living at UTSH, Faith focuses on creating art as part of her self-care therapy. “It keeps my mind super busy and helps with my anxiety and depression tremendously.”

When asked about her love for flowers and landscapes as subjects for her art, she revealed, “They're perfectly imperfect. That's what I love about them. They're kind of like people.”

Faith’s journey is supported by our UTSH Program Manager, Raul Verdugo.

““It’s all in the name — Uptown Safe Haven. It truly is a safe haven. It gives residents the opportunity to feel safe, and feeling safe allows for a positive change in their lives.””

— Raul Verdugo, UTSH Program Manager

As the program manager, Raul and his team go far beyond providing shelter and food for 19 residents. Thanks to your support, they can provide hope and stability along with services such as educational guidance, on-site support groups, and a manageable mental health plan, all of which are crucial in transforming lives.

Faith recently wrote a note of gratitude to Raul and UTSH Resident Assistant Renee Coleman sharing the lifesaving impact of UTSH.

“Because of places like this, I have hope now,” Faith said.

Visit Uptown Safe Haven to learn more.

Behavioral Health Partnerships

SAN DIEGO — Embrie Tapia, Director of Behavioral Health Services, and Geri Bannister, Senior Data Quality Manager, represented ECS for the first time at the recent System of Care Collaborative, hosted by Health Management Associates and the California Department of Health Care Services. The group discussed trends and interventions for substances like fentanyl, xylazine, and cannabinoids.

Furthermore, ECS previously partnered with several other behavioral health programs, including Family Health Center, to develop a detailed map of access points for Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). The map shows access points where providers can send clients for MAT, enhancing referral processes and improving treatment accessibility. The map went live in April.

The System of Care Collaborative was a fun experience to learn about other group projects and to receive further education on MAT. Partnerships like these are crucial as we address public health challenges and strive for better outcomes, helping San Diego together.

Teams from various San Diego behavioral health programs learn more about substance trends, interventions, and treatment. June 2024.