ECS Annual Impact Report

Fiscal Year 2022/2023

What does it mean to truly connect with the community? At ECS, it’s about showing up. We show up — whether at neighborhood events where our Head Start team engages with families or through the dedicated care our behavioral health professionals provide to those facing mental health challenges, homelessness, and substance use disorders. Every day, we see the power of showing up; we see the strength of togetherness.

ECS delivers essential health and human services, reaching over 10,500 clients and family members annually. Our holistic approach comes to life through stories like London’s. Born with disabilities, she gained a community through our compassionate Head Start team and the warm support of her classmates. London and her mother, Brenda, discovered a place where her individuality was embraced. This is the heart of our work — creating spaces where every child can thrive.

Your generosity helps us show up for those seeking a fresh start. At the Central East Regional Recovery Center, 100% of participants who entered without homes found housing upon completion, while many residents at Uptown and C-HRT Safe Haven transitioned into permanent homes. Through our Para Las Familias program, children have overcome severe challenges with patient, consistent therapy. Where they once struggled, now they face their days with confidence.

These transformations wouldn’t be possible without ECS’ compassionate care — and your support.

As we move forward, each healing journey reflects the power of showing up — our clients’ courage, our team’s dedication, and your generous support. Together, we’re breaking barriers, transforming lives, and building a stronger community. Thank you for being part of this important work.

Elizabeth Fitzsimons, Chief Executive Officer

Mission: To break barriers and transform communities through programs rooted in our tradition of action and faith in God.

Vision: To have an abundant and equitable society where all have unlimited potential.

Core Values: Belonging, Respect, Empowerment, Exploration, and Stewardship.

At A Glance

6 Transformative Programs • 23 Locations • 450 Staff • 10,508+ Individuals Impacted

10,500 Meals & Snacks Per Week
70 Volunteers contributed 866 hours of service, valued at $33,471

Our $37 million budget:

Your generosity changes lives!

You made an extraordinary impact! Thanks to you, we raised $1,675,276 across all ECS programs, including our annual gala, to care for the most vulnerable members of our community. Your compassion continues to bring hope to those who need it most.

2023 Moonlight Ball Sponsors

INSPIRING CHILDREN 

Head Start
According to the 2023 San Diego Economic Equity Report, 85,956 children in San Diego are living in poverty — a number large enough to fill Petco Park twice. Without ECS' Head Start and Early Head Start programs, many of these children would lack access to critical early childhood services that are foundational to their growth and development. Our programs address the comprehensive needs of both children and their families, offering a full spectrum of wraparound services, from developmental screenings and services for children with disabilities to parenting education, family and community engagement, and support for pregnant women. We ensure that every aspect of a child's well-being is considered, helping families build a foundation for a brighter future. 

• Target Population: Low-income families with children 0-5 and pregnant women

• Clients & Families Impacted: 5,868

• Source: San Diego Economic Equity Report (2023)

Para Las Familias
The County of San Diego Community Health Needs Assessment highlights significant disparities in access to behavioral health services for children, especially those affected by trauma. Para Las Familias (PLF) addresses this gap with early intervention for children ages 0-12, offering timely support through bilingual therapy, assessments, and parenting groups. By focusing on early intervention, PLF meets the need for accessible youth mental health care, providing critical support in the clinic, at home, and in classrooms to help families navigate challenges and build resilience.

• Target Population: Low-income children ages 0 to 12 and caregivers as needed

• Clients & Families Impacted: 565

• Impact: 82% of children improved in emotional/behavioral issues upon discharge

• Source: Community Health Needs Assessment (2023-2025)

EMPOWERING ADULTS

Central Easter Regional Recovery Center
The County of San Diego Community Health Needs Assessment reported a 9% increase in adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in 2021. CERRC addresses this growing need by offering counseling, treatment groups, assessments, and discharge planning to clients facing challenges like homelessness, unemployment, or co-occurring illnesses. Whether clients seek help voluntarily or through court mandates, CERRC’s multidisciplinary team provides in-depth assessments, individualized counseling, and tailored treatment plans. CERRC also connects clients to community resources and offers flexible group schedules for accessible support.

• Target Population: Adults with substance use disorders

• Clients Served: 829

• Impact: 100% of clients who were homeless at admission were successfully housed upon completing the program

• Source: Community Health Needs Assessment (2023-2025)

ACCORD
In 2022, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office filed 5,682 DUI cases, including 370 DUI drug cases and 151 involving both alcohol and drugs. These figures highlight the need for intervention to prevent DUI-related incidents. The ACCORD program provides a safe, confidential space for individuals to understand the impact of DUIs. Licensed by California, ACCORD serves those arrested or convicted of DUIs, referred by courts, probation, or the DMV. Clients engage in educational classes, counseling, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on behavioral change. ACCORD connects clients to additional services, including intensive substance use disorder treatment when needed, helping reduce reoffending and promote safer communities.

• Target Population: Individuals arrested for or convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.

• Clients Served: 3,178

• Impact: 75% of clients who successfully completed the program did not re-offend

• Source: San Diego County District Attorney DA News Center (2023)

Community Harm Reduction Team Safe Haven
In 2023, the Point-in-Time Count reported 10,264 individuals experiencing homelessness across the San Diego region — an increase of 14% from the previous year. Of these, 5,171 were unsheltered. C-HRT provides critical support to up to 22 unhoused residents living with chronic substance use conditions. A collaborative effort between the County of San Diego, the City of San Diego, Family Health Centers, and Episcopal Community Services, C-HRT offers transitional housing with a focus on helping clients transition to permanent housing. Family Health Centers of San Diego coordinates client placement and provides ongoing care, case management, and support services throughout their stay.

• Target Population: Homeless adults with chronic substance use disorders

• Clients Served: 33

• Impact: 100% of residents maintained or increased their income at the time of discharge

• Source: Point-in-Time Data Report (2023)

Uptown Safe Haven 
According to the 2023 Point-in-Time Count, 80% of individuals experiencing homelessness reported that they became homeless in San Diego. Uptown Safe Haven (UTSH), ECS’ other transitional housing facility, serves chronically homeless adults with moderate to severe mental health conditions. Partnering with the Community Research Foundation, UTSH provides residents with employment counseling, educational guidance, mental health plans, and support groups. Our "grace-based" program follows a harm reduction approach, recognizing the challenges residents face as they work toward recovery. While Uptown Safe Haven is an alcohol- and drug-free environment, residents are not required to be clean or sober upon entry but are expected to strive toward abstinence during their stay.

• Target Population: Homeless adults with moderate to severe mental health issues

• Clients Served: 35

• Impact: 100% of clients at exit increased their Stages of Change Assessment score; a Transtheoretical Model, which explains an individual's readiness to change their behavior

• Source: Point-in-Time Data Report (2023)

2022/2023 Highlights