Episcopal Community Services was honored to welcome The Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori to Downtown Safe Haven and the La Escuelita Head Start.

As part of Bishop Katharine’s visit to San Diego, she toured various diocesan ministries. ECS was proud to open its doors to two program sites. The ministry tour began with ECS’ Downtown Safe Haven, a transitional residence for 29 formerly homeless adults suffering from mental illness.  After a tour of the site, Bishop Katharine sat with several residents and listened to their experiences, successes and goals. Impressed by the warm environment at Safe Haven and the broad range of services provided, Bishop Katharine reflected, “This place has been a Godsend. To get such great help in the city is a blessing for me.”

The tour continued at La Escuelita Head Start, located at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in National City. A brightly hand-painted sign welcomed Bishop Katharine as she visited with students, staff and volunteers. Maria Garcia, a former Head Start parent, shared with Bishop Katharine how the program enabled her to attain an education and eventually become a Head Teacher.

In addition to her time at ECS’ program sites, Bishop Katharine also learned about St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Dorcas House, Recover San Diego and the St. Luke’s Refugee Tutoring Network.

”ECS was proud to be a part of the Presiding Bishop’s visit to the Diocese of San Diego. Our programs and services assist thousands of people in need each day, and we were able to share our mission of serving with Bishop Katharine,” said Lesslie Keller, ECS’ Executive Director.

For additional stories about the Presiding Bishop’s visit to San Diego, including photos from her public address, visit www.edsd.org.