A Head Start Community to Call Home

In 2024, Karla and her two sons picked up their whole lives and moved from El Centro to San Diego. Little did she know, this wouldn’t be the biggest change they’d make.

Luis and Karla found support and community at ECS Head Start. April 2026.

At the time, Karla’s kids were 6 and 3 years old. Her youngest, Luis, was raised during the COVID-19 lockdowns, something she believes led to concerning communication issues. Unlike his older brother, he was timid and quiet. At this age, it’s essential for children to develop the foundational skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives. Karla’s worries grew, and she asked herself: “How badly would my little boy struggle when it came time to start his education?” On top of that, Karla is most comfortable speaking in her native language, Spanish. She was unsure how well she would navigate an unfamiliar school system in a new city using English. Scared and miles away from her family, Karla knew she needed help.

When searching online, she discovered an ECS Head Start site just five minutes from her home. Immediately, she felt a weight lift from her chest. “The first day that I came, the school staff was very kind and empathetic,” she said. They reassured her that Luis would be in good hands. Luckily, she learned that plenty of ECS Head Start staff are bilingual, ensuring that she and Luis would be able to communicate easily and that language would not stand in the way of his education.

Now, two years later, Luis has changed for the better.

Head Start’s comprehensive wraparound services support both children and parents. April 2026.

“He’s very friendly; he’s in sports,” Karla beamed. Her son’s newfound confidence was once a dream for her. “He’s very intentional and explains what he’s feeling,” she pointed out, something Luis was unable to do before joining Head Start. He learned how to express difficult emotions such as fear or anger rather than staying quiet and holding in his feelings. He even made a close friend on his soccer team.

Just last year, Luis struggled to write the letter “S.” Now, thanks to the strong foundation built by his dedicated Head Start teachers, he can confidently write his own name. At ECS, teachers closely monitor each child’s development and tailor support to their individual needs.

Although Head Start is designed to guide children, Luis was not the only one who experienced growth while in the program. Karla was introduced to the Head Start Parent Committee, which advocates the needs of students and their families. With the support of ECS staff, Karla became an active member of the school community.

Luis and Karla read a book together at ECS Head Start. April 2026.

“They gave me the opportunity to participate,” she detailed with a smile. For the past two years, she’s represented her son’s school site on the committee. Despite her limited English, staff provided encouragement and assistance as needed. She’s gained valuable experience, including championing Head Start programs during a period of funding uncertainties. Karla recognizes the importance of continued support for early childhood education on all levels, as she’s seen the impact firsthand.

ECS’ programs are closely connected, providing families with access to Para Las Familias — our no-cost mental health service for children and parents — and the Family Engagement Center, which Karla acknowledges are necessary for many families. She was also very moved by the staff’s attention to detail when supporting each child. At ECS Head Start, there is a smaller group of children per class, so even quiet students like Luis are never left behind.

“I completely recommend it [Head Start,]” Karla shared. “They take care of the kids’ development and also... of the families.” She strongly believes that children cannot develop well if their family lacks support.

Soon, Luis will age out of Head Start and begin a new journey in kindergarten. "I’m going to miss this school a lot,” Karla said. “This school has been my house.” Over one hundred miles from their loved ones, Karla and Luis found Head Start — a strong educational asset and a lifechanging support system. While her son has grown to be a “super goalie” with improved social skills, Karla has also learned to be less afraid and take advantage of new opportunities.

“[I] feel proud of my kids... and me.”

ECS Head Start accepts children aged 0-5 and provides comprehensive wraparound services that benefit them and their families. For more about Head Start’s services, eligibility, or ECS in general, please visit Head Start & Early Head Start — Episcopal Community Services.

ECS Invests from Within

As CPO, Embrie will lead all ECS programs, including early childhood education and behavioral health.

Since 2024, Embrie Tapia has served as ECS’ Director of Behavioral Health Services. In her role, she provides oversight for our children’s behavioral health, transitional housing, and substance use disorder programs. Under her leadership, ECS has increased our reach in supporting local children, families, and individuals as they navigate their mental health journeys. We are proud to announce that Embrie has been promoted to Chief Programs Officer, effective August 1, 2026.

“[Embrie] has earned the trust and respect of colleagues across ECS and has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead through both opportunities and challenges while keeping our mission at the center,” said Elizabeth Wilberg, Chief Executive Officer. “I am excited to partner with Embrie in this new role and confident she will help lead ECS into a strong future.”

Embrie is guiding ECS through the expansion of Para Las Familias (PLF), our no-cost, bilingual behavioral health service for children and their parents. Previously exclusive to the South Bay, PLF will soon be available countywide. Embrie has also led the recent acquisition of a property that will soon house our Substance Use Disorder Residential Treatment Recovery Program, which will support hundreds of adults annually.

Embrie will continue to work closely with our program sites, such as UTSH. September 2025.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chief Programs Officer at Episcopal Community Services,” shared Embrie. “ECS is a truly special organization with deep roots in the San Diego community and a longstanding commitment to serving others. I look forward to building upon our impact and continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.”

As CPO, she will also oversee our early childhood education programs. Rosa Cabrera-Jaime, Director of Early Education and Family Services said, "As someone who leads a team dedicated to children and families, I know that exceptional care begins with exceptional people. I'm excited to welcome Embrie and partner together to continue investing in our employees, because when our workforce thrives, our communities thrive."

Embrie not only supports ECS as a leader, but as a donor. In May, Embrie and her family served as Silver Sponsors at Evening on the Bay, our annual fundraising event. This is a true marker of her belief in our mission, dedicating her resources, time, and skill to ECS.

Geri Bannister, Associate Director of Behavioral Health said, “It is exciting to see the dedication, passion, and expertise that Embrie has demonstrated within the Behavioral Health Department now extending to support and strengthen all ECS programs.”

“Embrie strives to be a supportive leader and is committed to gaining a deep understanding of the many moving parts of the programs she oversees,” said Leslie Manriquez-Jimenez, Associate Director of Children’s Behavioral Health. “Under her leadership, I have felt heard, supported, and guided. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside her and am excited to see how she will continue to lead ECS and further its mission in the future.”

ECS is committed to investing from within. Comprised of 475 talented staff members, expertise exists throughout our organization, and our strength emanates when we uplift one another. This helps us to continue breaking barriers and transforming communities together.

It Takes a Village

“It takes a village to raise a child” is an old and common saying, but its truth runs deep. It certainly did for Jennifer and her three children – Soul, Aura, and Irie – all under four years old. 

Heidi, Family Engagement Specialist, was an integral part of Jennifer’s experience at the FEC. April 2026.

When Jennifer’s family moved to San Diego, she lacked the community and support she needed. Her new identity as a wife and mother also left her feeling lost about who she was as an individual. “I had just had two babies; I was going through post-partum and changes having children,” she said. The responsibility of raising three young children in a new city meant she had no time to herself to enjoy her own interests, create community, or rediscover herself. 

While pregnant with her second child, Jennifer started the search for childcare support options in San Diego. “I got a call from Head Start that they had a place,” she shared. “I had done a lot of research during my pregnancy; I was looking for extra support.” Jennifer’s family enrolled in the ECS Early Head Start Home Visitor program. At one point, all three siblings were supported by the program. While Soul has aged out, their teacher still visits to help care for Aura and Irie. 

The FEC painting classes allow parents to destress, mingle, and express their creativity. April 2026.

Jennifer promised herself that once she had childcare help, she would do something for herself. “You lose a sense of identity when you become a mother,” she said. “One of my goals when I had the Home Visitor was to do something for myself, even just taking a class.” 

When she saw an event listing a painting class at the Family Engagement Center (FEC) – ECS' community resource hub – Jennifer decided to give it a try. “I’ve never been into paint before; I didn’t think it was me,” she said. “I did it just to find something to do for myself. I went with my baby, she was only six or seven months. I realized with this paint class, everything in my life was go go go... I was just depleted... when I sat down to paint, I remember it was like the world stood still for a minute, because with painting you can’t rush.”  

In her first painting class at FEC, Jennifer found unexpected peace and a much-needed outlet. Heidi, ECS’ Family Engagement Specialist, facilitated the class and helped keep Irie calm so Jennifer could focus on her painting. Jennifer shared that the moment of relaxation and calm caused her to burst into tears; the bottled-up emotions finally had a chance to escape. When she did, Heidi was there for her in that long overdue moment.   

Jennifer found a safe place to recharge at the ECS Family Engagement Center. April 2026.

“From there it was once a month. I made a commitment to myself to go,” Jennifer said. Now, she has a place to unwind, bond with other mothers, and develop a newfound talent. “I’ve gotten compliments on my paintings,” she said. “I never saw myself as an artist.” 

After that, Jennifer dove headfirst into FEC. She has acquired free resources like diapers, books, and clothes from Sharia’s Closet. “I was able to pick stuff out for, not just my kids, but also for myself,” she said. Her children are entertained in the playroom while she uses the computer lab. Jennifer also brings her kids to the home base socializations held at FEC so they can play with other children, and she can meet other parents. “I make use of every part of that place. It’s really become a second home away from home,” she said. 

One of the most impactful FEC resources for Jennifer’s family are the free screenings offered by San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) at FEC. The promise of free diapers initially drew her in, but that first screening resulted in something much bigger: her oldest child’s autism diagnosis. While she was shocked at first, Jennifer shared her gratitude for the diagnosis, and the care Soul can now receive. “There are a lot of parents now I see who are new; I see the denial of the truth. Now I know the quicker you know the better, so I always advocate for getting your child screened,” Jennifer said. “It’s helped me be an advocate for my children in voicing what their needs are and gives me more knowledge and tools.”  

The Family Engagement Center has free activities for both parents and children to enjoy. April 2026.

Jennifer is passionate about being an advocate for others and sharing information about FEC. She has helped connect other families – especially those with neurodiverse children – to the resources that helped her. 

The FEC helped Jennifer build a community, not just for her kids, but also for herself. She has a space to swap resources and ideas, and to gain control of her identity as a wife, as a mother, and as Jennifer.  

“It’s helped me journey as a mother of a special needs child. They were able to give me the steppingstones in the right direction. It's also helped connect me with the community,” she said. “It’s helping me build my village for me and my kids, helping me find my new identity as a mom.” 

And to think, it all started with a painting class.  

The Family Engagement Center provides a welcoming space where parents can access essential resources, services, and classes. Events are free and open to the public. See the ECS Calendar to check out what’s upcoming.

Bringing Care to Members Where They Are

Blue Shield Promise and Episcopal Community Services bring well-child visits, mammograms and other essential services directly to families in Chula Vista

Cynthia and her daughters attend several well-child events to stay up to date on their health. April 2026.

Every parent knows the feeling when your child isn’t well, and nothing matters more than getting them the care they need. Whether it’s a sudden illness, a developmental concern, or simply staying on track with routine check-ups, health care should never be out of reach, but it can be for many families.

Barriers like long work hours, transportation challenges, and cost can stand in the way of families getting even the most basic care. And too often, those barriers mean putting off visits that are essential to an individual’s health and future.

That’s why Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan is working to bring care to meet our members where they are—close to home, work, or school. In San Diego County, we are bringing combination well-child events to Episcopal Community Services’ (ECS) Family Engagement Center—a place where families already feel seen, supported, and connected in the Chula Vista community.

Families arrived to get their kid’s annual check-ups, women due for their mammogram screenings got them done on the spot, and fluoride treatments were applied to teeth. Families were connected to critical services and resources in their community and received assistance with their Medi-Cal coverage as needed.

Blue Shield Promise brings routine check-ups closer to busy families at the FEC. April 2026.

“Meeting people where they are can change everything,” said Jennifer Schirmer, vice president of growth and community engagement for Blue Shield Promise. “We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with trusted organizations like ECS to support families and ensure they have access to the care they need to thrive. Together, we are not only providing essential health screenings, we’re helping remove barriers families face every day.”

For Cynthia, a mother of two, these events have made all the difference. She joined Blue Shield Promise two years ago and has brought her daughters to several well-child events. “I’m always trying to be on top of their appointments,” she said. “They see the doctor like twice a year because of [these events].”

Once Cynthia and her daughters were checked in, a nurse called them back to measure their height and weight, provide a fluoride treatment, and ask Cynthia some questions about their overall health and development. In all, 109 children and 55 women received services at the event.

For Blue Shield Promise Program Manager Amanda Ruiz, who helps lead these efforts, the impact is personal: “It’s more than providing care in the moment and about making sure families feel connected, supported, and empowered long after they leave.”

A nurse checks a child’s height. April 2026.

So far, two well-child events have been hosted with Episcopal Community Services in 2026, with a third planned later this year.

“When care comes to a place where families already feel seen and supported, it lifts a real weight off their shoulders,” said Rosa Cabera-Jaime, ECS’ Director of Early Education and Family Services. “Access becomes possible, and children get the chance to learn, grow, and truly thrive. This partnership is breaking down barriers that have stood in families’ way for far too long; today's investment decides tomorrow.”

Blue Shield Promise mobile mammograms and well-child visits are by appointment only and are available in Los Angeles and San Diego counties. For information, reach out to member services at (800) 605-2556 (Los Angeles County) or (855) 699-5557 (San Diego County).

For more information about these community-focused programs, visit the ECS Family Engagement Center at https://www.ecscalifornia.org/fec and Blue Shield Promise at https://www.blueshieldca.com/en/bsp.

Blue Shield Promise hosts their well-child visits at the ECS Family Engagement Center in Chula Vista. August 2024.

Partners checked in 109 children and 55 women at the Family Engagement Center. April 2026.

Coauthored by Blue Shield California and ECS Communications