SAN DIEGO, CA – Last month, ECS CEO Elizabeth Wilberg, CPO Embrie Tapia, and Director of Behavioral Health Geri Bannister joined Para Las Familias (PLF) staff in welcoming Assemblymember David Alvarez to tour the behavioral health facility.
PLF is enhancing service through countywide expansion and integration of Parent-Child Integration Therapy. October 2026.
Alvarez and field representative Ernesto Castañeda explored the site while learning about ECS’ various programs in early childhood education and health and human services. Para Las Familias in particular is a trauma-informed, relationship-based mental health service for children and families. Assemblymember Alvarez, a vocal advocate for bilingualism, learned about PLF’s bilingual and bicultural aspect that supports San Diego families who speak both English and Spanish.
While exploring each room’s colorful decorations and counseling tools, Giselle, one of PLF’s Child & Family Therapists, shared about the program’s impact. With Para Las Familias, families get access to no-cost intervention when they need it most. Now more than ever, the demand is growing.
Assemblymember Alvarez learned the impact of PLF’s critical services on local families. October 2026.
“The challenges that our families are facing these days are really complex,” said Assemblymember Alvarez. “To be able to understand what is happening in the field with professional experts… it’s really important to see how government can respond to those needs that exist in the community.”
Alvarez’s visit comes at a pivotal time in ECS history. Not only is the organization approaching its 100th year in service, but Para Las Familias recently announced its countywide expansion. Previously limited to San Diego’s South Bay, the behavioral health program will now reach families in Central, North, and East counties.
About the visit, CEO Wilberg said, “When elected officials visit programs like Para Las Familias, they can see the impact of these services beyond the statistics. These conversations matter because they help build awareness and keep the needs of children and families at the center of public policy. At ECS, we believe lasting progress happens when nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and policymakers work together on behalf of the people we serve.”
To learn more about Para Las Familias, visit www.ecscalifornia.org/para-las-familias
From left to right: Giselle Moreno, Child & Family Therapist; Geri Bannister, Director of Behavioral Health Services; Elizabeth Wilberg, Chief Executive Officer; Assemblymember David Alvarez; Embrie Tapia, Chief Programs Officer; Jennifer Perez, PLF Office Manager. October 2026.