Getting a Head Start on the Future

Oscar Gomez, ECS Board of Directors President, is a lifelong Head Start advocate. Although, his dedication to early childhood education started long before his professional career, beginning when he was a Head Start student himself.

ECS Head Start supports both children and families with wraparound services. October 2024.

In the late 80s, Oscar’s mother struggled to find childcare during the day. Her four kids were all one year apart — too young to take care of each other and of themselves. Even 40 years ago, childcare was expensive and inaccessible for a migrant field worker in California’s Central Valley. She knew she needed to find a solution. That’s when she learned about Head Start.

Offered at no cost, the local Head Start program allowed Oscar’s mother to use her income toward the family’s other needs, rather than stressing about the high price of daycare. “We were a family with little means,” Oscar shared. “Thanks to programs like Head Start... we had a good start going into kindergarten and elementary school.”

Oscar and his siblings all benefited from Head Start services. Now, they work in education or family services. 1989*

Enrollment led to many benefits for his family. Oscar and his siblings learned how to speak English at Head Start, a direct effect of the program's encouragement of bilingualism. His mother was also inspired to pursue a career in education due to Head Start's standard of parent involvement. Since then, she’s worked at various Head Start centers in California.

As for Oscar? He served in the Marine Corps for 11 years and found his true motivation. “I knew that after my service, I wanted to continue to serve my community," he said. “I knew that I wanted to help people.” After years of social work and family services, he reconnected with Head Start three decades later. While directing local parenting education programs, he realized that the most foundational impacts were made in the first five years. “The thing we need to be doing is prevention instead of intervention down the road,” he posited.

Oscar has served on the ECS Board of Directors since 2022, where his experience as a Head Start alum provides a unique perspective. May 2024.

His regard for early learning aligns with ECS Head Start programs, which meet the educational, emotional, social, health, and nutritional needs of children ages 0-5 and their families. “Head Start is a wraparound; we embrace the entire family,” Oscar said. “We want to help the social mobility of our families and make it where they have an opportunity because they know that their kiddos are getting high-quality care.” This dedication supports the crucial groundwork needed for each child to thrive as they grow and move through the world, like Oscar and his family.

Oscar used the strong foundation built by Head Start to dedicate himself to a lifetime of education and service. He holds two master’s degrees — one in social work and another in public administration. Currently, he is the Chief Operations Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities San Diego where he continues his work in family services. Oscar has also served on the ECS Board of Directors since 2022 and was recently appointed Board President, guiding the organization from its 99th anniversary to its centennial celebration in 2027.

Oscar will serve as Board President and guide ECS through its centennial in 2027. July 2026.

Oscar offers a unique perspective as a Head Start alumnus, saying: “Head Start’s been a program that’s done a lot for my family, and this is my way of giving back... to something that means so much to me and that gave my family a way to get started in life.”

October is Head Start Awareness Month. Oscar's enrollment in Head Start changed his future for the better and ECS believes this outcome is possible for all Head Start students. Learn more about ECS Head Start and enroll today.

*Caption date may not be exact

Anthony's Journey to Recovery with CERRC

Watch Anthony’s full story and learn about the impact of ECS CERRC on his recovery journey.

As National Recovery Month comes to a close, ECS would like to introduce Anthony, a former client of Central East Regional Recovery Center (CERRC).

On the surface, Anthony's life appeared picture-perfect: a longtime career in education, a loving family, and children preparing for college. But behind that success, he was quietly battling substance use disorder for 27 years, a struggle that ultimately led to a devastating downward spiral.

Anthony credits CERRC counselor Stephanie as one of the people who guided his path toward the future. September 2026.

After losing his job, Anthony fled Illinois to California with no direction, no support system, and just one pair of clothes. Anthony soon found himself in the hospital where he was encouraged to get some help. Then, he arrived at CERRC.

Now, three years later, Anthony is a SUD counselor with a strong sense of purpose and a newfound trust in himself. He’s opened his own sober living facility, Harbor Living LLC, where he hopes to foster a safe and supportive environment for others like ECS did for him.

CERRC provides specialized services for each client’s unique situation. September 2026.

Reflecting on his experience, Anthony shared, “I'll never forget how ECS made me feel… ECS was necessary. Not just for me, but for many others, as well.”

ECS CERRC provides outpatient treatment services to adults with substance use disorders. To learn more, visit CERRC — Episcopal Community Services.

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 Highland 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 Highland 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.

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.