para las familias

TDK Rings in Back-to-School Season

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming our valued partners and former neighbors, TDK, for their annual donation of school supplies. This year, their donation will help children and families at Para Las Familias feel prepared and supported for the current school year.

Thank you, TDK, for your continued support and generosity year after year.

 

VP of Strategic Engagement, Adrienne Wilkerson, and Director of Development, Demetreus Gregg, show their appreciation for TDK’s generous gift. August 2026.

 

ECS at the 2nd Annual KPBS San Diego Book Festival

Last week, ECS joined book lovers across the region at the KPBS San Diego Book Festival, where this year's One Book, One San Diego selections were announced.

We're excited that, through this partnership, families connected to our Para Las Familias program and the ECS Family Engagement Center will receive selected books to read, enjoy, and share together at home.

Thank you, KPBS, for making reading more accessible to San Diego families.

Rosa Cabrera-Jaime, Director of Early Education and Family Services, and PLF Office Manager, Jennifer Perez, represented Head Start and PLF. August 2026.

KPBS announced this year’s selections for One Book, One San Diego, which will be distributed to ECS children and families. August 2026.

CECO Grant Awards

Last week, ECS was honored to attend the San Diego County Employees’ Charitable Organization (CECO) Grant Awards luncheon, where we were recognized as a grant recipient.

With CECO’s generous support, Para Las Familias is able to strengthen mental and behavioral health support for children ages 0–12 through the continued use of Comfort Cubs, a therapeutic resource that brings healing and emotional care to children in need.

We’re incredibly thankful to CECO for investing in the wellbeing of our community and the families we serve.

ECS VP of Strategic Engagement Adrienne Wilkerson (left) at the luncheon. April 2026.

ECS is proud to be a recipient of a grant award at the luncheon. April 2026.

Coffee & Conversations at PLF

CEO Elizabeth Wilberg (left) and the PLF team smile at Coffee & Conversations. February 2026.

Last Friday, community members gathered at Para Las Familias (PLF) for the annual PLF Coffee & Conversations event. Coffee & Conversations offers an opportunity for people to learn about PLF’s trauma-informed, relationship-based approach, see the therapy rooms firsthand, and connect with other ECS supporters.

Giselle Moreno, Child & Family Therapist, shared the power of PLF with attendees. February 2026.

Attendees enjoyed refreshments and networking before brief speeches from CEO Elizabeth Wilberg and PLF therapist Giselle Moreno. They shared how crucial PLF’s services are, especially for underserved communities. Family therapy sets new generations up for success, breaking down barriers and providing parents with tools that will last a lifetime.

Evelynn, a former PLF parent, attended this year’s event. Evelynn came to PLF for help when her son was diagnosed with autism. “This was my first open door,” she said. “[PLF] taught me where I can go look for help, that I’m not alone, that my child’s not alone, that I’m his voice.” She shared that PLF provided her and her son with tools they still use today.

Guests explore PLF and therapy tools on a guided facility tour. February 2026.

The event closed with group tours of the facility led by PLF staff. Attendees learned about different techniques, practices, and tools the PLF therapists use to help build trust between children and their guardians.

Leslie Manriquez-Jimenez, Associate Director of Children’s Behavioral Health, commented on the significance of Coffee & Conversations. “I think a lot of people want to be supportive of services like ours, want to support their community, want to support children and families. So, coming to events like this actually widens their view of what is out there, what the community needs. It’s really awesome.” ECS extends a huge “thank you” to everyone who showed their support for PLF at Coffee & Conversations.

Coffee & Conversations provided ample opportunity for networking with ECS supporters and staff. February 2026.

Para Las Familias is ECS’ bilingual, bicultural mental health program for young children and their caregivers in San Diego’s South Bay. PLF offers trauma-informed, family-centered care for children ages 0 to 12, many of whom face behavioral health challenges related to trauma, stress, or changes at home or school.

PLF helps strengthen and uplift families, impact that cannot be created without your help. Just $15 can provide a child with a bilingual book and $25 can provide them with a take-home therapy kit. Visit ecscalifornia.org/donate to give to PLF today and ensure brighter futures for San Diego children.

Event guests add what they love to PLF’s tree. February 2026.

CEO Wilberg shares her love for PLF. February 2026.