Award Winning Nonprofit Episcopal Community Services to Host Annual Gala, the Moonlight Ball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Award Winning Nonprofit Organization
Episcopal Community Services to Host Annual Gala, the Moonlight Ball
(Supports homelessness, behavioral health, SUD & early childhood education)

San Diego, CA – Jan. 6, 2023 – Join Episcopal Community Services (ECS) for a night of celebration and giving back at the annual Moonlight Ball, taking place on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the stunning Humphreys Half Moon Inn. This elegant fundraiser will feature fine dining, live music, dancing, a silent and live auction, and more.  

The Moonlight Ball will raise critical funds to support ECS programs that provide vital services to individuals and families facing homelessness, behavioral health issues, substance use disorders (SUD), and early childhood education needs. This event will celebrate last year’s successes, highlight the inspiring stories of former clients who’ve flourished since completing ECS programs, and showcase the bright future ahead. 

In addition to the main event, ECS Emerging Leaders will host their 2nd annual Sunset Social featuring an ensemble of gourmet hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, and beautiful views of the San Diego Marina. Emerging Leaders is a group of professionals and ECS supporters from various industries committed to breaking barriers and transforming communities through social events, advocacy, fundraising, and volunteer opportunities.

“We’re excited to bring together supporters and philanthropists dedicated to making a positive impact on our San Diego community,” said Elizabeth Wilberg, CEO of Episcopal Community Services. “Our work requires steady funding, and our annual gala is a key fundraising opportunity of the year. We’re deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of those who need us the most, and because of the support of our donors, the community, and government agencies, we’re able to continue this important work.”

To find out more about the Moonlight Ball, visit https://www.ecscalifornia.org/moonlightball.

About Episcopal Community Services
Since 1927, Episcopal Community Services has been working towards a more vibrant and just San Diego community. ECS focuses on services for homelessness, behavioral health, SUD, and early childhood education, impacting over 7,000 residents each year. For more information, visit https://www.ecscalifornia.org/.

Hanna Transforms Trauma into Art

Hanna, an Uptown Safe Haven (UTSH) resident since February 2022, is a true inspiration. Coping with her past, Hanna is overcoming the severe trauma of surviving human trafficking. During this ordeal, she was transported to different states before escaping to the highways, where she lived on the streets, selling flowers, necklaces, and bracelets to survive.

Hanna hasn’t let her traumatic past define her. Instead, she channels her energy into creating beautiful crafts and building her own motor bike.

Crafts designed by Hanna. January 2023.

Hanna has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and has reported being “very literal,” having trouble understanding body language and other emotions. Her English was limited when she arrived at UTSH; however, she has made significant progress thanks to her classes.

UTSH has been dedicated to ensuring that Hanna has everything she needs to thrive. They connected her with Lucia Rodriguez-Ramos, an ECS Spanish-speaking Resident Assistant, to help her with her language barrier. Additionally, Downtown Impact also provided a translator to support her. Hanna described her time at UTSH as a sanctuary, saying, “UTSH made me feel safe, and I am more stable, learning new things about myself.”

Motor bike put together by Hanna. January 2023.

Hanna’s crafts and motor bike attest to her resilience and determination. She found a bike frame, ordered parts from Amazon, and built a motor bike herself. Very resourceful, she only used four adjustable wrenches and an Allen’s wrench to complete the project. And despite her limited resources, she never approached the staff for tools.

Hanna remains at UTSH, working diligently to complete the program and secure an apartment. She’s a self-achiever and continues to take classes to improve her language skills. Hanna’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit and the importance of organizations like ECS in providing support and resources to those who have faced trauma.

*Caption date may not be exact.

St. Paul's Cathedral Epiphany Party

St. Paul’s collected baby necessities for ECS Head Start families. December 2022.

St. Paul's Cathedral Family Ministry recently hosted an Epiphany party to support ECS Head Start by collecting baby formula and diapers. These basic necessities are essential for families with young children and can make a significant difference in their daily lives. The act of donating these items reflects St. Paul's commitment to supporting families in need. This example of a community coming together to help those in need is truly heartwarming.

Epiphany is a significant celebration during the Christmas season in many cultures worldwide, marked by feasts, gift-giving, and religious ceremonies. St. Paul's Cathedral celebrated the occasion by giving back to the community and making a meaningful impact on families in need. This demonstrates the true spirit of the season and shows how small acts of kindness can bring immense joy to those in need.

Thank You for Supporting Family-to-Family for the Holidays

Santa’s little helper happily receiving her family’s gifts. December 2022.

Family-to-Family for the Holidays was a success in spreading Christmas cheer to many San Diego families in need. December 2022 marked the second year of Family-to-Family, which is our version of the popular Adopt-A-Family holiday program. 67 families, with at least 250 individuals combined, were supported through this campaign. Each family included at least one client who receives services from our early childhood education, mental and behavioral health clinic, or substance use disorder treatment programs.

More than 47 individual donors and groups came together to make this possible. We extend a special thank you to the following organizations who sponsored one or more families: ColRich, St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Christ Episcopal Church, Grace Episcopal Church, Girl Scouts San Diego, and ECS Board of Directors.

If you’d like to participate in the 2023 Family-to-Family program, please notify aibarra@ecscalifornia.org.

ECS staff and clients receiving their gifts. December 2022.

Grace Episcopal Church volunteers attend wrapping party to prepare gifts for the three families they sponsored. December 2022.