Love Your Heart Blood Pressure Screenings

On Feb. 17, ECS hosted free community blood pressure screenings at our Chula Vista Family Engagement Center.

Getting your blood pressure checked is important for several reasons:

1. Early detection of high blood pressure: High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, often has no symptoms. Getting your blood pressure checked regularly can help detect hypertension early and allow for timely intervention.

2. Prevention of serious health problems: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and eye problems. Early detection and management of high blood pressure can help prevent these complications.

3. Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment: If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, getting your blood pressure checked regularly helps monitor the effectiveness of your treatment and whether adjustments are needed.

4. Awareness and education: Regular blood pressure checks can raise awareness and educate individuals about the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and making necessary lifestyle changes to achieve this goal.

Healthy Heart on the scene to share a smile with visitors. February 2023.

Happy Hearts Dance Party!

Heidi Avent, Family Engagement Specialist, dressed as the ECS Happy Heart. February 2023.

The day before Valentine's Day, ECS Head Start families came together for a night of love, laughter, and joy at the Happy Hearts Dance Party.

As families began to arrive, the room quickly filled with people of all ages coming together with the same goal: to create positive parent-child interactions and promote healthy hearts through dancing.

Over 40 families (80+ adults and approximately 120 children) attended the event. The room was filled with laughter, love, and warmth as parents and children enjoyed the moment with song and dance.

The Parent Committee representatives were on hand to help oversee the flow of the dance and ensure that everything ran smoothly. Their unwavering commitment to the event and tireless efforts to make it a reality was greatly appreciated by all. Bringing smiles to everyone's faces, Ms. Heidi stole the show while dressed in the Healthy Heart and bee costumes.

Community partners, SBCS First 5, FHCSD Lead Awareness, and Molina Health, were also in attendance, sharing valuable information and goodies with families. Their presence at the event was invaluable and greatly appreciated by all.

In the end, it was a night filled with gratitude, kindness, and dedication to creating positive change in the lives of families. The Family Engagement Team was grateful for everyone who had made the event possible and looks forward to continuing to work together to make a difference in the lives of families in the community.

ECS families enjoying the Happy Hearts Dance Party. February 2023.

ECS families dance the night away at the Happy Hearts Dance Party. February 2023.

Episcopal Community Services Achieves Award-Winning Status

Step into a world of impact and inspiration with Episcopal Community Services (ECS), the proud recipient of the 2023 Kaleidoscope Award for Good Governance. Presented by The Nonprofit Institute (NPI) at the University of San Diego (USD), this award recognizes ECS' exceptional board governance and commitment to creating a better future for the community it serves.

At the 19th Annual Nonprofit Governance Symposium in January, ECS was celebrated for its strategic planning efforts and innovative approaches. Our board and staff members attended the event to receive the award, network with peers, and gain new insights to bring back to the organization. With a collaborative approach, ECS' board and staff work together to drive growth and impact through thoughtful planning and effective decision-making.

ECS never settles for the status quo; we're constantly evolving and changing to stay ahead of the curve. This includes implementing a self-perpetuating board, a focus on diversity and representation, regular committee charter updates, and a commitment to expanding our reach and impact. With a shared vision of creating an abundant and equitable society where everyone has the potential to succeed, our dedicated board members are making a difference every day.

Are you ready to take your community impact to the next level? Join ECS as a board or subcommittee member and make a difference in your community. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please email efitzsimons@ecscalifornia.org.

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Celebrate with us at the annual Moonlight Ball on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the beautiful Humphreys Half Moon Inn. This elegant fundraiser will feature fine dining, live music, dancing, and exciting auctions, all while raising critical funds for ECS programs serving individuals and families facing homelessness, behavioral health issues, substance use disorders, and early childhood education needs. Purchase your tickets at www.ECScalifornia.org/moonlightball. 

ECS board & staff members attend the 19th Annual Nonprofit Governance Symposium to receive the Kaleidoscope Award for Good Governance. Watch the ECS Kaleidoscope Award Video. January 2023.

Head Start Ventures to Washington, D.C.

ECS Head Start parent, leadership team, and other professionals with Richard Kirk McPike, Congressman Mark Takano’s Chief of Staff in Washington, D.C. January 2023.

ECS just returned from a productive trip to Washington, D.C., for the 2023 National Head Start Association Winter Leadership Institute. The Institute provided valuable information, networking opportunities, and the chance to engage with members of Congress and their staff.

Our team had the privilege of meeting with Representative Sara Jacobs, Congressman Mark Takano’s Chief of Staff, Richard Kirk McPike, and Congressman Juan Vargas’ staff members.

ECS Head Start parent, leadership team, and other professionals at the National Head Start Association Winter Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C. January 2023.

We appreciate our Head Start parent and leadership team for representing us so well: Stacie Perez, VP of Programs, Hazzy Pipo, VP of Administration, Linda Borja, Interim Head Start Director, Nerissa Torralba, Head Start District Manager, and Masada Ellis, Head Start Father & Chairperson of our Policy Committee.