UTSH Residents Showcase Talents at Art Exhibition

The ECS Board President, Jessica Ripper, and IT Consultant, Nimer Saikaly, enjoying the art show. March 2023.

The Healing Power of Art was a powerful event that showcased the incredible talent of the residents of Uptown Safe Haven (UTSH). On Friday, March 17, attendees gathered at St. James Gallery by-the-Sea to witness the transformative power of art and support the work of ECS UTSH, which provides food, shelter, and wrap-around support services to chronically homeless single adults with mental health issues.

The exhibition was a resounding success, with an estimated 75 people attending and showing their support for the UTSH residents and their incredible artwork. Attendees had the chance to connect with the artists and purchase art, directly supporting the residents and their journey toward independence.

The event highlighted the incredible impact of art in transforming lives and creating a supportive community. We extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who came out to support UTSH and the healing power of art.

We look back on this event fondly and are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community.

ECS Uptown Safe Haven Clients showing off their group artwork. March 2023.

ECS Sunday at Christ Church Coronado

Angel Ibarra, Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships and Government Affairs, and Rev. Regan M. Schutz, Rector of Christ Church. March 2023.

On March 5, the ECS team had the pleasure of visiting Christ Episcopal Church in Coronado to celebrate ECS Sunday. The event was a huge success; Angel Ibarra, Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships and Government Affairs, delivered a thought-provoking sermon that explored the relationship between faith and social justice. Attendees were able to see how their beliefs and actions could positively impact their community.

After the service, the ECS team was available to meet and chat with attendees. They discussed the work that ECS does to promote positive change in San Diego and answered questions from those who were interested in learning more. It was a fantastic opportunity for the community to learn more about the organization's mission.

Overall, ECS Sunday at Christ Church Coronado was a great success, and the ECS team was grateful for the warm welcome and appreciated the chance to engage with the community.

Ibarra delivering the sermon to Christ Church Coronado parishioners. March 2023.

Episcopal Diocese of San Diego Youth Collaborative Night Watch

The EDSD Youth Collaborative Night Watch at St. Paul's Cathedral was a huge success! This event brought together youth from around the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego to create 30 art kits for ECS Head Start. Each kit contained homemade playdough and sensory accessories to encourage creative play, and the youth had a great time collaborating and learning more about ECS.

In addition to creating art kits, the event also included an annual youth Lent retreat for participants in grades 6-12. The youth had the opportunity to connect with others from around the diocese, share the joy of worshiping together, and participate in a service opportunity that benefited ECS Head Start. It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved, and we are so grateful to our partnering agencies, EDSD and St. Paul's Cathedral, for making it all possible.

Thank you to all who participated!

EDSD Youth enjoying the Collaborative Night Watch at St. Paul's Cathedral. March 2023.

EDSD Youth doing arts & crafts at the Collaborative Night Watch at St. Paul's Cathedral. March 2023.

ECS C-HRT Safe Haven in the Board of Supervisors District 4 Behavioral Services Tour

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher & Daniel, an ECS C-HRT client, smile for the camera after a candid conversation. March 2023.

Today, ECS Community Harm Reduction Team (C-HRT) Safe Haven participated in the Board of Supervisors District 4 Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Tour coordinated by Supervisor Nathan Fletcher’s office.

The tour visited several San Diego behavioral health programs/presentations, including A Better Way, North Coastal Live Well Heath Center Crisis Stabilization Unit and Mobile Crisis Response Team, BHS Opioid Epidemic & Opioid Settlement Framework, and ECS C-HRT Safe Haven.

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher sharing insight and program knowledge with tour participants. March 2023.

Tour participants included Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, Representative Scott Peters, and various leaders interested in San Diego’s work around behavioral health from Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, San Francisco, and staff from San Diego’s Congressional delegation. 

ECS C-HRT Safe Haven provides a safe and supportive space for individuals referred by Family Health Centers who deal with chronic homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental illnesses. Our compassionate team provides evidence-based care, with both lived and professional experience, to help clients on their journey to wellness. 

Thank you Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, County of San Diego, and Family Health Services, for your partnership on this important community initiative. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those struggling with behavioral health issues. 

*(C-HRT) Community Harm Reduction Team 

From left to right: Katie Wood, FHCSD Director Substance Use Disorder Services; Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, County of San Diego; Stacie Perez, ECS VP of Programs; Rhonda Brown, County BHS; Betsy Knight, County BHS; and Cara Evans Murray, Deputy Director, County BHS at ECS C-HRT Safe Haven for tour. March 2023.