Jeanette Smith: Family Flourishes with Head Start

Client names have been changed for privacy purposes.

Jeanette, a dedicated mother from Ensenada, Baja California, shares her transformative experience with the ECS Head Start program. After relocating to the United States for better opportunities, Jeanette faced language barriers and was unfamiliar with the community. The Head Start program provided educational support for her daughter and helped Jeanette access essential resources, such as medical services, WIC, and food pantries. The program's focus on parental involvement, children's well-being, and holistic development helped Jeanette's daughter flourish socioemotionally while simultaneously empowering Jeanette to set and achieve short and long-term goals for her family.

As Jeanette became more engaged with the Head Start program, she took advantage of the various initiatives offered, including Rady's Children's programs, savings programs, and workshops on injury prevention and lead exposure. With guidance from caring educators like Ms. Imelda, Ms. Lorena, and Mr. Sotomayor, Jeanette found a supportive community and discovered her passion for working with preschool children. Through her participation in the program, she has become a substitute teacher in the district and is working towards a long-term contract. Additionally, Jeanette is a member of the ECS Head Start policy committee, which directly impacts the program by providing valuable parental insight.

As Jeanette's family continues to thrive, her story highlights the life-changing impact the ECS Head Start program has on both children and parents, laying the groundwork for a brighter future.

Jeanette and her daughter Mila, an ECS Head Start student. March 2023.

Jeanette’s husband and children enjoying family time. March 2023.

ECS Attends the San Diego Girl Scouts Cool Women Event

Elizabeth (Fitzsimons) Wilberg, ECS CEO, pins a Girl Scout Emerging Leader at the Cool Women event. March 2023.

On March 24, Girl Scouts San Diego held their annual Cool Women Celebration to honor exemplary women who serve as role models for girls. The event included a mentoring session, luncheon, and ceremony, where these female leaders shared the spotlight with Emerging Leader Girl Scouts who were recognized for their outstanding achievements.

The event was a huge success, and ECS proudly supported nine exceptionally cool women leaders who were delighted to have a Girl Scout at the table. The event was a great opportunity to empower even more girls to use their voices, develop a strong sense of self, step outside their comfort zones, and build resilience.

Girl Scouts San Diego plans to bring the event back in spring 2024, so stay tuned for next year!

Nine ECS women leaders attended the Girl Scouts Cool Women event. March 2023.

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.