Chris Cate Appointed as New Board Member

SAN DIEGO – Apr. 6, 2023 – Episcopal Community Services (ECS) is proud to announce the appointment of Chris Cate, a distinguished public servant and accomplished entrepreneur, to its Board of Directors. As the founder of 3MC Strategies and former San Diego City Councilmember, Cate brings a wealth of experience in public policy, public affairs, and business development to the ECS board. 

Chris Cate joins ECS Board. April 2023.

“With his deep experience in finance, policy, and public affairs, Chris will help our board and staff set smart strategies and make sound decisions as ECS grows to meet the needs of our community,” said ECS Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth (Fitzsimons) Wilberg. “I am grateful for Chris’s commitment to service, and his support of the ECS mission to break barriers and transform communities.”

"I am proud to join the Board of ECS and support an amazing organization that is providing much-needed services to San Diegans,” Cate said. “I look forward to joining my colleagues to strengthen the childhood education and behavioral health services ECS provides each and every day."

Elected to represent District 6 on the San Diego City Council in 2014, Cate was only the third Asian American in the city's history to hold such a position. During his tenure, he focused on public safety, economic growth, infrastructure, and civic engagement. Cate championed key legislation that eliminated burdensome fees for small business owners, developed programs to reduce crime and human trafficking, addressed the housing shortage, and secured tens of millions of dollars for infrastructure projects throughout District 6.

Cate is well-known for his efforts to increase civic engagement within the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community in San Diego. He spearheaded initiatives to appoint more API leaders to various boards and commissions and revitalized the Convoy District corridor, officially recognizing it as the Convoy Pan Asian Cultural and Business Innovation District.

With a strong background as a taxpayer advocate, Cate has consistently championed local and state legislation that promotes transparency, accountability, efficiency, and fiscal discipline on behalf of taxpayers. His dedication to public service has earned him numerous awards, including San Diego Magazine 40 Under 40, Building Owners and Managers Association Elected Official of the Year, San Diego County Taxpayers Association Taxpayer Advocate of the Year, and the Filipino American Community Empowerment Luminary Award, among others.

The ECS board of 18 community and business leaders from across the region governs the organization through active oversight of mission development and long-range planning, financial management, and resource development and fundraising. The board is led by its Chair, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, and its President, Jessica Ripper, Director of Market Execution, Global Policy Leadership Academy.

Since its establishment in 1927, ECS has been taking action to end generational cycles of hardship, advancing equity and opportunity across our region. Annually, the organization assists over 7,000 individuals by providing access to early childhood education and development services, as well as supporting the mental and behavioral health of individuals and families within our communities.

For more information on Episcopal Community Services, visit https://www.ecscalifornia.org/.

Media Contact:
Adrienne Wilkerson
ECS Communications Director
awilkerson@ecscalifornia.org. ###

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.