Mayor John McCann's Memorable Visit to St. John's Head Start Center

Recently, our ECS Head Start St. John's center had the honor of hosting Chula Vista's Mayor, John McCann. This memorable day was a unique opportunity for our students to interact with a prominent local government figure and a valuable platform for ECS to demonstrate our critical role in our community.

Our CEO, Elizabeth (Fitzsimons) Wilberg, Associate Director Angel Ibarra, Area Supervisor Joan Borgonia, and the devoted St. John's Head Start team provided Mayor McCann with a comprehensive overview of our work. They explained the specifics of our Head Start programs, showcased St. John's accomplishments, and highlighted the substantial impact we've made in the community.

Mayor McCann's active engagement with our students and genuine interest in our work left a lasting impression and are deeply appreciated. His visit reaffirmed the crucial role that partnerships play in strengthening our community.

Chula Vista Mayor John McCann with St. John’s Head Start students. April 2023.

ECS Head Start San Ysidro Welcomes Councilwoman Vivian Moreno

The City of San Diego Councilwoman Vivian Moreno paid a memorable visit to our ECS Head Start San Ysidro center last week. Our CEO, Elizabeth (Fitzsimons) Wilberg, Associate Director Angel Ibarra, District Manager Nerissa Torralba, and the entire San Ysidro Head Start Team extended a warm welcome, demonstrating our team's important work within the community.

Councilwoman Moreno interacted with our teachers, gaining insights into the San Ysidro community's unique challenges. A highlight of her visit was the time she spent with our energetic Head Start students, underlining the vital role that early education plays in their lives.

This visit emphasized the importance of early childhood education and its wide-ranging effect on the community. We sincerely appreciate Councilwoman Moreno's ongoing support and engagement with our program. Her visit provided a day of mutual inspiration, fortifying our dedication to nurturing the future leaders of San Ysidro.

San Diego Councilwoman Vivian Moreno with ECS San Ysidro Head Start students. April 2023.

Redemption: From 30-Year Prison Term to Recovery at CERRC

Eladio, CERRC client. April 2023.

Eladio arrived in the United States from Cuba in the 1980s and spent over 30 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. After his release, Eladio faced significant challenges in adapting to life on the outside; he battled with alcohol abuse to cope with the loss of his ex-wife and struggled with the difficulties of societal reentry.

Despite these challenges, Eladio remained determined to turn his life around. He contacted CERRC, which provided him with the support and resources to address his addiction and rebuild his life.

Eladio recalls, “I prayed every day [for] a second chance at life. God heard my prayers, and I was awakened one day and told it was time to go. I can’t express what it feels like to have spent 30-plus years in prison and walk free.”

With the help of CERRC, Eladio was able to obtain a state ID, secure funding through the cash assistance program for immigrants, acquire a work permit, and begin the lengthy process of obtaining his U.S. citizenship, which has given him a newfound sense of hope for the future.

Eladio’s story highlights the many challenges former inmates face when reintegrating into society, especially those with a history of addiction. However, it also demonstrates the transformative power of second chances and the importance of compassionate and dedicated support in helping individuals rebuild their lives after incarceration.

Stacie Perez Receives Women of Influence 50 Over 50 Honors from San Diego Business Journal

SAN DIEGO — ECS celebrates the recent recognition of our very own Stacie Perez, VP of Programs, as one of San Diego Business Journal's Women of Influence 50 Over 50 Honorees. Perez received the distinguished award on Tuesday, April 25, acknowledging her hard work, dedication, and leadership within the community.

CEO Elizabeth (Fitzsimons) Wilberg & VP Hazzy Pipo celebrate VP Stacie Perez’s award at the ceremony. April 2023.

Perez's unwavering commitment to positively impacting countless individuals' lives has been truly inspiring. As a key leader at ECS, Perez has played an instrumental role in driving the organization's mission forward and ensuring the successful delivery of various programs.

The San Diego Business Journal's Women of Influence 50 Over 50 Honorees list celebrates influential women who have made significant contributions to their industries and communities. Perez's inclusion in this esteemed group is a testament to her dedication and accomplishments.

Episcopal Community Services congratulates Stacie Perez on this well-deserved recognition and eagerly anticipates her continued contributions to the organization and the community as a whole.

Award recipients smile for the camera for a group photo. April 2023.