ECS Head Start Collaborates with the Empathy in Nature Project

SAN DIEGO — In April, ECS Head Start had the opportunity to partner with the Empathy in Nature Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing social-emotional, nature-based preschool education. As a result of this collaboration, an "Empathy Garden" was created at Highland Head Start in National City.

North end of the Highland Head Start Empathy Garden where children will connect with nature and watch the garden grow. April 2023.

This outdoor learning environment provides children with the opportunity to explore and play in nature, fostering a love of the environment and promoting social-emotional development. The garden's opening was attended by Head Start staff and supporters, who were thrilled to see the fruits of their labor. They were able to walk around and explore the garden, which is filled with various natural elements that encourage curiosity and discovery.

Thanks to the Empathy in Nature Project and their partnership with ECS Head Start, children now have access to a safe and inclusive space to connect with nature and learn valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. The "Empathy Garden" is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of providing children with accessible and inclusive high-quality early childhood education.

VP of Administration Hazzy Pipo, Interim Head Start Director Linda Borja, Head Start District Manager Nerissa Torralba, Area Supervisor Joan Borgonia, Family Engagement Specialist Heidi Avent, and the Empathy in Nature Project team members gather for a picture next to a treasure chest donated to Highland Head Start full of teaching materials. April 2023.

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.