PLF Receives Award and Grant from St. Germaine Children's Charity

(From left to right) Janice Farrow, St. Germaine Children’s Charity President-Elect; Elizabeth Fitzsimons, ECS CEO; Katie Christensen, St. Germaine Children’s Charity President; and Timothy Whipple, Development Director, beam with the Barbara Christensen Heart of San Diego Award in hand. June 2023.

SAN DIEGO — June 13 marked a memorable day for ECS’ Para Las Familias (PLF) program, as its noble mission and devoted efforts were celebrated and acknowledged at the St. Germaine Children’s Charity Luncheon. The PLF program was honored with the Barbara Christensen Heart of San Diego Award and a $5,000 grant.

Moreover, ECS’ CEO, Elizabeth Fitzsimons, delivered an impressive keynote address at the event. She emphasized the crucial need for comprehensive behavioral and mental health services, exemplified by programs like PLF within our community.

PLF is unwavering in its goal to disrupt generational trauma and abuse cycles that besiege numerous families, particularly those within underserved communities. Through a wide range of services - including individual and group therapy, parenting support groups, screenings, and others - the clinic works tirelessly to build healthy parent-child relationships, fostering healing from past traumas and paving the way for a brighter future.

ECS extends appreciation for this recognition from St. Germain’s. This grant empowers PLF to continue its essential work in the San Diego community.

Head Start Hosts its Second Annual Art Expo

A Head Start student smiles in a handmade cardboard airplane. June 2023.

SAN DIEGO — June 2 marked a day of vivid creativity at Chula Vista Memorial Park, with the second Annual Art Expo by ECS Head Start ending in resounding success. This event displayed an array of unique art projects meticulously crafted by talented students and dedicated staff from various ECS Head Start locations.

The art display captivated attendees and showcased the enriched environment fostered by ECS Head Start, which allows children to explore the world through creative, hands-on experiences.

The Art Expo also celebrated outstanding achievements with a friendly competition. Capturing the attendees’ admiration, the Reo Center claimed third place, Montgomery Center secured second place, and the Palomar Center won first place.

Whether art presentations received an award or not, the expo exhibited students’ talent and the teachers’ devotion to innovative learning.

Head Start staff member proudly displays a class project. June 2023.

The art expo creations were nothing short of exceptional. June 2023.

Head Start Wellness Day at Rohr Park

Wellness Day joy with Head Start Team. May 2023.

ECS Head Start's Wellness Day at Rohr Park was a vibrant gathering filled with laughter, music, and togetherness. The staff enjoyed tasty tacos and engaged in activities like meditation and karaoke, deepening their camaraderie. Awards were presented to those with various years of service, symbolizing their heartfelt commitment.

We appreciate our Head Start staff's efforts and recognize their profound impact on shaping the young minds of tomorrow. To learn more about our Head Start program, visit www.ecsheadstart.org.

Comradery smiles during Wellness Day. May 2023.

Wellness Day with Head Start staff. May 2023.

Moonlight Ball 2023: Transforming Communities

ECS supporters gather together at the Moonlight Ball gala. May 2023.

SAN DIEGO — We are humbled by the overwhelming outpour of compassion and generosity that radiated throughout the evening as ECS friends and supporters rallied together to support our services and programs.

ECS leadership enjoy the event. May 2023.

We are profoundly grateful for the overwhelming response and the remarkable turnout we witnessed. Each guest who honored us with their presence showcased an unwavering dedication to breaking barriers and transforming communities. Your collective support has left an indelible mark that fuels our determination to continue making a lasting impact, and for that, we are eternally thankful.

A fun filled evening focused on continuing ECS’ mission to break barriers and transform communities. May 2023.

ECS CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons, Mayor Todd Gloria, and ECS Assoc. Director of Strategic Partnerships Angel Ibarra pose for a photo at the gala. May 2023.