UTSH Celebrates Independence Day

UTSH resident Kerri poses with the cupcakes she baked for everyone to enjoy.
July 2023.

SAN DIEGO — During the nationwide Fourth of July celebrations, ECS Uptown Safe Haven (UTSH) residents savored their share of summer fun. UTSH is a residential facility that provides transitional housing and supportive services to chronically homeless single adults grappling with moderate to severe mental health issues. Here, residents experience supportive communal living in an alcohol and drug-free environment.

A delicious holiday spread prepared by UTSH residents.
July 2023.

This Fourth of July, the spirit of community was alive and well. The residents prepared the barbecue; James skillfully sauced the chicken and ribs; Naiar sliced up some refreshing watermelon sides, and Kerri's homemade cupcakes ended the meal on a sweet note. 

As the celebration unfolded, it became clear why Lead Resident Assistant Taliea Burton later declared, "Today's celebration was a huge success." Indeed, the jubilant Fourth of July gathering at UTSH beautifully highlighted the warm sense of community that flourishes within its walls. Resident Assistant Renee Coleman organized the gathering and ensured the event was memorable for those in attendance.

UTSH is more than a facility—it's a home for the residents, a refuge for those battling homelessness and mental health issues. Yet, our mission is propelled by the kindness of individuals like you. If you'd like to join our mission, consider donating to UTSH.

SEIU Negotiations Finalized

SAN DIEGO — We are pleased to announce that ECS has successfully concluded negotiations with SEIU Local 221, the union representing our invaluable team of teachers and Head Start staff. On Wednesday, Jun. 28 SEIU finalized voting, resulting in the members ratifying a new contract.

Over the past few months, we have actively engaged in a collaborative dialogue with SEIU Local 221, focusing on how to best support our teachers and staff. Their commitment to shaping the minds and futures of our learners is a valuable part of our organization, and recognizing their contributions is a point of pride for us.

In these negotiations, we sought to ensure our dedicated professionals received a comprehensive package including competitive wages, bilingual pay, additional incentive pay, and other benefits that align with their critical work. We have worked diligently to negotiate terms that honor our team's commitment to ECS's mission and the impact they have on the communities we serve.

We extend deep appreciation to all involved in these negotiations, including Elizabeth Fitzsimons, CEO; Hazzy Pipo, VP of Administration; Stacie Perez, VP of Programs; Rosa Cabrera-Jaime, Director of Early Childhood Education & Family Services; Linda Borja and Leticia Alvarez, Assistant Head Start Directors; Pamela Flores, HR Manager; and Rhonda Hilliard, Head Start Manager. Your dedication to our mission has been crucial in reaching this milestone. We also want to acknowledge the tenacious efforts of Jim Ryan, our Lead Negotiator. Lastly, we thank the SEIU team for working with us on this effort.

To our teachers and staff, thank you for your patience and perseverance throughout this process. This successful negotiation emphasizes our commitment to you, the driving force behind our education work.

Finally, we are eager to continue our work together, cultivating an environment of mutual respect and support. Our goal remains the same: to empower each individual and family we serve with the resources they need to thrive. And with you, our dedicated staff, we are confident in the strength of our collective future.

Thank you for being a part of the ECS family.

ECS extends gratitude to our Head Start teachers and staff. June 2023.

Elizabeth Fitzsimons Receives CEO of the Year Award

ECS CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons smiles with her Rising Star Award. June 2023.

SAN DIEGO — At the core of ECS’ mission to break barriers and transform communities is the passionate leadership of its CEO, Elizabeth Fitzsimons. Her commitment to this cause has not gone unnoticed. Fitzsimons was recently recognized as a finalist for the San Diego Business Journal’s (SDBJ) CEO of the Year Award, and on June 27, she was honored with the Rising Star CEO of the Year Award. This achievement has filled the ECS board and staff with immense pride.

With a quarter of a century’s experience as a San Diego business professional and two years at the helm of ECS, Fitzsimons has demonstrated transformative leadership with solid business acumen. Her unwavering dedication to ECS’ purpose of cultivating a strong, vibrant, and just San Diego region is evident in her work.

ECS Leadership Team celebrates with Fitzsimon. From left to right: Hazzy Pipo, VP of Administration; Elizabeth Fitzsimons, CEO; Adrienne Wilkerson, Communications Director; Sherri Kelly, Chief of Staff; Rosa Cabrera-Jaime, Director of Early Education & Family Services; and Timothy Whipple, Development Director. June 2023.

Under Fitzsimons’s direction, ECS has seen substantial growth, including the launch of a new safe haven for unhoused individuals grappling with mental and behavioral health issues. She has also boosted the brand’s recognition and credibility in the community, fostered an inclusive work environment, and made it a point to visit various ECS program locations every Thursday. These are just some highlights of Fitzsimons’s effective servant leadership.

Upon receiving the award, Fitzsimons graciously acknowledged SDBJ for spotlighting the positive strides in the San Diego community. She thanked other finalists, ECS board and staff members for their collaborative efforts, ECS clients for their trust, and her husband for his unwavering support.

In her words, “I always leave these awards feeling so good about our community and all the good things that are happening.”

As Fitzsimons celebrates this well-deserved recognition, ECS looks forward to her continued contributions to the organization and the broader San Diego community.

From left to right: Tony Manolatos, Fitzsimon’s husband; Elizabeth Fitzsimons, ECS CEO; and Jessica Grounds, CEO of Corporate Directors Forum prior to the SDBJ CEO of the Year Awards Ceremony. June 2023.

ECS CEO Fitzsimons hugs Girl Scouts of San Diego CEO Carol M. Dedrich after receiving their awards. June 2023.

From Addiction to Empowerment

Stephanie, former CERRC client. April 2023.

SAN DIEGO — Once living in a tent and estranged from her family, Stephanie struggled with substance abuse. Seeking help from CERRC, she embarked on a journey of healing and growth through their comprehensive outpatient treatment services. Battling her inner turmoil, Stephanie persevered with support from her dedicated counselor, Summer Kahoonei. Now, after 20 months clean, she has reconnected with her family, secured a job, and is determined to make a difference in the lives of others.

As she shared her progress, Stephanie expressed her thankfulness, saying, "Miss Summer, I called to let you know I am still doing good and remember everything you said in [the] group. I'm starting school to be a drug and alcohol counselor!"

ECS’ Central East Recovery Center (CERRC) provides treatment and services to individuals struggling with substance use disorders. CERRC’s multifaceted and dedicated team assists with services such as individual counseling, group treatment, assessments, and discharge planning. Clients who are facing other difficulties, such as homelessness or unemployment, will also be provided connections to related community resources.

According to the California Health Care Foundation, in 2021, nine percent of Californians qualified for a substance use disorder, yet only ten percent of those individuals sought help for their illness. Programs like CERRC are essential now more than ever.

With a high success rate, the CERRC program changes lives like Stephanie's daily. Her story highlights the power of determination and support; anyone can overcome challenges and create a brighter future. Please help us continue making an impact by donating today!