The Joy of Volunteering

SAN DIEGO – This holiday season, ECS is thankful for its generous volunteers. Volunteering is important for non-profits, including ECS. Volunteers bring resources, support, connection, and joy to ECS clients.

Martha Ehringer serving a client at this year’s CERRC Thanksgiving lunch. November 2023.

Martha Ehringer, a dedicated ECS volunteer, shared her experience contributing time and effort to ECS clients over the years. Ehringer is the current liaison for ECS from the outreach committee at St. James-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in La Jolla. She has primarily worked with Central East Regional Recovery Center (CERRC) and Uptown Safe Haven (UTSH) by providing lunch for clients. From their past “chicken chopping committee” to creating a delicious barbeque spread, Ehringer and her fellow volunteers love to prep meals and spend time eating and talking with ECS clients. She shared that these volunteer opportunities are “such an exhilarating experience for us… It’s sort of like being invited to somebody’s house for lunch; it’s a real pleasure.”

A special Thanksgiving lunch for CERRC and UTSH clients is coming up this month. Ehringer volunteered at the event in 2022 and will participate along with volunteers from several local parishes this year, as well. The meal celebrates clients’ recovery journeys and invites connection between clients, staff, and volunteers.

Ehringer spoke about how incredible the clients make the ECS volunteer experience. “There is so much kindness and love that’s involved,” she shared. She explained how the clients at ECS are inviting, interesting, and never hesitant to go above and beyond by helping the volunteers. “I hope it’s as rewarding for the clients as it is for us because we just love it,” Ehringer gushed.

A few of the volunteers at last year’s CERRC Thanksgiving lunch smile for a photo. November 2022.

ECS’ homelessness and recovery programs work with clients to help them regain control and balance in their lives and walk with them step-by-step to reenter the world as healthy individuals. Ehringer stated, “I really love what ECS does. I think ECS does it quietly and well, and ECS knows what they’re doing, so I have no qualms about referring someone to ECS if there’s a reason to do that.” Volunteering with ECS programs like UTSH and CERRC has been impactful, according to Ehringer; she cherishes the privilege of interacting with “people who are in the process of being healed.”

Although volunteering is rewarding, many people need help figuring out where to start. Ehringer felt this at one point herself. “I’ve always admired the work of ECS; I’ve always wanted to be involved,” she said. “But didn’t know how to do it.” For her, the invitation came from the assistant rector at St. James by-the-Sea, asking her to join the outreach committee.

If you or someone you know would like to get involved and become an ECS volunteer, contact Angel Ibarra at aibarra@ecscalifornia.org. Stay tuned for upcoming volunteer opportunities through our website or our e-newsletter.

Giving time, energy, and effort to local non-profits is a great way to support one’s community. ECS appreciates the work volunteers put into supporting its clients and making the organization stronger. Ehringer spoke on the importance of volunteering and stated, “my whole motto in life is only do it if it’s fun; … [volunteering] … and it’s so rewarding.” There are many ways to give back to ECS, find something that resonates with you, and become the change you want to see.

Fall Festivities at the Resource Fair

Families pick out pumpkins to take home from the fair. October 2023.

SAN DIEGO – Head Start families came together with San Diego community partners for information on critical services and Halloween themed activities at ECS’ annual Fall Resource Fair. 102 families attended with over 300 total participants at the fair.

The Fall Resource Fair directly connected Head Start families with resources such as Para Las Familias, Triple P, PACE, SBCS, Sweetwater Adult School, The Bishop’s School, Sustain Abilities, San Ysidro Health, MAAC, Lead Prevention, Southbay Sustainable Communities, and Outreach Program Services of America. These community partners provide a range of services supporting mental health, education, tangible needs, and more.

The Fall Resource Fair was also bursting with fun activities. Participants dressed up in their “Halloween-best,” with a lucky three taking home “best original costume,” “coolest costume,” and “funniest costume.” Families enjoyed crafts, carnival games, and dancing, while also visiting community partner booths.

Uniting families and community partners contributes to a stronger San Diego.

Halloween festivities fit for all ages made the fair a memorable one. October 2023.

ECS staff and board members dress in costumes at the event. October 2023.

Stepping-Stones to Stability

Diana and her dog Molly. September 2023.

SAN DIEGO – Diana was at the lowest point of her life prior to finding help at C-HRT Safe Haven. She was trapped in a domestic violence situation, living on the streets, addicted to drugs, and battling untreated mental illness. According to the 2023 Point-in-Time Count conducted by the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, Diana was one of approximately 10,264 homeless individuals in San Diego County. “It’s just crazy how it just spiraled, then you become clueless and helpless, and you don’t know what to do. And it’s like people shun you; they don’t want to help you,” she shared. “I was just tired of it.”

Thankfully, in December of 2022, Diana was referred to C-HRT and began her journey forward. Sam Fookes, C-HRT Safe Haven Program Manager, observed, “Diana arrived at C-HRT Safe Haven as a very quiet person who mostly kept to herself.” Diana herself said, “The first day I showed up here [at C-HRT] … whenever I left out of here, I don’t know why, I cried. I was scared because it was the first time I actually took a step to do something for me.”

Diana was lost, confused, and afraid to face life alone. However, the C-HRT community ensured she had the support she needed. “It has been a privilege to watch her grow into a strong, independent individual,” Fookes added. Diana spoke about the transformative impact of the safe haven, highlighting everything from the simple joys of privacy and home-cooked meals to the invaluable mental health services and the sense of stability it provided her. “This place has been a major stepping-stone for me,” she stated.

Since moving into C-HRT, the services and support have helped Diana regain control of her thoughts and direction in life. “I started seeing the mental health people a lot more and started feeling more settled here,” she said. “Now I feel like I can come home to something and be okay, be safe.” Fookes noted, “She has even expanded her family by adopting a furry friend named Molly. Molly has completely changed Diana’s worldview, and she truly puts herself and her family first.”

The program also helped Diana prepare for the path ahead. “I am excited to learn what new opportunities and achievements Diana will make with the support of the C-HRT Safe Haven community behind her,” said Fookes. Diana has decided to revamp her cleaning service here in San Diego. She has acquired her LLC, customers, and even a website for her business.

A sense of family and stability has also been prominent to Diana at C-HRT. “I’ve never had that close-knit family,” she said. With the staff and other clients at C-HRT, “you get to see these people day in, day out now, it’s like they’re family, it’s like they’re your brothers or sisters,” she stated.

The Community Harm Reduction Team (C-HRT) Safe Haven serves up to 22 unhoused residents living with chronic substance use conditions and is a partnership between the County of San Diego, the City of San Diego, Family Health Centers, and Episcopal Community Services. Mental health services, substance use disorder aid, and help to achieve stability are just a few ways the program supports its residents.

You can make a tangible difference in the lives of residents like Diana by donating your time, talents, or funds to support their healing journey. For more information, visit ECS California C-HRT Safe Haven.

Scoring Community Goals with the San Diego Loyal Soccer Club

SAN DIEGO – ECS partnered with the San Diego Loyal Soccer Club for the third year in a row, yielding a collaboration with significant rewards. Players from the Loyal team visited St. John’s Head Start for a field day on September 14. During their visit, Loyal players and staff were given a school tour before joining students, teachers, and parents outside for various festivities. The day was filled with games, drawings, and many opportunities for the children and players to interact.

Michael Chilaka, who plays the central back position and is a new addition to the Loyal, shared his feelings about the visit: “It’s a great honor for me to know the community and to share the moments with the young guys and families here,” Chilaka stated.

America, the mother of Agustine - who’s attended St. John’s Head Start for two years, also voiced her thoughts on the Loyal’s visit. “My kids have grown up with soccer, so having a team like the Loyal come down to visit us is pretty cool,” America said.

Head Start students, staff, parents, and Loyal players take a group photo at field day. September 2023.

“The connection we’ve established with the San Diego Loyal transcends the soccer field,” reflected Adrienne Wilkerson, ECS Communications Director. “It’s a vivid illustration of the synergy and unity achieved when organizations align around common values. And together, we’re fostering beneficial change in the community.”

On September 24, the San Diego Loyal squared off against the Las Vegas Lights FC at Torero Stadium. Notably, the match culminated in a 1-1 draw, showcasing the Loyal’s tenacity on the field. As the season unfolds, the Loyal’s potential playoff spot remains within reach. ECS showcased its unwavering support throughout the game, with numerous representatives present. Twenty-two kids, fourteen Head Start families, several Para Las Familias (PLF) families, and other distinguished ECS staff and board members were in attendance.

Monica Sandoval, an ECS Child Development Specialist Supervisor, spoke about the event’s significance and profound impact on the families. “The partnerships we do here are very important,” Sandoval remarked, “I saw the excitement and the joy of the people that were riding the bus [to the event]; we’re so glad to be part of this adventure.”

ECS’ alliance with the Loyal opened wonderful opportunities for ECS families. Stefani Polonia, Vice President of Ticket Sales, Service, and Memberships for the San Diego Loyal, discussed the mutual benefits of the partnership with ECS. “A lot of the things that are important to us are giving back and volunteering. We’ve done over a thousand hours of community service as an organization,” Polonia shared.

Building on that sentiment, Polonia added that the Loyal sees their fans as family, and building community is central to their brand. “You’re out there really making an impact on people outside of being here on match day. So, you get to build those unique relationships and get introduced to new organizations,” she stated.

ECS Board Member Ana Lozano emphasized the importance of such collaborations. “We’re making sure that families feel that they are part of the community, and part of the community is being involved with the professional teams that support great organizations like Episcopal Community Services,” she expressed.

ECS families and staff pose for a picture before the soccer match. September 2023.

Although 2023 will mark the Loyal’s final season, their legacy will be felt, especially within the ECS family. “Those families… will forever remember that story, that experience,” Polonia said. “People who are sports fans, they think about the first time they went to a game with their parents… and those memories, they will always remember that.”

For more information about ECS’ early childhood programs, including Head Start and PLF, visit Episcopal Community Services at ecscalifornia.org.