An Evening of Impact at Summerfest 2026

What a fantastic evening at St. Paul's Senior Services Summerfest 2026! ECS staff, committee members, and community friends were excited to join fellow supporters for a celebration of community, connection, and the compassionate care that supports seniors throughout our region. ECS served as a Silver Sponsor of the evening, benefitting the renovation of St. Paul's McColl Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Thank you, St. Paul’s, for hosting this impactful event. We also appreciated the opportunity to engage with representatives from Ciprus Consulting, PNC Bank, San Diego Food Bank, The Antorge Group, and Volunteers of America Southwest during the event.

The mission-driven celebration brought together ECS staff and friends. August 2026.

ECS was also joined by community partners and committee members. August 2026.

Setting Expectant Families Up for Success

ECS’ Services for Expectant Families program ensures both the child and parents are supported.

Healthy child development relies on the earliest years. Attention to education, health, nutrition, and family support are critical for a strong upbringing. Programs like Head Start and Early Head Start help ensure that children ages 0 to 5 are set up for long-term success through all avenues. However, many families across the country have difficulty accessing these necessary resources for their infants and toddlers. Recent reports from the Office of Head Start show that there are nearly 300,000 fewer Early Head Start slots than Head Start slots, leaving young children and expectant families with nowhere to turn.  

In response, ECS is evolving to address this need locally. This year, the Services for Expectant Families Program is expanding from only 18 enrollment slots to 90, serving five times as many families throughout the San Diego region. 

This comprehensive program provides holistic support during pregnancy and after pregnancy, helping families receive the necessary tools to build a strong foundation for their child's growth and development.  

Once enrolled, eligible expectant families have access to several services, including: 

• Pregnancy progress check-ins 

• Prenatal education and guidance 

• Individualized postpartum support 

• Emotional support and goal-setting assistance 

• Referrals to community resources and support services 

Following the birth of their child, families can continue receiving Early Head Start services through home-based or center-based learning through 3 years of age. This ensures a consistent system of care through every stage of early development. Families will also continue to receive child development resources, parent education, and advocacy services.  

“By walking alongside parents during this important journey, we help build healthy beginnings, strengthen family well-being, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning,” said Child Development Specialist Erika Torres. 

The Services for Expectant Families Program is actively enrolling pregnant individuals. To learn more about eligibility or how to apply, please visit www.ecscalifornia.org/apply.

A Head Start Community to Call Home

In 2024, Karla and her two sons picked up their whole lives and moved from El Centro to San Diego. Little did she know, this wouldn’t be the biggest change they’d make.

Luis and Karla found support and community at ECS Highland Head Start. April 2026.

At the time, Karla’s kids were 6 and 3 years old. Her youngest, Luis, was raised during the COVID-19 lockdowns, something she believes led to concerning communication issues. Unlike his older brother, he was timid and quiet. At this age, it’s essential for children to develop the foundational skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives. Karla’s worries grew, and she asked herself: “How badly would my little boy struggle when it came time to start his education?” On top of that, Karla is most comfortable speaking in her native language, Spanish. She was unsure how well she would navigate an unfamiliar school system in a new city using English. Scared and miles away from her family, Karla knew she needed help.

When searching online, she discovered an ECS Head Start site just five minutes from her home. Immediately, she felt a weight lift from her chest. “The first day that I came, the school staff was very kind and empathetic,” she said. They reassured her that Luis would be in good hands. Luckily, she learned that plenty of ECS Head Start staff are bilingual, ensuring that she and Luis would be able to communicate easily and that language would not stand in the way of his education.

Now, two years later, Luis has changed for the better.

Head Start’s comprehensive wraparound services support both children and parents. April 2026.

“He’s very friendly; he’s in sports,” Karla beamed. Her son’s newfound confidence was once a dream for her. “He’s very intentional and explains what he’s feeling,” she pointed out, something Luis was unable to do before joining Head Start. He learned how to express difficult emotions such as fear or anger rather than staying quiet and holding in his feelings. He even made a close friend on his soccer team.

Just last year, Luis struggled to write the letter “S.” Now, thanks to the strong foundation built by his dedicated Head Start teachers, he can confidently write his own name. At ECS, teachers closely monitor each child’s development and tailor support to their individual needs.

Although Head Start is designed to guide children, Luis was not the only one who experienced growth while in the program. Karla was introduced to the Head Start Parent Committee, which advocates the needs of students and their families. With the support of ECS staff, Karla became an active member of the school community.

Luis and Karla read a book together at ECS Highland Head Start. April 2026.

“They gave me the opportunity to participate,” she detailed with a smile. For the past two years, she’s represented her son’s school site on the committee. Despite her limited English, staff provided encouragement and assistance as needed. She’s gained valuable experience, including championing Head Start programs during a period of funding uncertainties. Karla recognizes the importance of continued support for early childhood education on all levels, as she’s seen the impact firsthand.

ECS’ programs are closely connected, providing families with access to Para Las Familias — our no-cost mental health service for children and parents — and the Family Engagement Center, which Karla acknowledges are necessary for many families. She was also very moved by the staff’s attention to detail when supporting each child. At ECS Head Start, there is a smaller group of children per class, so even quiet students like Luis are never left behind.

“I completely recommend it [Head Start,]” Karla shared. “They take care of the kids’ development and also... of the families.” She strongly believes that children cannot develop well if their family lacks support.

Soon, Luis will age out of Head Start and begin a new journey in kindergarten. "I’m going to miss this school a lot,” Karla said. “This school has been my house.” Over one hundred miles from their loved ones, Karla and Luis found Head Start — a strong educational asset and a lifechanging support system. While her son has grown to be a “super goalie” with improved social skills, Karla has also learned to be less afraid and take advantage of new opportunities.

“[I] feel proud of my kids... and me.”

ECS Head Start accepts children aged 0-5 and provides comprehensive wraparound services that benefit them and their families. For more about Head Start’s services, eligibility, or ECS in general, please visit Head Start & Early Head Start — Episcopal Community Services.

ECS Invests from Within

As CPO, Embrie will lead all ECS programs, including early childhood education and behavioral health.

Since 2024, Embrie Tapia has served as ECS’ Director of Behavioral Health Services. In her role, she provides oversight for our children’s behavioral health, transitional housing, and substance use disorder programs. Under her leadership, ECS has increased our reach in supporting local children, families, and individuals as they navigate their mental health journeys. We are proud to announce that Embrie has been promoted to Chief Programs Officer, effective August 1, 2026.

“[Embrie] has earned the trust and respect of colleagues across ECS and has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead through both opportunities and challenges while keeping our mission at the center,” said Elizabeth Wilberg, Chief Executive Officer. “I am excited to partner with Embrie in this new role and confident she will help lead ECS into a strong future.”

Embrie is guiding ECS through the expansion of Para Las Familias (PLF), our no-cost, bilingual behavioral health service for children and their parents. Previously exclusive to the South Bay, PLF will soon be available countywide. Embrie has also led the recent acquisition of a property that will soon house our Substance Use Disorder Residential Treatment Recovery Program, which will support hundreds of adults annually.

Embrie will continue to work closely with our program sites, such as UTSH. September 2025.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chief Programs Officer at Episcopal Community Services,” shared Embrie. “ECS is a truly special organization with deep roots in the San Diego community and a longstanding commitment to serving others. I look forward to building upon our impact and continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.”

As CPO, she will also oversee our early childhood education programs. Rosa Cabrera-Jaime, Director of Early Education and Family Services said, "As someone who leads a team dedicated to children and families, I know that exceptional care begins with exceptional people. I'm excited to welcome Embrie and partner together to continue investing in our employees, because when our workforce thrives, our communities thrive."

Embrie not only supports ECS as a leader, but as a donor. In May, Embrie and her family served as Silver Sponsors at Evening on the Bay, our annual fundraising event. This is a true marker of her belief in our mission, dedicating her resources, time, and skill to ECS.

Geri Bannister, Associate Director of Behavioral Health said, “It is exciting to see the dedication, passion, and expertise that Embrie has demonstrated within the Behavioral Health Department now extending to support and strengthen all ECS programs.”

“Embrie strives to be a supportive leader and is committed to gaining a deep understanding of the many moving parts of the programs she oversees,” said Leslie Manriquez-Jimenez, Associate Director of Children’s Behavioral Health. “Under her leadership, I have felt heard, supported, and guided. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside her and am excited to see how she will continue to lead ECS and further its mission in the future.”

ECS is committed to investing from within. Comprised of 475 talented staff members, expertise exists throughout our organization, and our strength emanates when we uplift one another. This helps us to continue breaking barriers and transforming communities together.