ECS Annual Impact Report

Fiscal Year 2024/2025

Dear Friends of ECS,

With gratitude,

Elizabeth (Fitzsimons) Wilberg, Chief Executive Officer

Mission: To break barriers and transform communities through programs rooted in our tradition of action and faith in God.

Vision: To have an abundant and equitable society where all have unlimited potential.

Core Values: Belonging, Respect, Empowerment, Exploration, and Stewardship.

At A Glance

6 Transformative Programs • 19 Locations • 450+ Staff
10,500+ Students, Clients, Families, and Community Members Impacted

347,922 Meals & Snacks Distributed
X Volunteers contributed 497 hours of service, valued at $19,949

Our $38 million budget:

Your generosity changes lives!

You made an extraordinary impact! Thanks to you, we raised $994,411 across all ECS programs, including our annual gala, to care for the most vulnerable members of our community. Your compassion continues to bring hope to those who need it most.

2025 Moonlight Ball Sponsors

INSPIRING CHILDREN 

Head Start
35% of California families do not earn sufficient income to meet basic needs, including childcare. ECS Head Start and Early Head Start provides free high-quality childcare, providing necessary care and education for those in need. Head Start addresses the comprehensive needs of both children and their families, offering a full spectrum of wraparound services, from developmental screenings and services for children with disabilities to parenting education, family and community engagement, and support for pregnant women. We ensure that every aspect of a child's well-being is considered, helping families build a foundation for a brighter future. 

• Target Population: Low-income families with children 0 to 5 and pregnant women

• Clients & Families Impacted: X

• Source: The Real Cost Measure in California (2025)

Para Las Familias
Roughly 1 in 6 children in the U.S. experience mental and behavioral health (MBH) conditions. Para Las Familias (PLF) addresses this crisis with early intervention for children ages 0-12, offering timely support through bilingual therapy, assessments, and parenting groups. By focusing on early intervention, PLF meets the need for accessible youth mental health care, providing critical support in the clinic, at home, and in classrooms to help families navigate challenges and build resilience.

• Target Population: Low-income children ages 0 to 12 and caregivers as needed

• Clients & Families Impacted: 620

• Impact: X% of children improved in emotional/behavioral issues upon discharge

• Source: Disparities in Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Health Conditions (2023)

EMPOWERING ADULTS

Central East Regional Recovery Center
In 2024, 945 people in San Diego County died of a drug overdose. This is a 21% decrease from 2023, but the work to help those facing substance use disorders (SUDs) is far from over. ECS outpatient residential treatment program CERRC offers support to clients with SUDs. From counseling and treatment groups to assessments and discharge planning for clients facing challenges like homelessness, unemployment, or co-occurring illnesses. Whether clients seek help voluntarily or through court mandates, CERRC’s multidisciplinary team provides in-depth assessments, individualized counseling, and tailored treatment plans. CERRC also connects clients to community resources and offers flexible group schedules for accessible support.

• Target Population: Adults with substance use disorders and transitional aged youth

• Clients Served: 1,031

• Impact: 99% of clients who were homeless at intake were successfully housed upon completing the program

• Source: 945 Purple Flags Honor 2024 Overdose Victims as San Diego Marks 21% Decrease in Fatalities (2025)

ACCORD
According to a 2024 study, San Diego has the eleventh worst DUI rate out of the 50 largest U.S. cities. These figures highlight the need for intervention to prevent DUI-related incidents in our region. The ACCORD program provides a safe, confidential space for individuals to understand the impact of DUIs. Licensed by California, ACCORD serves those arrested or convicted of DUIs, referred by courts, probation, or the DMV. Clients engage in educational classes, counseling, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on behavioral change. ACCORD connects clients to additional services, including intensive substance use disorder treatment when needed, helping reduce reoffending and promote safer communities.

• Target Population: Individuals arrested for or convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics

• Clients Served: 5,935

• Impact: X% of clients who successfully completed the program did not re-offend

• Source: Worst Cities for Drunken Driving (2024)

Community Harm Reduction Team Safe Haven
In 2025, the Point-in-Time Count reported 9,905 individuals experiencing homelessness across the San Diego region. Of these, 5,714 were unsheltered. ECS C-HRT Safe Haven offers secure and dignified transitional housing for unsheltered individuals. C-HRT provides critical support to up to 22 unhoused residents living with chronic substance use conditions. A collaborative effort between the County of San Diego, the City of San Diego, Family Health Centers, and Episcopal Community Services, C-HRT offers transitional housing with a focus on helping clients transition to permanent housing. Family Health Centers of San Diego coordinates client placement and provides ongoing care, case management, and support services throughout their stay.

• Target Population: Homeless adults with chronic substance use disorders

• Clients Served: 38

• Impact: X% of residents maintained or increased their income at the time of discharge

• Source: Point-in-Time Data Report (2025)

Uptown Safe Haven 
According to the 2025 Point-in-Time Count, about 46% of unsheltered individuals in San Diego are chronically homeless. Uptown Safe Haven (UTSH), ECS’ other transitional housing facility, serves chronically homeless adults with moderate to severe mental health conditions. Partnering with the Community Research Foundation, UTSH provides residents with employment counseling, educational guidance, mental health plans, and support groups. Our "grace-based" program follows a harm reduction approach, recognizing the challenges residents face as they work toward recovery. While Uptown Safe Haven is an alcohol and drug-free environment, residents are not required to be clean or sober upon entry but are expected to strive toward abstinence during their stay.

• Target Population: Homeless adults with moderate to severe mental health issues

• Clients Served: 36

• Impact: X% of clients at exit increased their Stages of Change Assessment score; a Transtheoretical Model, which explains an individual's readiness to change their behavior

• Source: Point-in-Time Data Report (2025)

2024/2025 Highlights

Family Engagement Center

The Family Engagement Center (FEC) is a free community center open to the public. FEC is committed to supporting families by providing a welcoming and safe space where parents can access essential resources, services, and support. Whether you're seeking assistance with childcare needs, language courses, or emergency supplies, FEC is here to empower and uplift families from all walks of life.

Broader Community Impact

ECS serves thousands of clients, meeting a variety of needs, but impact goes beyond those directly served. The reach of ECS programs transforms the lives of clients’ family members and friends, as well as ECS employees, volunteers, board members, and donors. To become involved with ECS’ transformative work considering becoming a volunteer, providing a donation, or exploring another way of giving. Together we lead our community toward a brighter future.