Support in ECS often spans generations.
Kurt Brunner, a current board trustee, has served the agency in several capacities since the 1990s. His father, the Reverend Arthur Brunner, also served on the board and was the one who introduced Kurt to ECS.
A staunch advocate for social justice efforts in Philadelphia, Rev. Brunner’s connection to ECS goes back to the 1950s.
As an urban priest in Philadelphia, Rev. Brunner was devoted to the issues that affected his communities. When the Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania sent Rev. Brunner and a group of priests to study at Chicago’s Urban Training Center, they were assigned to try an activity called “The Plunge.” Each priest was tasked with living on the streets for one week with no more than five dollars. Grizzled and transformed, the experience strengthened Rev. Brunner’s commitment to equality. Upon his return to Philadelphia, ECS became his valued partner in helping people.
As rector at several parishes in the city, he referred many parishioners to ECS for assistance, knowing ECS was a safe space where they would feel welcomed and respected – regardless their situation.
Rev. Brunner shared his enthusiasm for ECS with his children, Kurt and Lisa, who have become long-time supporters and volunteers. Kurt, his wife, Carol, Lisa, and her husband, Bill, were founding members of Young Friends of ECS. Kurt has chaired the ECS Board of Trustees and served in many leadership positions, heading committees and two executive director searches, including the most recent one that brought in David Griffith.
For the Brunner family, supporting ECS is “a way for us to live our Baptismal covenant,” Kurt says. “An opportunity to share what we have and have been given, be it time, treasure, or talent.”
The Brunners see in ECS the dedication of staff and volunteers, the ever-present need, and above all, the fact that ECS constantly strives to find better ways to provide service to its participants.
“The need is great. ECS has the talent, the energy, and the desire to continue to provide service and support to those whose need is the greatest,” Kurt added. “The nature of services provided has changed over the years, but not the desire to provide service to those who need it the most,” Kurt said. “The strength of ECS starts with the committed staff and volunteers who love what they do and are deeply concerned with making a difference for those who participate in our programs.”
The Brunners trust that ECS will continue to improve the lives of all participants – providing them a space where they can feel as welcomed and respected as those that came before them.