Episcopal Community Services (ECS) proudly hosted the West Philadelphia Unity Fest on Friday, June 7, outside the St. Barnabas Community Resource Center (SBCRC)—a joyful celebration marking a powerful new chapter of investment and leadership in the community. 
The event brought together neighbors, partners, and supporters to celebrate ECS’s new designation as a Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) partner by the City of Philadelphia and the launch of a 275-block violence prevention and cleanup initiative, funded by an $874,042 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).
From free food and music to raffles, games, and art activities, Unity Fest was a vibrant reminder of ECS’s deep roots and expanding role in West Philadelphia. The day also marked the public debut of The People of ECS, a portrait and storytelling exhibit honoring the individuals—participants, staff, and partners—who embody ECS’s mission.
“This work doesn’t start with policy—it starts with people,” said Anne Rice-Burgess, ECS CEO. “These new investments allow us to act on what we’ve heard from neighbors for years. We get to deliver—and we’re doing it from the block level up.”
The PCCD grant will fund a 275-block cleanup effort designed to reduce violence through visible neighborhood investment and paid employment opportunities. Crew members will earn living wages while receiving wraparound support from ECS, including housing assistance, job readiness support, and financial coaching. ECS will launch the initiative later this year in partnership with local organization Glitter. As a newly designated NAC partner, ECS will expand its role in helping residents navigate housing, benefits, and essential services—building on years of trusted community work and backed by broad support from local organizations, elected officials, and neighbors.
Building on the day's spirit of optimism and unity, ECS received a generous gift from Daughters of the King, an Episcopal women's group dedicated to prayer and service.
Unity Fest also marked the expansion of ECS’s operations at St. Barnabas, which now will house the full ECS staff team. This new chapter strengthens ECS’s commitment to being a truly embedded and responsive neighborhood partner.