Learn more about new partnerships, community-wide events, pilot programs, and the success of our participants.

Mindset: Level Up Celebration

Several participants from the MindSet Program recently “leveled-up” in a ceremony celebrating their achievements at the ECS St. Barnabas Community Resource Center. MindSet is a program focused on career development and financial stability. Uniquely, this program offers one-on-one coaching, a matched savings programs, cash incentives, and access to emergency funds for up to 7 years. ECS’s team of specialists provide additional intensive support in the areas of financial management, housing, and career development. The participants who were recognized increased their income and savings and decreased their debts, in addition to achieving other goals, allowing them to be promoted to the next phase of the program.

Lights On After School

"Lights On After School is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year."

ECS Voices

Ties That Bind

At the St. Barnabas Community Resource Center, it is more than just a food pantry—it is a place where community flourishes. People greet each other warmly, saying “Good morning” and “Hello, neighbor,” checking in on one another with genuine care. One recent moment stands out: someone waiting their own turn for reasons of food insecurity, quietly pulling me aside to say, “I wanted to make sure you knew that the person behind me in line may need a little extra care today.” She knew that once the other person walked in, he would be greeted with welcoming concern and immediate action. It is these small, intentional acts that embody the spirit of this place. Inside St. Barnabas, the quotes on the walls are not just words; they are lived every day. “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together,” reads a quote from Desmond Tutu. It is felt in the way people reach out to each other, knowing that their well-being is interconnected. Nearby, Pauli Murray’s words remind us of the foundation of a thriving community: “True community is based on equality, mutuality, and reciprocity. It affirms the richness of individual diversity as well as the common human ties that bind us together.” The common human ties that bind us together. While we work towards a future where no one must stand in a food pantry line, St. Barnabas remains committed to being more than just a resource. It is a place where neighbors recognize each other and ask, “How are you?” It is a space where the simple, yet profound, gestures of mutual care multiply. At last night’s community dinner, I sat next to a woman who brought in a newcomer, who told me he recently lost his housing and wanted to know more about what resources ECS may have for him. Here, community is not just an idea but an everyday practice—one where people uplift one another, recognizing our shared humanity.

Advocacy Event

It's Basic: Movie Screening

On October 21st, 2024, ECS screened a film: It's Basic, a documentary that follows several people facing the challenge of poverty who are given a sum of money monthly – often referred to as guaranteed income - through government pilot programs for 10 months up to 2 years. Even though ECS does not work in the guaranteed income space, we are always looking for ways to highlight innovative programs that help to lift people out of poverty, in line with our mission to challenge intergenerational poverty.

Anne Rice-Burgess' September Reflection

Earlier this month, we observed Labor Day. We often forget what that means, because we celebrate with a (well-deserved) day off. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed to recognize the American worker’s contributions to our country’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.

ECS Employee Spotlight

Featured employee Amber Wool, MSW, LSW, shares her ECS story as a data reporting specialist. View her full story below.

Advocacy

Benefits Cliff Researcher Says Coalitions Can Help

It was a return trip for Samantha, a former ECS intern in the Inclusion and Advocacy department. At ECS, her specific role was to research the benefits cliff. Her work involved reviewing policy documents, following up with existing ECS partners and making new connections with other organizations that are also addressing the benefits cliff issue.

Children & Youth

Out of School Time (OST) Participants Enjoy a Fun-Filled Day at Dave & Buster’s

Our Out of School Time (OST) program participants recently had an incredible day at Dave & Buster’s in Philadelphia, making lasting memories filled with games, laughter, and fun. The outing was a highlight of our program, offering children a delightful break from their routines. These moments of fun and connection are invaluable, not just for the children but for our entire community.

Community Comes Together at Annual Back to School Bash

Our Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 3, was a resounding success! This year’s theme was “Philly, be heard!” and ECS welcomed families for a fun-filled, educational afternoon at St. Barnabas Community Resource Center. The Back to School Bash also served as an engaging platform for families to learn about voting, the branches of government, and the importance of civic engagement, fostering a deeper understanding of their role in the democratic process. A heartfelt thank you to the Lenfest Institute for Journalism, which awarded ECS a civic engagement grant as part of its Every Voice, Every Vote initiative encouraging Philadelphia residents to get involved with local government.