Blog

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

ECS Receives "Innovative Project" Support Grant from the Sarah Ralston Foundation!

ECS is proud to receive a 2024 Innovative Project Support Grant from The Sarah Ralston Foundation,...

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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. 

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Anne Rice-Burgess’ Reflection on Her First Year at ECS

As we look back on the past year, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for all we have accomplished together. Anne Rice-Burgess’ reflection letter is a tribute to the hard work, dedication, and resilience each of you has shown. Through challenges and triumphs, your unwavering commitment to our mission has made a significant impact. 

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PBJ Names ECS’ Soneyet Muhammad a 2024 Women of Influence Honoree

Every year, the Philadelphia Business Journal seeks nominations from the public for the Women of Influence awards program. The program recognizes women business leaders blazing a trail in Greater Philadelphia. We are pleased to announce that ECS’ Soneyet Muhammad was named a 2024 Women of Influence Honoree among an impressive pool of more than 200 nominations.

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Warmth, Family, Love: Erickah’s Rapid Re-Housing Journey

In the last fiscal year, 83% of ECS Rapid Rehousing participants exited to permanent housing. In this video, Rapid Rehousing alumni Erickah W, talks about the impact the ECS program had on her and her family:

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News

Author Grant “Tom” Thomas Donates All Proceeds of New Book to ECS

Grant M. Thomas, III, or “Tom” as his friends call him, recently reached out to ECS about his new book, Adventures on Land, Sea, and Air, and generously offered to donate all proceeds to ECS. 

“I’ve written a book,” Tom said. “And I would like the proceeds from sales of the book to be donated to ECS.”

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Powerful Partnership: ECS MindSet & The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative

Partnerships with other organizations are one way ECS works to maximize the impact of the work we do to challenge intergenerational poverty in Philadelphia. While the scope of our educational programs, coaching opportunities, advocacy initiatives, and community events is wide-ranging, it’s true that we, as a donor-supported mission, can’t address every challenge we see directly.

By teaming up with partners who excel in particular areas that complement our programs, we can expand the impact and reach of our work. 

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ECS Voices

ECS Joins Interfaith Leadership Network

ECS is proud to announce that it has joined the Interfaith Leadership Network (ILN), a select group of diverse faith leaders from across the country led by Interfaith Alliance, a national organization that advocates for inclusive democracy and healthy boundaries between religion and government. 

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Building Community Children & Youth

Relive the Fun of Our 3rd Annual Summer Block Party

Summer is all about sunshine, warmth, and the joy of coming together as a community. On June 1, we were honored to celebrate with the community at our third annual Summer Block Party! 

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Building Community Children & Youth

Out of School Time: Speaking Out at Afterschool Advocacy Day

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ECS Joins Beyond the Cliff Coalition to Eliminate the Benefits Cliff

ECS is announcing our participation in the newly formed Beyond the Cliff Coalition. This Coalition is a first-of-its-kind national collaborative of nonprofits, state and local governments, and collaborative stakeholders focused on helping families achieve economic prosperity and specifically eliminating the Benefits Cliff.

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