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

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. 

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. 

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.

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:

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.”

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. 

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. 

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! 

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.