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

Since 2000, Lights On Afterschool has been celebrated  nationwide to call attention to the importance of afterschool programs for America's children, families and communities.

On October 14, 2022, professional golf champion and World Hall of Famer Gary Player presented a check for $300,000 to Episcopal Community Services (ECS) to support ECS’ out-of-school time (OST) program, the second largest OST program in Philadelphia.  The check presentation took place at the Feltonville School of Arts and Sciences. 

Economic Mobility in West Philadelphia

Session One: The Benefits Cliff
October 13, 2022
3:00PM – 4:30PM

The benefits cliff occurs when people face a sudden loss in public benefits as their income increases. It is a persistent and often overlooked issue – but it is especially pressing now that we are facing the additional challenge of cliffs that occur as a result of the expiration of key COVID-19 relief measures.

Join ECS at the St. Barnabas Community Resource Center in West Philadelphia for an informative panel discussion featuring leading experts who will provide important insights and clear advocacy and action steps.

The 21st CCLC Advisory Board announced that Christian Holland, Senior Director for Episcopal Community Services Out of School Time Educational Initiatives and Programs will serve as the Advisory Board Chair for the 2022-2023 school year.

The 21st CCLC Advisory Board supports the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) in moving the 21st CCLC program forward to most effectively help students access high-quality after school experiences. By representing grantees’ interests and providing feedback to PDE, the Advisory Board encourages best practices, effective resources and training for after school programs.


Christian is a highly functional, visionary leader and strategic professional with over 20 years of human services/educational experience. Christian has a history of repeated success in turnaround operations and is a respected administrator with a reputation for high performance. He has oversight of all 21st Century Community Learning Center cohorts. Christian has a Bachelor’s Degree in the Arts and two Master’s Degrees; one in Divinity and one in Business Administration, where he finished with honors. He is an active member of his community, serving as Chairperson for Oasis Prayer and Recovery Centers and Ministries, International Volunteer Team Leader/ Endorser of the Council of Accreditation, and a member of PSAYDN and the Philadelphia OST Coalition.

Did you know that your old car, truck, RV, motorcycle or boat can be donated to ECS?  We accept all vehicle donations as a form of support and use the proceeds of the sale to keep our mission going.  

This blog is the first in a series of posts which will highlight the many programs and services at Episcopal Community Services (ECS).  Financial education is just one aspect of the holistic approach that ECS offers to participants.  Stay tuned for more blogs which will highlight other programs, from housing to nutrition to employment and more! 

A message from Executive Director, David Griffith:

At ECS, we would like to highlight the work and creativity of Lillian Holt, a participant of our MindSet program, who is an award-winning poet!  At the suggestion of an ECS coach, Lillian entered a contest sponsored by one of our partners, the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, who stepped up its financial awareness outreach with a contest for essays, poems, or artwork about what financial security means to them.

Saturday, June 4 brought over 200 visitors of all ages to the grand opening of Saint Barnabas Community Resource Center, which was reimagined and relaunched as a hub for the community in West Philadelphia. The day was packed with activities and treats – face painting, dancing and music, food and water ice, Zumba, raffles, and more.  Community partners attended to provide their resources to the attendees, and leaders were honored at the ceremony. 

Help ECS spread the word about our MindSet program, now recruiting applicants for the January 2022 cohort. Do you know someone with a low-skill, low-paying job – someone who is seeking greater success in their work? This free program offered by Episcopal Community Services may be just the experience for them!