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

The ECS Inclusion & Advocacy team, in collaboration with the ECS Chaplain, recently hosted a letter writing campaign focused on supporting legislation to reduce gun violence in the city of Philadelphia and beyond. ECS partnered with Heeding God’s Call to End Gun Violence, an organization dedicated to eliminating gun violence through social and political action.  

One of our core values at ECS is Dignity. Every person has inherent worth and dignity that should be respected in every aspect of life. This belief is not only based on Episcopalian traditions, but it is also rooted in the social work code of ethics.

Youth from the Episcopal Community Services OST and Youth Programs recently participated in a golf clinic at the McCall Golf Club in Delaware County. Amanda-Leigh Player Hall, President of the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation, organized and hosted the event in honor of the role that golf played in the life of her father, legendary South African golfer Gary Player. Approximately 125 students took part.  

At ECS, we know the value of listening to the community. We accomplish more together through collaborative and inclusive relationships, and our programs and advocacy efforts are strengthened by the ideas and perspectives of our participants, staff, board of trustees, peer agencies, stakeholders and partners.

Ryan Scott always knew that he had a heart for social work. 

March was Social Work Month, and this year’s theme is closely aligned with our work and mission: “Social Work Breaks Barriers That Prevent People and Communities from Thriving.”   

Neibert Richards, Senior Director of Housing, spent most of her first 20+ years with Episcopal Community Services (ECS) in child welfare programs. “Working with foster children and young adults was part of my life for a long time,” she explains.

At ECS, one of the core values that guides our work is community.  We know that we can accomplish more together and that collaborative and inclusive relationships strengthen our programming and advocacy.

The Five Episcopal Bishops of Pennsylvania drafted a letter to state legislators, highlighting four ways that they can help to address gun violence:

Are you looking for an opportunity to engage with your community?  ECS is currently looking for community members, leaders and stakeholders to join the St. Barnabas Community Advisory Council.  Council members will support initiatives that increase the awareness of the community’s needs and help inform the efficacy of programs and services offered through St. Barnabas Community Resource Center (SBCRC). 



Primary Functions of the SBCRC Advisory Council 


A key function of community advisory council members is community engagement.  Council members will support ECS’ initiatives to engage community members in efforts to understand the community’s needs and inform the efficacy of programs and services offered through SBCRC.   Council members will serve as trusted advisors for ECS’ St. Barnabas Mission Community Resource Center, located at 6006 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19151.  In addition, Council members may be invited to speak on legislation and policy issues on community’s behalf and to advance our Advocacy platform.  


Member Qualifications 

Ideal candidates will be familiar with ECS’ mission, vision, values, principles and the programs and services used to support upward economic mobility.  Successful candidates will have a history of positive community engagement or experience in one of the five areas identified as crucial for economic growth.  Strong communication skills, the ability to cultivate interpersonal and organizational relationships, and diplomacy are also required.  In addition, council members must possess personal qualities that include integrity, inclusiveness, credibility and a desire to improve the lives of those managing poverty.   


Time Commitment/Compensation  

The Advisory Council will meet a minimum of 2 hours each month and should expect to spend up to 5 hours per month conducting council business.  This is not a paid position, however, ECS identified resources to remove participation barriers to support the engagement of selected Council members. 


Member Duties and Responsibilities  

-   Understand and demonstrate a commitment to Episcopal Community Services’ mission, vision, values, programs 

-   Fully engage in Council activities by contributing knowledge and skill to its work and activities.      

-   Attend monthly community advisory council meetings 

-   Evaluate programs and services to provide candid, honest and constructive feedback 

-   Participate in the development and deployment of community engagement opportunities and events  

-   Avoid potential and actual conflicts of interest 

-   Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the SBCRC 

-   Identify and support possible funding opportunities