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

Earlier this month, I had breakfast with Anne Rice-Burgess, the new Executive Director of Episcopal Community Services, and I took on the new position of advisor to my successor. This marks the end of a transition process that started almost 18 months ago, when we elected a new Board President, so we could have a time of overlap before we began the search for the new ED. 

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: