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

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!

Are you seeking employment or looking to start your dream career? If you need help preparing for college or figuring out what your next step in life could be, the RISE Initiative is for you. Plus, it’s FREE! Though virtual, in-person coaching is available upon request for this six-month commitment. 

Be a Santa for children and families throughout Philadelphia!

Over the years, I, like many others, have collected groceries and clothing for the elderly and the impoverished, worked at food pantries, tutored underprivileged children, made meals for the homeless, and provided resources for those who are in temporary need of housing. Additionally, I have participated in courses on racism and anti-racism and written relevant articles for our parish in-house publications.

We’re elevating the voices of the people sharing in our mission to share about our impact and efforts to influence positive change.

I find the annual Forum on Justice & Opportunity extremely valuable because it gives a larger context for ECS’s work in the Philadelphia area.  Each year, national thought leaders come together to speak about their specific area of expertise, whether ending the benefits cliff or becoming aware of how words and phrases we take for granted negatively affect others.  

Through my work with ECS and involvement with the Advocacy Committee, I understand the obstacles our participants face and how we can help them overcome them.