ECS stands out in the greater Philadelphia region by addressing poverty from both immediate and long-term perspectives.

On the immediate side, we work to help people meet their critical needs — when they urgently need such things as housing or food, or they are ready to embark on a longer-term journey towards financial stability and independence. At the same time, we also use our voice in City Hall and the State Capitol to raise awareness that addresses the policies that make it harder, rather than easier, for someone to leave poverty permanently behind.

ECS works in radiating circles. Picture this…

Imagine our efforts focused on one person, and the good that could do. Now imagine a neighborhood, like Haddington and Carroll Park, where the ECS St. Barnabas Community Resource Center is located. And now imagine the ripple of ECS’ partnership through the families of generations to come. Prosperity builds on prosperity; the key to breaking intergenerational poverty begins with one person, one family, here and now and spreads outward. Our participants in the MindSet economic mobility coaching program this year earned on average an additional $1,400 per month — a tremendously impactful income outcome.

What else makes ECS different? To be sure, our talented staff, innovative programs and history of partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania and other embedded community partners to name a few. Perhaps most importantly is the depth of our commitment to those in our communities impacted by intergenerational poverty. ECS continuously moves in a forward-facing direction; it is who we are.

And then there’s you — whether you are a donor, partner, neighbor, participant or staff member. You make us who we are as well — and thank you. Your work echoes through the generations.