Blog

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

ECS Celebrates The Work of Our Participants in the Housing Program

Dignity is one of the core values at ECS, and we believe everyone should have access to a place to...

Read More

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: OIC Philadelphia and Rev. Leon Sullivan

In a world often divided by difference and inequality, ECS recognizes the inherent worth of all people. As an organization, we hold to our values of dignity and justice, and like Reverend Leon Sullivan, we aspire to create meaningful opportunities that support the economic development of communities of color. Just this past week, Opportunities Industrialization Centers (OIC) Philadelphia celebrated its 60th anniversary. Their tireless efforts continue to uplift people of color and play a vital role in establishing economic growth and empowerment within their communities.

Read More

Rev. Absalom Jones: First Black Priest of the Episcopal Church, Founder of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas & Leader of Justice

Today’s faithful activists stand on the shoulders of the generations before them. One of the pioneers in the movement to end slavery and advance the rights of African Americans was The Most Blessed Rev. Absalom Jones. As you learn of Absalom’s journey, you will experience all that Rev. Jones accomplished in the early battle for civil rights and equality for all.

Read More

Pauli Murray: A Life at The Intersection

In the rich tapestry of Black history, some figures stand out for their work that ripples out across many social justice movements. Pauli Murray, a legal scholar, feminist, author, and civil rights activist, stands out as one such figure. In an era when the struggle for justice spanned racial, gender, and socioeconomic lines, Murray's efforts transcended singular categories, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and thoughtful movement work.

Read More

ECS and PEA Renew Partnership Contract

ECS is excited to announce that we have renewed our contract with the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA). This landmark partnership expands the support of a suite of programs and initiatives which train unemployed and underemployed people in the energy field. The Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) provides job training while ECS’ MindSet program serves as the cornerstone of the program, providing a holistic approach to economic mobility for participants.

Read More

Black History Month Series: Reverdy Ransom

Reverdy Ransom (1861-1959) was a minister and bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He blamed America’s systemic racial inequality on capitalism and individualism, and he brought with him a solution: the church could serve people’s needs by becoming more involved in society.

Read More

SBCRC's Rhena McClain Joins Together for West Philadelphia Board

ECS is excited to announce that Rhena McClain, Director of St. Barnabas Community Resource Center (SBCRC), has been invited to join the board of directors for Together for West Philadelphia (TWP). Together West Philadelphia is an organization that partners with healthcare systems, community-based organizations, academic institutions, and public and private stakeholders to achieve equitable health outcomes for West Philadelphians.

Read More

ECS Honors the Memory of the Rev. Canon Emily Barr Richards

ECS honors the memory of the Rev. Canon Emily Barr Richards, who passed away on January 16, 2024. Emily served as Priest-in-Charge at the historic parish of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, Whitemarsh, and on the Board of Trustees at ECS.

Read More

Economic Mobility Month Series: Where My Child is Safe to Learn

ECS is sharing participant stories during Economic Mobility Month to celebrate their success and show how community members use ECS programs and resources to better their lives. This installment highlights the impact of ECS’ Out of School Time (OST) program through the experience of Samirah.

Read More

Community, Creativity and Comfort Food: SBCRC Hosts Inaugural Community Dinner

The St. Barnabas Community Resource Center (SBCRC) recently hosted the first Community Dinner in a new series of programs called A Seat at the Table. Community members, staff and supporters gathered for an evening of art, food and conversation developed through a collaboration between SBCRC staff, the ECS Chaplain, Health and Wellness Inclusion and Advocacy, and ECS program partner, Power of Paint.

Read More