As a breast cancer survivor now celebrating five years cancer-free, I am deeply grateful that my journey was eased by early detection. That gift of timely diagnosis made all the difference.

At ECS, we know that many in our community don’t have the same access to care. The largest number of participants come to us through the St. Barnabas Community Resource Center, often seeking supplemental food through our Open Choice Food Pantry. In just the past three months, more than 1,100 neighbors have come through those doors for food and nutrition support.

But the pantry is more than a place to pick up groceries. While there, participants are also introduced to free health screenings, chronic disease support, and behavioral health services provided onsite by trusted medical partners. These are critical connections. ECS is working to encourage early detection of chronic disease, respond to urgent health needs, and build the trust required to guide community members to the care and treatment they deserve.

As many participants face the loss of Medicaid coverage, ECS will continue to stand alongside them—helping families navigate the threats to their health and well-being and ensuring that no one faces these challenges alone.