Sunday, November 3, 2024

10 Things About Elizabeth Fitzsimons & Episcopal Community Services

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Don’t worry so much about what people will or won’t think. Trust and follow your gut.

The Mission at Episcopal Community Services is to break barriers and transform communities through programs rooted in a tradition of action and faith in God. ECS has served over 7,000 clients regardless of ethnic background, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation or religious creed, building a bridge to a brighter future. Elizabeth Fitzsimons, ECS Chief Executive Officer, said that on her first day with ECS, she felt as if she had come home.

Elizabeth Fitzsimons

#1 I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a few blocks from Lake Michigan.

 

#2 I really want to learn to roller dance. As a child of the ‘70s, I grew up around disco roller skating, and remember skating through the lobby of my dad’s Chicago high rise.

 

#3 I wear my grandmother’s gold twist hoop earrings almost every day; they remind me to reflect back out to the world the love and energy she poured into me.

 

#4 I am pretty introverted! As I have grown older, I have become more forgiving with myself, and I understand that when I show myself grace and understanding, I have more to give to those around me.

 

#5 I do my best to follow Don Miguel Ruiz’s Four Agreements: “Be Impeccable With Your Word. Don’t Take Anything Personally. Don’t Make Assumptions. Always Do Your Best.”

Elizabeth Fitzsimons with others

#6 Our Lucy is a 5-year-old Labrador Retriever. She is extremely sweet, a strong swimmer, and so patient with our 8-year-old twin boys.

 

#7 Our ECS team members inspire me every day. They are driven by their purpose, they believe in their work, and they are deeply invested in the people we serve.

 

#8 At the beginning of the year I invited ECS staff to share their word of intention for 2022 and we created a word cloud to keep these powerful, inspiring words visible to us through the year. At the center of it all is LOVE.

 

#9 My heart was drawn to ECS because of the incredible impact our team is making in the lives of children, families, and people struggling with homelessness and addiction. ECS welcomes and serves all, creating a sense of belonging and empowerment with the people we serve.

 

#10 Tanya has a form of schizophrenia and for more than 20 years, she was sleeping on the streets, did not have access to medication or a support system, and was using drugs to self-medicate. Now, through ECS, Tanya has access to care, and has safe housing and services that prepare her for the future.

Episcopal Community Services

Episcopal Community Services
Moonlight Magic Gala: Under the Flower Moon
May 14th, 2022
5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn
2303 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
www.ecscalifornia.org

Lori Walton
Lori Walton
My love and appreciation for nonprofit work began in college when I was selected to represent UCLA’s undergraduate service organization. As a student, I didn’t have a lot of money to donate but I quickly learned that I could make an impact by giving my time. All you have to do to make a difference in someone’s life is care. For the last 30 years, San Diego has been my home. During this time, I have served on over 17 boards and chaired 27 fundraisers. No matter how much work I do with nonprofits, I am always amazed at the number of awesome causes and dedicated supporters out there. San Diego definitely has the best weather in the world but what makes San Diego America’s finest city are the people. I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to live in a city that has so many kind and selfless souls who genuinely care about making our community a better place for everyone. As Giving Back Magazine’s Philanthropy Editor, each week, I feature a hero and the causes that are creating a positive difference in our world. Always remember that philanthropy is about more than giving money, it’s about caring enough to help others who are in pain. So, go out there and make every moment count!

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