ECSA HISTORY
Episcopal Community Services in America (ECSA), the national membership organization of health and human service organizations affiliated with the Episcopal Church, was incorporated in 2002. A Jubilee Ministry training event in 1998 was the catalyst for the creation of ECSA. The event, attended by two agency executive directors, did not provide the forum for addressing the concerns social service organizations that carry out their mission with professional staff.
Agency executives from across the country responded to the invitation to gather to discuss forming a national organization. This first national conference, sponsored by ECS San Diego, was held in 2000. Work groups were formed and plans made for a second conference in San Antonio. Hosted by Good Samaritan Community Services in 2001 the conference focused on possible models for a national organization. Jill Schumann of Lutheran Social Services in America was the speaker and resource. Work groups reported and new tasks were assigned. In 2002, at the third national conference in St. Louis, ECSA was incorporated, bylaws were approved, and a board and officers were elected.
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The annual national conference has been the primary offering of ECSA. Hosted by a member agency, the conference is designed to be an opportunity for leaders of Episcopal social service agencies to address common concerns and interests. Workshops are offered on service issues, fund raising, and the place of professional agencies in the social ministry of the church. Local program sites are visited and time is provided for attendees to socialize and learn from one another. The conference is held in a different section of the country each year. Recent conferences have been in San Francisco, Kansas City, Philadelphia and New Orleans.
In 2006, guided by a volunteer consultant, the board adopted four strategic goals: increase membership, develop a communications plan, develop relationships with national church leaders and bodies, and develop a national database. 2007 and 2008 have seen ECSA strive to reach these goals. Committees of the board work throughout the year to recruit new members, build relationships with national church leaders, and to oversee the development of the national database.
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