Running to Recovery

ECS CERRC helped create new purpose in Stephanie’s life. *March 2025.

Stephanie, a case manager at ECS’ Central East Regional Recovery Center (CERRC) program, pours her heart into her job. Each client she interacts with is treated with unbridled compassion and support. Her motivation? Stephanie was once in those clients’ shoes, dealing with the harsh reality of a substance use disorder (SUD). 

For many years, Stephanie battled SUD. Her childhood in Minnesota was set in a broken home; her father battled alcoholism, she was molested by a relative as a child, and her parents fought intensely before separating. “It was really unstable,” Stephanie shared. The situation meant that Stephanie and her sisters had to move multiple times, sometimes staying in foster care or at different friends’ houses. It was while living with a friend in ninth grade that Stephanie was introduced to drugs.  

Stephanie used drugs to cope with the childhood events she never healed from. “For a long time, I thought that's how everyone's family was,” she said. “I'm about to be 40 and I can still remember this stuff.”  

When drugs were no longer enough to cope, Stephanie ran to San Diego. “I was always running, always running. Every time there was a problem, I'd either run away or run to drugs,” Stephanie said. “They say geographical fixes don't work because you're there; no matter what you're trying to escape, there you are.” This wisdom held true for Stephanie. Once she was in San Diego, her drug use only worsened.  

At the time, she was also in a very physically abusive relationship in which she was manipulated and had her savings depleted. Stephanie half-joked, “I either need to be a nun or I need to have treatment.” 

Stephanie settled on the treatment option. “I didn't think I was going to get clean, but God gave me the gift of desperation,” she said. To ensure she didn’t resort to her old “running” habit, she gave up her car and her residence. “I ended up going to a few programs and I'm not going to lie, I still ran,” Stephanie said. “But this time I didn't run to my house, I ran to another program.” She tried several programs but never felt comfortable. Many lacked the personable support she needed. Others had too much drug use and crime in close proximity. Thankfully, she was eventually referred to CERRC. 

Even at her intake, Stephanie noticed a difference. She felt like she was finally in a good place, immediately supported by staff including her counselor, Summer. “I don't have family out here. Everyone's in Minnesota, so when Summer asked me, ‘who is your support?’ and I said ‘her,’ I really meant it,” Stephanie said. That support came through; “I was able to build a support system of women,” she said. “That walk was very important for me. They were once in my spot, they knew what I needed. They really gave me person-centered care.” 

Stephanie attended the program faithfully. She got the guidance she needed, learning about topics such as healthy relationships, co-dependence, and toxic behavior, which she was able to apply to her own life and leave her abuser. “Growing up, I didn't have a lot of support from my parents. So, when I got here and I got advice that you would typically hear from your parent, it took me to a whole different level,” Stephanie said. She created meaningful relationships and was encouraged constantly by counselors who pushed her to attend AA and NA meetings, get a sponsor, and go to self-help meetings. Stephanie was struck by the example her counselors set by also attending meetings, truly walking the walk.  

Stephanie before beginning her treatment at CERRC. *June 2025.

Stephanie after achieving sobriety and joining the team at CERRC. *June 2025.

CERRC gave Stephanie wholistic treatment. Not only did she achieve sobriety, the stability and guidance ECS provided allowed her to leave her bad relationship, obtain housing, get a job, save up, buy a car, and eventually start a career. “They gave me a foundation of ‘this is what recovery looks like,’” she said. 

About 18 months into her sobriety, Stephanie was encouraged to become a drug & alcohol counselor. She embraced the idea and went to work at a couple of other programs but was eventually called back to CERRC and became a case manager. “ECS is so supportive. My colleagues in general are supportive,” she said. “If I tell them something, they actually hear me out. It doesn't fall on deaf ears.” 

As someone who recovered from an SUD, Stephanie embraces her clients with empathy, often going above and beyond her job duties. She ensures her clients have all the essentials. In her office, baskets of clothes, boxes of food and toiletries, and stacks of self-help books are free for the taking. “How are you supposed to recover if you don't have the basic things,” she observed. “A lot of people when you're out there using drugs, you lose the trust in people, because some of the people that you think are your best friends have probably hurt you or stolen from you. So here, they get to get something without having to give something in return. I just want to see you succeed.” 

Case management has been very rewarding for Stephanie. “I watched a girl get her kids back,” she said. “I get to see these people in public being productive members of society. I feel like God gives me the reward because I get to see the people's lives change.” 

Stephanie with ECS CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons (left) and San Diego County District 4 Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe at the CERRC Open House. January 2025.

ECS and CERRC stand out from other organizations to Stephanie, both as a client and as an employee. “I'm really grateful that I work here because I feel like we get to do God's work. I feel like we get to do something good; we get to give back to the community,” she said. “I'm glad I get to be a part of the healing of San Diego.” Stephanie shared how important the inclusive nature of ECS is to her and how the extra effort the people within the organization put forth inspires her. Stephanie even spearheaded a Toys for Tots initiative to provide Christmas gifts for CERRC clients’ kids. She was also chosen for an ECS Employee Spotlight, an internal initiative that highlights a different outstanding employee each month. 

Stephanie ran to recovery, and now she is coaching others along their own paths to sobriety. “I just want to uplift them and say, ‘hey, you're worth it,’” she said. “I just want to speak life into them. I don't want them to think that they're alone in this.” 

To learn more about the work of ECS CERRC, visit Central East Regional Recovery Center — Episcopal Community Services.  

*Caption dates may not be exact.

Moonlight Ball 2025: One Family’s Courage Made Room for Healing

Jessica, George, and Leilani engage in PLF therapy session as a family. February 2025.

Parenting brings joy, but also pressure that can have serious consequences. A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 33% of parents reported high stress in the past month, compared to 20% of other adults. Nearly half said their stress was overwhelming most days, compared to 26% of non-parents. These findings were highlighted in the U.S. Surgeon General’s Parents Under Pressure advisory, released in August 2024, underscoring the toll parental stress takes on health.

Parents have to worry about finances, work, their child’s health, education, general happiness, and so much more. The pressure to excel at all these tasks creates stress, which can impact their own life, as well as the child’s development.

PLF lifts stress from parents like Jessica and George and builds trust between parent and child. *April 2025.

Jessica felt this pressure when her daughter Leilani began to display extreme behavioral issues at age three. “It just felt like the intensity of her emotions was just at another level to where we couldn't take her places,” Jessica said. “Everything was thin ice around her.” Leilani had no filter. She let out her frustration in outbursts, was impulsive, and had trouble focusing.

Routine activities became increasingly difficult. Leilani would demand things and refuse to accept “no” for an answer. “She would say hurtful things and I would be so embarrassed, but she was doing it to get under my skin, to make me give in,” Jessica said. The parent-child dynamic was off balance, leaving the child with control.

George feels the impact of PLF on his relationship with his daughter and his parenting skills. *April 2025.

At home, Jessica and her husband George tried different strategies to handle Leilani’s defiance — rewards, schedules, routines, timeouts — but nothing worked. Frustration in the household grew, and so did the pressure.

Jessica hoped that starting school would help regulate Leilani’s behavior. Unfortunately, that was not the case. “I was very hopeful that things were going to turn around, but it just seemed to open another door of anxiety because it was a different environment, so that was challenging on top of the behavior,” she explained.

PLF helps Leilani process her emotions and deal with change in a healthy way. *April 2025.

At school, Leilani was too controlling while playing with others and often let her emotions get the best of her, resulting in outbursts. She even attempted to leave the school on a few occasions. Although she was doing well academically, her parents ultimately decided to hold her back from transitioning to kindergarten because she wasn’t ready to move up emotionally; the idea of change was overwhelming.

As issues stacked up, Jessica lost her confidence as a parent. She and George have two adult daughters, so when Leilani came along, they felt ready. But the techniques they used with their other children did not work with their youngest. “I felt like a failure, like I must be doing something wrong…,” Jessica said.

While Jessica struggled at home, Leilani’s ECS Head Start teachers noticed the same challenges at school. They partnered with her parents to continue home strategies in the classroom, and while it helped a little, the behavioral issues remained. Still, her teachers knew what to do next, and connected the family to Para Las Familias.

Leilani and her therapist Itzel. *April 2025.

ECS Para Las Familias (PLF) is an outpatient behavioral and mental health clinic that provides bilingual early childhood mental health services to low-income children ages 0 to 12. Children can display behavioral problems for several reasons; PLF gives caregivers practical tools to understand their child’s behaviors by building trust and improving everyday family communication.

Jessica admitted that she and her husband were nervous at first. Would Leilani behave in therapy? Would her outbursts reflect poorly on them? Jessica and George decided to attend every session with Leilani, working together to find solutions as a family. “It was a slow process,” Jessica said. “But right when we got towards the end, it was like a tremendous turnaround.”

PLF taught Jessica and George a variety of tools to guide Leilani with compassion and understanding. One of Jessica’s favorite exercises was “video situations.” After obtaining the parents’ permission, their therapist, Itzel, would record parent-child interactions and then watch the video with the parents to observe from an outside perspective. This activity helped Jessica learn what behaviors needed to be adjusted at home.

With the help of PLF, Leilani’s true strengths can now shine true, which are recognized by her parents and teachers. *April 2025.

Eventually, things began to change for Jessica and her family. “When our friends and neighbors noticed it; that’s when it hit us that it was working,” she said. “The sessions changed our lives for the better.”

Now, Leilani cooperates with chores, homework, and school. If she’s not in a good mood, Jessica can read Leilani’s body language, communicate effectively, and compromise.

Leilani has blossomed thanks to PLF. She is open, understanding, and respectful. One of her teachers even described her as “noble,” a word of praise that brought smiles to her parents’ faces. She is excelling academically and has a big heart, making friends with everyone she meets.

Leilani celebrates her graduation from ECS Head Start. *April 2025.

Now a kindergartener, Leilani still has a great relationship with her Head Start teachers. "They helped her through the process. They too were part of the healing process for her," she said.

As Leilani’s behavior improved, Jessica and George regained their confidence and now work together as a team to do what’s best for their daughter. They speak highly of Itzel and how her compassionate work made their family stronger.

PLF created space for Jessica and her family to heal and grow together. February 2025.

Jessica sings PLF’s praises. “I totally recommend it. Any time anybody tells me they’re having issues I tell them you need to look into this program,” she said. “It really helped my family... it’s hopeful.” For many families, PLF is the first step in the development of a healthy and emotionally intelligent adult. This program is making a difference in the community, one family at a time. To learn more about PLF, visit Para Las Familias — Episcopal Community Services.

*Caption dates may not be exact.

How Jeff Broke Free from Fentanyl with C-HRT Safe Haven

Substance use had surrounded Jeff his whole life, but he never imagined he would become addicted. However, when he began to experience excruciating pain in his hip, he fell into the clutches of fentanyl. Control over his life vanished; he lost his job and his apartment. He tried quitting, but it felt impossible without any support.

C-HRT gave Jeff the sanctuary he needed to commit to sobriety and take his life back into his own hands. February 2025.

Luckily, Jeff found ECS C-HRT Safe Haven. C-HRT gave him a safe place to sleep, food to eat, and a community that embraced him in his recovery journey. With the help of C-HRT, Jeff went completely substance free, found a job, got a hip replacement, and moved into his own housing. The program gave him the sanctuary he needed to take back his life and move forward. Watch Jeff’s video to hear him tell his story and visit ECS C-HRT Safe Haven to learn more.

Becoming Whole Again

In 2023, 12% of Americans 18 or older reported at some point in their lives, they had experienced a substance use disorder (SUD). Without a doubt, SUDs present a number of challenges, but one of the most heart-breaking difficulties is the loss of self that many face. Ralph experienced this firsthand. As his SUD enveloped his life, he transformed into a completely different person and needed help finding himself again. 

ECS CERRC helps Ralph reclaim his life and reconnect with the things that bring him joy. October 2024.

Ralph dealt with an SUD for many years. He attended rehab in the past but had been unsuccessful in maintaining sobriety. “I didn’t really think I had a problem then,” he explained.  

The problem escalated when his brother passed away in December of 2023. “It kind of took me over the edge,” Ralph said. He leaned even more heavily into drugs and alcohol. Eventually, he felt as if he was “running around in a haze.” He lost the person he was and began to get into all kinds of trouble. “Life is so much better than going down that road, but I was stealing, I was a bad person, I was angry, I was cursing people out,” he said. “When I saw myself at the end there, I couldn’t believe it was me. It was like a different person.” 

The moment of realization about his situation came after a confrontation with the police. Under the influence, Ralph was tampering with a bus, so the police were called. He resisted arrest and the police broke his leg in an attempt to stop him. As awful as the situation was, Ralph commented “if that hadn’t happened, where would I be... I would’ve probably been dead by now.” 

The court instructed him to go to an SUD treatment program, so Ralph ended up at ECS Central East Regional Recovery Center (CERRC). “God intervened; I really believe that,” he said.  

While he sees the experience as a blessing now, Ralph was hesitant at first. “I didn’t want to be here,” he said, but as he heard the stories of other CERRC clients and began to soak in the information the counselors shared, his perspective began to shift. “I felt good about coming,” Ralph said. “I was eager.” He leapt into recovery and learned tools to prevent relapse. 

As Ralph went through the program and moved further along the path to recovery, he also reconnected with himself. “I see the light. Just doing the right thing,” he said. “I feel great, I mean I’m doing basic life things. I get up and brush my teeth every day, wash my hands every day, work out every day, walk my dog.” At one point, even those everyday tasks were impossible. Now, Ralph is making music, looking for a job, and planning on returning to school to finish his degree. “I made that happen,” he said proudly. 

Ralph graduated from the program in August. He is now attending aftercare and getting involved with different opportunities through ECS such as a grief support system. “ECS has given me a purpose,” he said. 

It can be difficult to make the effort to achieve sobriety and find yourself again, but with the support of a program like CERRC and a leap of faith, anything is possible. “Just walk through the doors. Just go,” Ralph urged. “Participate and listen. It might seem like a long journey over three or four months, but it will go just like that. Get involved. Listen. Try to practice what they’re teaching.” 

To learn more about the work of ECS CERRC visit ecscalifornia.org/central-east-regional-recovery-center.