News & Events

Sale of the Gilfillan Center

Dear Friends of ECS:

On July third, Episcopal Community Services announced the transfer of the former Archdeacon Gilfillan Treatment Center in Bemidji, MN to the White Earth Nation.  The White Earth Tribal Council plans to utilize the campus as a culturally-specific treatment center for Native American youth grappling chemical addictions and / or mental health issues.

We are excited for this programming that will be available to Native American youth in Northern Minnesota and throughout the state.  With this transaction, the founding mission direction of ECS continues.  ECS was established upon the desire of Episcopalians in Minnesota to aid Native American youth.  The White Earth Band continues that mission, and will receive our full support to promote their success.

Let us share with you the words of our Bishop James Jelinek, “I am very pleased that we are able to pass on a treasured resource to the White Earth Band to continue to do the kind of work we have been doing for over forty years.  I am so glad that they can do this good, and necessary, work.  This is very good news for Native American youth throughout the state and especially in the North.”

As you know, the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota founded ECS in 1963 to “address the health and welfare needs of communities within the Diocese and state.”  Now forty-five years since our inception, and an independent non-profit entity, ECS continues to live out our mission of “Grounded in faith, sustained by hope and acting through love, Episcopal Community Services strengthens and supports adults, youth, children and families at risk and in need.”

Throughout the metro area, Stillwater, and Fairmont, MN; ECS Family Support Services strive to strengthen individuals and families by building self-esteem; promoting healthy parenting; and meeting the basic needs of food, clothing and safe affordable housing.  ECS social workers develop extensive relationships with families that facilitate greater success in their day-to-day lives and the future of their children.  Individuals and families come to realize alternative, positive opportunities to those they had been faced with to date.  ECS programs include: Ready for Success, the Supportive Housing Program, vehicle loan program, immigrant and refugee support services, Resident Services programs, Holiday giving programs, Interviewing 101, ESL classes, and much more. 

Please consider this opportunity to see ECS “in action.”  You are invited to attend our upcoming ECS Program Site Tour on Monday, August 25th from 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.   We will visit three ECS programs and learn more about the services they offer.  Transportation and light refreshments will be provided.  To RSVP, or learn more about what the tour will entail, contact Jennifer Hanson at 612.874.8823 or jhanson@ecsmnn.org.

Faithfully,

Frank Vardeman, Executive Director

Harlan Strong, President, Board of Directors

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ECS Gala

Friday, October 10, 2008
Golden Valley Golf and Country Club

 

Reserve your table BEOFRE August 1st and the cost is only $1,000! Each table bought and paid for BEOFRE August 1st will receive a matching gift to ECS of $250! Contact Jennifer Hanson at 612-874-8823 x15 or jhanson@ecsmn.org TODAY to get your table!

Individual tickets are $125 each and can be purchased anytime by calling Jennifer Hanson at 612-874-8823 x15 or e-mail jhanson@ecsmn.org

Important Details:

What: ECS 45th Anniversary Gala

When: Friday, October 10, 2008, 6:00 p.m.

Where: Golden Valley Golf and Country Club

RSVP: To purchase a table or individual tickets, contact Jennifer Hanson at 612-874-8823 or jhanson@ecsmn.org

 

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Parish Ambassadors


Hello from Episcopal Community Services! Many of you who are reading this piece are familiar with ECS, but I’m sure that some of you are not really sure what the organization actually does. Don’t worry, you are not alone!