Feature on ECS' Specialist Aniyah Lacey in the San Francisco Examiner

Aniyah Lacey, an ECS specialist and graduate of ECS’s Realizing Employment and Careers in Human Services training program, was featured in the San Francisco Examiner this morning. The article highlights her inspiring journey from experiencing homelessness to helping others secure housing and employment through her work at ECS.

Aniyah was connected with ECS through San Francisco’s Coordinated Entry system, through which she was placed in supportive housing. She later enrolled in ECS’ REACH program, learning about subjects pertaining to harm reduction, trauma-informed care and how to spot someone overdosing.

As a specialist, Aniyah is excited about meeting the various cohorts that pass through ECS through the workforce training program. In conversations with clients, she will frequently connect parts of her past with her present-day journey as a way of showing others the transformation they can make.

As she reflects on her journey, Aniyah said: “It feels like you’re not going anywhere when you first get started, because it’s just the beginning. But as long as you continue to apply yourself and take the tools given to you and don’t give up on yourself, it’s a totally different feeling in the end.”

Our executive director, Beth Stokes, shared that ECS’ “knows that employment is a critical intervention to solving the homelessness crisis on our streets. Everyone who wants to work should be provided the support to do so.”

We are so proud of you, Aniyah!

You can read the full story here: https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/community/nonprofit-job-training-program-gives-sf-resident-new-career/article_efc1944e-7458-45e4-9961-2cb63ae997af.html