Our Mission
ECHOS—Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services—was formed in 1999, as an organized response to health and social services needs in the increasingly ethnically diverse area of southwest Houston. As a non-profit 501(C)3 organization, ECHOS opened its doors in April 2000 after refurbishing a building donated for ECHOS's use by the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany.
The mission of ECHOS is to assist those in need of medical and social services in accessing the services that are available in a manner, which promotes dignity for all. This is done both by providing on-site medical screening, support and intervention services as well as through referrals to various community service providers.
Our current on-site screenings include twice-weekly blood pressure/blood glucose screenings and referral as well as vision screenings and referral; weekly HIV/Syphilis and Sickle Cell Disease screenings and referral; twice-monthly dental screenings and some treatment (appointment only); quarterly TB screenings and referral as well as children's immunizations; and periodic screening mammography.
On-site intervention services include: a domestic violence support group that meets weekly (call 713.270.0369 for information); Planned Parenthood with a focus on women's reproductive health issues; LIFE Houston - emergency formula and food for children from birth through 12 months; an emergency non-perishable food pantry.
We also have ESL and GED classes on the campus—Wednesday and Thursday of each week—and are anticipating beginning a basic computer literacy class in January 2008!
Additionally, we go out to the community two or three times each month—doing application assistance events at schools and apartment complexes evenings and weekends as well as helping to organize and attending community health fairs.
In 2008, ECHOS will be a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) application site—a place where those families who have paid into our federal tax system but do not understand that they are eligible for child care credits/earned income credits can come and get their 2007 income tax returns prepared and electronically filed at no cost to them. This is a huge undertaking, and we need volunteers to support this program!
If you would like to know more about our non-profit organization and its services or if you would like to make a donation or volunteer, please call 713.270.0369.