History of Helping Seniors
Exceptional community living backed by generations of expertise.
In 1923, Deaconess Sophie Miller created The Episcopal Home for the Aged to provide housing, services and health care to older people of all faiths – especially those facing hardship. That was nearly 100 years ago, during a time when compassion and advocacy for seniors was something of a progressive, if not radical, concept.
The strength of Deaconess Miller’s convictions still provides inspiration a century later and has evolved to become Episcopal Communities & Services (ECS); an organization that offers a broad spectrum of care and services to foster good health, fulfillment, and spiritual well-being in the lives of older adults.
Today, ECS serves people of all faiths and economic means. We are committed to charitable care and creating forward-thinking concepts that help seniors live inspired lives at the best retirement communities in Southern California.
You can see our core values at work at our Life Plan senior living communities—The Canterbury, The Covington and MonteCedro—in addition to the three affordable housing communities managed by our affiliate, Creative Housing & Services (CHS); as well as in our local partnerships and outreach programs.
Sophie Miller: Dedicated to the care and well-being of seniors, inspiring generations to share her commitment.
Our story began with a determined deaconess nearly 100 years ago. At the turn of the 20th century, the Los Angeles area lacked a social safety net for older adults. Deaconess Sophie Miller began collecting dimes, one by one, on cards distributed all over the city. Her goal of providing housing and services for seniors was realized in 1923, when The Episcopal Home for the Aged opened in Alhambra.
Fast-forward to 2009 with the establishment of The Sophie Miller Foundation by Episcopal Communities & Services (ECS). Today, our founder’s pioneering spirit lives on through supportive services and outreach programs made possible by our generous donors.
In 2018 The Sophie Miller Foundation was renamed to The Episcopal Communities & Services Foundation. In keeping with our organization’s core values—care, compassion and integrity—we direct funds to areas where they meet the greatest need.