As the holiday season approaches, I'd like to acquaint you with an organization that brings cheer to many hearts the year 'round. It is SC/ESC (Support Center/Executive Service Corps), a not-for-profit corporation that exists solely to help other not-for-profit organizations. Here's a little background.

    SC/ESC is the result of two separate strategic mergers of SC, the first occurring in 1989 with the former management assistance program of the San Diego United Way and the second when the Executive Service Corps of San Diego (incorporated locally in 1992), merged with the Support Center in 1995. Together, the present organization provides virtually every kind of management assistance to the non-profit community.

    SC/ESC is a volunteer-driven and client-centered effort, the largest of its kind in Southern California. Each year its members (retired and still active business and other professionals) contribute more than 3,000 hours of training and consulting assistance through participation in SC/ESC-sponsored programs, covering a diverse and comprehensive variety of subjects. A particular emphasis is on providing nonprofit managers and trustees (directors) with practical hands-on assistance with their management and governance needs.

    SC/ESC served more than 4,000 individuals in almost 725 organizations last year. It conducted more than 250 management workshops, leadership development forums, board of directors leadership retreats, and strategic planning efforts. It even provided some computer training. It also took on more than 50 long-term consulting assignments.

    Clients include city government, social service agencies, museums, arts and public service organizations, educational institutions and neighborhood-based service providers. Strong partnerships have been formed in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties, although the main focus is in San Diego County.

    To sum up, the primary goal of SC/ESC is to aid other nonprofit organizations with high-quality low-cost assistance to become more expert in conducting their missions, thus using their resources (often grants from philanthropic organizations) more efficiently. In essence, SC/ESC functions between the grantors and the grantees to use always-scarce funds to the best advantage of all: grantors, grantees and their clients. Its success in accomplishing this goal has brought, and is bringing, cheer to thousands.

    Call Sara Roscoe Wilson, executive director, at (619) 292-5702, to learn more.

    Brage Golding, past president of SDSU, is the father of San Diego’s mayor. He is chairman of the board of SC/ESC.