Beth Goad to Retire as ECM Executive Director

by Jane Mayfield,
Episcopal City Mission Board Chair

Executive Director Elizabeth “Beth” Goad will retire from the Episcopal City Mission (ECM) at the end of 2022 as she completes ten years of service. Beth guides the organization in fulfillment of its mission to provide positive programming and caring support for children and teens (up to age 18) in the juvenile justice system. ECM chaplains minister to children in St. Louis City and County Detention Centers, along with boys and girls at Missouri Hills, a State Division of Youth Services facility in North St. Louis County, and to “adult certified youth” in the City and County Justice Centers for adult populations.

First conceived in 1894, ECM has evolved and is more relevant today than ever. For example, chaplains offer classes, discussion groups, and individual conversations addressing values clarification, substance abuse, violence prevention, and grief and trauma issues. They provide non-denominational church services weekly. ECM funding provides birthday parties and holiday gifts for the young people.

Rick Sharp, a former board member and long-time supporter of ECM, highlights some of Beth’s many contributions to the organization. He says she has modernized various procedures, especially in the financial reporting area. She expanded outreach programs such as grief and trauma recovery to young people in the community. She increased the number of chaplains who interact directly with the children. Due to her understanding of and compliance with complex rules and regulations of the Justice systems at local and state levels, she developed effective working relationships with officials whose partnerships were essential.

Rick states, “When Covid arrived, disabling a number of non-profits, Beth was able to keep the mission alive, even maintaining its financial viability through her leadership and positive relationships with supporters. We are so grateful for the adaptability, dedication, and compassion she has brought to the work of ECM.”

To learn more about the hiring process for the Executive Director position, contact board chair Jane Mayfield at [email protected].