We recently connected with Eisha Branner and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Eisha , thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At E-Community Outreach Services, our mission is to empower and uplift families by connecting them with essential resources and support.

This mission is deeply personal to me because it stems from my own life experiences. As a mother of four, I understand the challenges families face when trying to provide stability and opportunity for their children. My career in human services, including my time at OLHSA, helped me see the transformative impact that access to resources can have on a family’s future. However, my journey took an unexpected turn when I lost my job. That experience, though difficult, became the catalyst for my nonprofit. It showed me firsthand how quickly life can change—and how crucial it is to have a community that offers support during those times.

Starting E-Community Outreach Services from the ground up, with no initial funding, was both challenging and rewarding. I’ve seen the direct impact of our work, from helping families avoid eviction to supporting parents as they pursue education and employment. The gratitude and hope in their eyes remind me why this mission matters. It’s not just about providing resources—it’s about restoring dignity, building confidence, and showing families that they are not alone.

For me, this mission is more than a career—it’s a calling. Every event we host, every service we provide, and every connection we make is driven by a genuine desire to help families thrive. I believe that when you empower parents, you uplift entire communities, creating a ripple effect that benefits generations to come.

Eisha , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Eisha Branner, and I’m the founder and CEO of E-Community Outreach Services (ECOS)and the owner of the Women in Business Working Center. Both organizations are dedicated to empowering individuals and families by providing essential resources, fostering community connections, and supporting entrepreneurship. My journey into this field is deeply personal and shaped by both my professional background and life experiences.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in human services. My passion for helping others truly ignited during my time working at OLHSA, where I witnessed the power of connecting families to resources that could change their lives. However, my journey wasn’t without challenges. After unexpectedly losing my job, I experienced firsthand the uncertainty and hardship that can arise when life takes an unexpected turn. Despite the setback, I realized that my passion for supporting families was stronger than ever. This experience became the catalyst for starting ECOS—with no initial funding, just a determination to make a difference.

At E-Community Outreach Services, we offer various services to help families navigate difficult situations and achieve greater stability. Our Parent Empowerment Center serves over 1,000 visitors monthly, providing access to housing, employment, education, and mental health resources. Families can shop at our ECOS Family Membership Store, which offers household and personal items at affordable prices, and our Mobile Resource Bus travels throughout the community monthly to distribute essential supplies such as food, diapers, and hygiene products. We also organize community events like our Family Appreciation Day and Halloween and Christmas programs, which create opportunities for families to connect, celebrate, and feel supported.

In addition to supporting families, I’m passionate about helping women pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. That’s why I founded the Women in Business Working Center, a collaborative space where women can rent office space, grow their businesses, and connect with like-minded professionals. Through this center, I aim to create a supportive environment where women can break barriers, develop their skills, and thrive both personally and professionally.

What sets my organizations apart is our holistic, community-centered approach. We understand that every family’s and entrepreneur’s situation is unique, and we strive to meet them where they are, offering practical solutions with compassion and dignity. We also foster collaboration with local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to maximize the resources available to our community.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the growth of both ECOS and the Women in Business Working Center from grassroots efforts into thriving organizations that impact thousands of lives each year. Seeing the relief on a parent’s face when they receive help with rent, the excitement of a child attending a community event, or the confidence of a woman launching her business—these moments remind me why this work matters.

For anyone learning about my work for the first time, I want them to know that we are more than resource providers—we are communities of support, encouragement, and empowerment. Our mission is rooted in the belief that when families have the tools they need to thrive and women have the resources to grow their businesses, entire communities are strengthened. No matter the challenge, we’re here to help individuals and families turn their obstacles into opportunities and their pain into success.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most defining moments of my journey was going through my divorce. As a mother of four daughters, the experience was emotionally and mentally challenging. Suddenly, I found myself navigating single parenthood while trying to maintain stability for my family. It was a period filled with uncertainty, self-doubt, and moments where I questioned how I would move forward.

Despite the emotional toll, I was determined not to let this chapter define my future. I leaned on my faith, inner strength, and the love I had for my daughters to push through the difficult days. Instead of allowing the situation to break me, I used it as motivation to create a life filled with purpose. During this time, I channeled my energy into building E-Community Outreach Services (ECOS)—an organization dedicated to helping families navigate challenges and access the resources they need to thrive.

Starting a nonprofit with no funding was no easy task, but the hardships I faced during my divorce taught me the power of resilience. I learned that even when life feels uncertain, it’s possible to rise above adversity and turn pain into success. Through determination, hard work, and a passion for helping others, ECOS grew from an idea into a thriving organization that now serves thousands of families each year.

That same spirit of perseverance led me to establish the Women in Business Working Center, where women can grow their businesses and pursue their dreams. Having experienced my own challenges, I’m passionate about creating spaces where women feel empowered to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

This journey has shown me that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about finding strength within yourself to keep moving forward. Every challenge I’ve faced has shaped me into the woman I am today, and I’m proud to use my experiences to inspire and uplift others. My story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope—and with faith, determination, and the right support, it’s possible to create a future filled with purpose and success.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A significant lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Growing up and throughout my early adulthood, I believed that strength meant handling everything on my own—especially as a mother of four daughters. I thought that admitting I needed support meant I wasn’t strong enough. This mindset became even more ingrained after my divorce when I felt the pressure to prove that I could manage everything independently.

However, during one of the most challenging periods of my life, I realized that trying to carry the weight of the world alone was both exhausting and unsustainable. I was juggling raising my daughters, building a nonprofit with no funding, and navigating the emotional aftermath of my divorce. Despite my best efforts, I felt overwhelmed and stuck. It was during this time that I learned one of the most valuable lessons of my journey: true strength lies in recognizing when you need help and having the courage to ask for it.

Reaching out for support—whether from friends, family, mentors, or my community—became a turning point. I discovered that asking for help didn’t diminish my strength; it amplified it. By leaning on others, I was able to grow E-Community Outreach Services (ECOS) into a thriving organization that now supports thousands of families. I also found the strength to build the Women in Business Working Center, creating a space where women can uplift and support one another.

This experience taught me that none of us are meant to navigate life’s challenges alone. Collaboration, connection, and community are essential for growth and success. Today, I encourage others—especially women—to release the stigma around asking for help. I want them to know that seeking support is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength, wisdom, and resilience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ecommunmityoutreach.org
• Facebook: E-Community Outreach Services