The Rev. Trisha Thorme, Deacon, will leave her position as Executive Director of Episcopal Community Services of New Jersey later this year.

Following two years of growth in grantmaking and development, the Rev. Trisha Thorme, Deacon, Executive Director of Episcopal Community Services of New Jersey (ECS–NJ), www.ecs-nj.org, has announced plans to leave the position in six months.

ECS-NJ focuses on proactively addressing human needs, such as food and shelter, and relentlessly working against both social and racial injustice throughout the Diocese.

Thorme, ECS-NJ’s first Executive Director, will be moving to Rhode Island with her husband as he assumes a new professional position.

“I’ve been impressed by the commitment of the people and churches of the Diocese of New Jersey to Gospel Justice and by their creativity in addressing challenges in their local communities,” Thorme stated. “Together as ECS-NJ we’ve made an impact through education, advocacy, fundraising, grantmaking, and prayer.”

Thorme will leave on May 31. She assumed the ECS-NJ Executive Director’s position on June 15, 2022.

Founded in 2021 by Bishop William “Chip” Stokes, the previous bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey, ECS-NJ is an initiative that focuses on proactively addressing human needs, such as food and shelter, and relentlessly working against both social and racial injustice. These goals are accomplished through grants, educational opportunities, advocacy, and networking.

“Deacon Trisha has done remarkable work in helping build ECS-NJ as an important resource to support outreach ministries in a number of urban, rural, and shore communities, “ said the Rt. Rev. Sally French, Bishop of New Jersey. “ECS-NJ has grown from an idea into a strong and vital initiative serving God’s people and responding to human need across our diocese.”

Dr. Rosina Dixon of St. John on the Mountain, Bernardsville and chair of the ECS-NJ Advisory Council, commented, “It has been a blessing to collaborate with Deacon Trisha as she has worked to form Episcopal Community Services of New Jersey into an effective organization to fight for Gospel Justice in our diocese. Her joy in doing the work of the Lord is contagious.”

Since its inception only three years ago, ECS-NJ has provided 31 grants, totaling a remarkable $378,988, to 29 churches, supporting and growing existing outreach ministries

Among the major accomplishments experienced under her tenure was the securing of a 501 (c) 3 designation as a separate non-profit entity.

The search process to find a new director will begin shortly; information will be released and posted on the ECS-NJ website soon.

About ECS-NJ: An initiative of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey, Episcopal Community Services (ECS-NJ) focuses on proactively addressing human needs, such as food and shelter, and relentlessly working against both social and racial injustice. is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. Learn more and donate at ecs-nj.org