ECHO was formed on May 22, 1968, when representatives from nine Springfield churches met to discuss and identify ways in which the churches of Springfield could meet social needs in the community on an ecumenical basis. This group, which was the outgrowth of an idea developed in the Springfield Ministerial Association, was subsequently identified as ECHO, an acronym for Ecumenical Community Helping Others.

ECHO evolved conceptually for nine months. In February 1969, officers were elected and ECHO began to fulfill its underlying concepts. A Charter was drafted and by-laws were prepared, and on May 2, 1969, ECHO was incorporated by the state of Virginia as a nonprofit, charitable, and religious organization.

The founding fathers agreed that ECHO should be simply organized and not clergy dominated. The idea was for laymen to do what they were able to do and not to aim for goals that were beyond their capabilities.

The Articles of Incorporation were revised February 17, 1997, and approved by the State of Virginia July 10, 1998.

The By-Laws approved April 19, 1969, were revised April 18, 1990, February 17, 1997 and May 19, 2008. An exemption from retail sales and use tax was granted ECHO, Inc. by the State of Virginia on July 1, 2000.

The nine charter member congregations were: Grace Presbyterian, Kirkwood Presbyterian, Prince of Peace Lutheran, St. Bernadette’s Catholic, St. Christopher’s Episcopal, St. John’s Methodist, St. Mark’s Lutheran, Springfield United Methodist, and Westwood Baptist.

In the intervening years ECHO grew and in 2010 represented and was supported by 27 congregations in the Springfield and Burke areas. In 2007, ECHO completed an expansion of its warehouse facility that doubled the size of the building. This expansion allowed for client interviews to be done in an environment that provides more privacy and dignity to the clients as well as for more storage of donations and improved work flow for processing donations.

In addition to the financial support received from each of the member congregations, a substantial amount of our operating funds is contributed by individuals and organizations in the community who are aware of ECHO’s activities. With the continued growth of our activities and financial requirements, we are thankful that we live in a community where so many are concerned with the needs of others.

Click for the History to 1968-2010 2-7-12 .
history 2011-2023 w pictures 9-4-23 version
2024 history final
Updated history addendum 8-24