Ernakulam Social Service Society, the official organization for social action, of the Archdiocese of Verapoly is the brain child of the first Indian to become Archbishop of Verapoly, Most. Rev. Dr. Joseph Attipetty and Fr. Jerome Payapilly OCD. It is the initiative of the Archdiocese of Verapoly to do community organisation and socio-economic programmes for the socially and economically disadvantaged sections of the area irrespective of caste, creed and religion, in districts of Ernakulam and Trichur. Founded on August 28, 1962, Ernakulam Social Service Society grew year by year under the patronage of gifted Archbishops and directors with dedication and commitment. ESSS has been registered under the Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Regn. Act XIII of 1955 in 1962 (Reg. No. ER- 8/1962).
In this journey ESSS has taken sides with the poor and the marginalized people to end poverty and social injustice. Our focus is on the rights of the most marginalized communities: rural and urban poor, women, children, aged, fishermen, differently abled, migrant and unorganized workers. These groups face an acute lack of access to and control over resources, services, and institutions. ESSS practices a right-based approach to development, helping people to claim their rights, which may be constitutional, moral or legal entitlements.