Meet the KidWorks Alum: Haide Gutierrez
August 19, 2026(Editor’s note: This is the first in a new series called “Meet the KidWorks Alum,” where you have a chance to learn more about the many successful students who graduated… Continue Reading
Author: KidWorks
4 Years Of 4 Stars Awarded By Charity Navigator
For the fourth consecutive year, KidWorks has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. This organization is considered the premier independent third-party evaluator of non-profits.
A four-star rating is the highest possible rating from Charity Navigator. Out of the thousands of nonprofits Charity Navigator evaluates, only one in four earns 4 stars — a rating that demands rigor, responsibility and commitment to openness.
Over 225,000 charities are rated by Charity Navigator since the organization was founded in 2001. They describe themselves as shining “a light on the cost-effectiveness and overall health of a charity’s programs, including measures of stability, efficiency, and sustainability.
The metrics inform donors of not just where their dollars are going but what their dollars are doing.”
Charity Navigator adds, “We don’t charge the charities we evaluate, ensuring our ratings remain objective.”
“Donors have a right to expect the highest level of integrity, transparency and effectiveness from the charities and non-profits they support,” says David Benavides, KidWorks’ Chief Executive Officer. “Our four-star rating from Charity Navigator inspires us to always exceed the rigorous standards to which we are held and assures our supporters that we will always do so.”
Adds David, “Charity Navigator helps guide the path to intelligent giving and their ranking system shines a light on effective organizations, such as ours.”
In their message to KidWorks informing us of our four-star rating, Charity Navigator wrote, “Thank you for making a difference in your community.”
Charity Navigator awarded KidWorks perfect scores in their Key Accountability Metrics in the areas of “Accountability & Finance” and “Leadership & Adaptability” and an overall organizational ranking of 100%.
“KidWorks deeply values the trust of every partner and supporter and we are grateful that Charity Navigator provides yet another way for everyone to be confident that we remain true to the values that have always guided us we celebrate over 30 years serving children, youth and families in Santa Ana,” David says.
Rexford Industries Brings The Party To KidWorks
KidWorks summer theme is “Celebrate” in conjunction with KidWorks 30th anniversary and Rexford Industrial brought the party to a whole new level.
Their energetic employees from the Rex for Good program decorated our centers in time for the start of summer. The colorful decorations set the tone for a party-like atmosphere.
KidWorks summer programs provide students with fun and meaningful experiences designed to expand their worldview and build their confidence. Students look forward to summer programs all year.
“The team from Rexford was fun and engaging. Their service provided huge time savings to KidWorks program staff and their work set the tone for an amazing summer.” said Abigail Moore, Donor Relations & Outreach Manager at KidWorks.
KidWorks provides meaningful opportunities for corporations, churches and civic groups of all sizes to partner with our students. Volunteering together will make a positive impact on employee morale while meeting your company’s corporate social responsibility goals.
Engage your corporation with KidWorks :
abigail.moore@kidworksoc.org
Phone: (714) 834-9400 x129
Engage your corporation with KidWorks :
abigail.moore@kidworksoc.org
Phone: (714) 834-9400 x129
| 1902 W. Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92703 | |
School Supply Drive at KidWorks
It may be summer, but KidWorks is busy preparing for the start of the school year. KidWorks School Supply Drive is designed to equip local youth with the needed resources to help them succeed at school.
Whether you purchase supplies from a local store or purchase them directly from Amazon, you can make a huge difference in a student’s academic success.
Suggested Items Include:
- Backpacks
- Ballpoint pens
- Crayons
- Erasers
- Folders
- Highlighters
- Index cards
- Glue sticks
- Lunch box
- Notebooks
- Paper
- Pencil sharpeners
- Pencils
- Sharpies
- Wide rule paper
Thank you to for walking alongside KidWorks students in support of their academic school year.
Questions:
abigail.moore@kidworksoc.org
Phone: (714) 834-9400 x129
KidWorks celebrates 30 years!
Over six hundred people joined together on June 1 in Santa Ana to celebrate KidWorks’ 30th anniversary—remembering what began as a small summer Bible study class in 1994 and grew into the KidWorks of today.
Three decades later, KidWorks now welcomes 1,000 students from preschool through high school each week to three centers operating in central Santa Ana.
The June 1 celebration was held at Jerome Park, located a few blocks from our main Dan Donahue Center.
The free event featured elected officials and their representatives, special guests, live music, refreshments, food trucks, carnival games, a bounce house, a Zumba exercise session and more.
Especially poignant was the presence Larry and Jayme Acosta, who launched KidWorks from what began as that Bible study class for children and youth so many years ago.
“We parachuted into low-income, high-density apartment neighborhoods where we really had no community connections at all,” Larry recalled in an interview last year. “We knew we needed to have roots in these neighborhoods in order to be accepted and trusted, especially since at the time these areas were plagued by gangs, violence and drug dealing.”
He recalls, “In 1993 there was no way Jayme and I could ever have dreamed that an eight-week pilot program would have grown into the KidWorks we see today.”
In his remarks to attendees at Jerome Park, Larry said, “Jayme and I could have never imagined what God had in store for KidWorks. He is still at work blessing the organization. We continue to boldly and confidently pray for a bright KidWorks future.”
David Benavides, KidWorks’ Chief Executive Officer, expressed his gratitude to all who have supported KidWorks over the decades.
“Thank you to the community for allowing us to walk with you for 30 years,” David said. “Today, we acknowledge the many community pillars joining us who have shown their love for KidWorks and our mission. Together we’ve done so much, but we’re just getting started. Imagine what we can accomplish together over the next 30 years.”
Among those joining family, friends and alumni at the June 1 celebration were Richard Santana, representing Orange County Supervisor Vincente Sarmiento; Gabriella Lemus, representing U.S. Representative Lou Correa; and Tina Arias Miller, representing Assemblymember Avelino Valencia.
Also attending were KidWorks Board of Directors members Marco Angulo, Scott Homan, Steven Miranda and Erika Sanchez, plus Ava Steaffens, former KidWorks senior leader.
We also thank In-N-Out Burger for providing a free meal to the first 100 guests.
Please enjoy these photos and videos from the event.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
Celebrating KidWorks Class of 2024
The numbers are impressive for KidWorks’ class of 2024 high school graduates:
- 100% are graduating on time and all 17 are pursuing higher education. That’s a greater percentage than statewide or national averages.
- 52% will attend a four-year college/university.
- 48% are pursuing
Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics (STEM)-related careers.
But numbers don’t tell the whole story, of course. The pursuit of academic excellence and meaningful careers is a seed we plant from the first day a student walks through our doors and continues for as long as they are with us.
- 41% of our high school grads have been enrolled in KidWorks since preschool.
- 52% have been enrolled in KidWorks since second grade.
Each of the high school grads participated in our College & Career Programs which prepares first-generation college students for higher education. Over the past year, students participated in 87 hours of college and career counseling.
Our students also attend monthly career seminars that focus on a different industry or profession each month. Many say they have chosen career paths they were not aware of beforehand.
Each high school senior is also paired with a volunteer mentor who provide guidance, encouragement and insight into the work world.We’d like to introduce you to our class of 2024 high school graduates. Please join us as we cheer them on as they continue with their education and plan for a bright future.
Estrella Moreno shared, “I’ve had so many staff and mentors support me during my time at KidWorks. I’m excited to see what the future holds and to make everyone proud!”
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
May 2024 ‘Volunteer of the Month’: Antonieta Pintor
Eighteen years ago, Antonieta Pintor first stepped into a small apartment on Townsend Street in Santa Ana. It served as one of the first KidWorks neighborhood centers.
Nearly two decades later, our May 2024 “Volunteer of the Month” reaches out to parents in the community to encourage them to enroll their daughters and sons in our programs.
“To say that Antonieta is a tireless ambassador for KidWorks would be an understatement,” says Sonia Rios-Guzman, our Family & Community Engagement Manager.
Antonieta is especially active in our Parent Advisory Council, a group formed over six years ago to strengthen the bond between KidWorks and the families we serve.
“Antonieta is a wonderful advocate and steward for KidWorks in the central Santa Ana community,” Sonia says. “She distributes flyers and information about our programs throughout her neighborhood and at area schools.”
Sonia adds, “She is constantly on the lookout for ways to connect with other parents, telling them about the opportunities at KidWorks that would benefit their children. She doesn’t think twice about lending a hand to support her neighbors.”
This year alone, Antonieta has logged more than 50 volunteer hours at KidWorks.
In addition to serving on the Parent Advisory Council, our Volunteer of the Month also regularly lends a hand at various KidWorks events during the course of the year. This includes our Christmas store where parents can shop for holiday gifts at a greatly discounted price (where proceeds go towards a benevolence fund for families in need), distributing Thanksgiving food baskets to struggling families and our Trunk or Treat fall event in October.
Sonia has seen Antonieta emerge from her natural shyness to become proactive in sharing ideas with KidWorks’ staff and members of the Parent Advisory Council.
“I try to voice my thoughts and help other parents whenever they’re in need,” Antonieta says. “I’ve learned many good skills by being a part of the Parent Advisory Council; I try my best to implement what I’ve learned.”
One of her ideas that’s been adopted is free bus transportation between our Townsend and Dan Donahue centers for ninth through 12th grade students. This gives parents and students an added measure of safety, especially during times when it gets dark earlier and KidWorks programs for youth continue into the early evening hours.
Being an actively engaged KidWorks parent has been one of Antonieta’s key areas of focus.
“I enjoy helping my peers and connecting them with resources,” she says.
All of Antonieta’s children have been involved with KidWorks:
- Lorena: Joined KidWorks in 2006 when she was in first grade. She attended California State University, Fullerton and graduated with a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with the goal of becoming a teacher. She’s now a teacher in Anaheim.
- Alberto: Started attending KidWorks in 2008 when he was in first grade. He graduated from Orange Coast College in 2023 with an interest in culinary arts; his goal is to become a chef.
- Daniela: Started attending KidWorks in 2012 when she was in pre-kindergarten. She’ll be entering 11thgrade in the fall.
- Jorge: Started attending KidWorks in 2017 when he was in kindergarten; he’ll be entering seventh grade in the fall.
- Natalia: Started attending KidWorks in 2019 when she was in kindergarten; she’ll be entering fifth grade in the fall.
Daniela, Jorge and Natalia are all still enrolled in KidWorks programs.
They’ve participated in our after-school programs, as well as our spring and summer events.
Antonieta has instilled in her children the same commitment to serving others as she asks of herself.
They’ve all volunteered at KidWorks community service events such as neighborhood clean-ups and street fairs.
In her spare time, Antonieta enjoys walks with her family and their dogs. She’s also an excellent cook, often preparing dishes for the Parent Advisory Council, such as mole, which is a traditional dish made in her hometown of Guerrero, Mexico
Antonieta is representative of the many parents who volunteer at KidWorks in countless ways. She’s planted the seeds of service, academic excellence, leadership and faith in her children as well as in so many others.
Thank you, Antonieta, for all you have done on behalf of the community and KidWorks.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
Click below to learn more about KidWorks Family and Community Engagement Programs
Honoring Mr. Bob
For many years during the 2000s, students at our Dan Donahue Center would eagerly await the arrival of Robert “Bob” White for his weekly tutoring sessions at our Dan Donahue Center.
“Mr. Bob! Mr. Bob!” they would shout, before running up to give him a hug, although many of the youngest were barely tall enough to reach his knees.
Mr. White recently passed away at the age of 93.
The entire KidWorks team mourns his passing. Many of our longtime staff members recall his warm presence and the way he always encouraged students to do their best.
Mr. White began volunteering in our after-school programs in 2003, making a connection with KidWorks through his attendance at Village Bible Church. He and his wife, Lydia were also donors over the years.
“Bob had the perfect blend of getting the students to laugh at his kidding around while also keeping them focused on their homework and completing school assignments to the best of their ability,” says David Benavides, KidWOrks Chief Executive Officer.
“Bob was also a role model, having served as a U.S. Marine and then having had a successful career working for Orange County government in finance capacities,” David adds.
Mr. White was especially adept at working with second graders during after-school homework sessions. The kids might cajole him to “please just give me the answer,” but this wise tutor would instead lead them through the steps to get to the answer themselves.
Mr. White also had a bit of a mischievous side. During snack time, he might hide an item behind his back and feign innocence before returning it to a laughing student who always pretended to be surprised no matter how many times Bob repeated the prank.
Many of the students Mr. Bob tutored are now young adults. He positively impacted their lives—and ours—forever. We miss our dear friend.
Digital Photography Provides New Perspective
Leslie never viewed herself as creative, until enrolling in a digital photography class at KidWorks through KidWorks University. “Every assignment is a fun challenge,” she shared, “I love experimenting with my camera. Not every photo is perfect, but I keep playing.”
Photography is providing Leslie with a new outlook. It has also taught her patience and persistence. “I can shoot the same object several different ways, and every camera angle provides a different perspective. Life is a lot like that,” Leslie observes.
This is the first time KidWorks offered a digital photography class and the youth had a blast taking pictures around KidWorks.
Students learned basic digital photography concepts including the rule of 3rds, camera angles, depth perception and editing.
Leslie’s favorite assignment was photographing toys in the preschool classroom. “It made me feel like a big kid” she laughed.
Some students practiced on their phones while others preferred tablets. “There is so much to learn. I never knew my phone could take such amazing pictures,” commented Rodrigo.
The goal of the class was to teach students to help find beauty in the every day and to engage with the world around them.
Digital photography is just one of the KidWorks University workshops KidWorks students can participate in. It allows students to discover new talents and pursue their passions.
Kidworks University classes are led by volunteers and can be in a variety of fields including Arts, STEM, and sports.
Senior Success Spotlight: Jesse Torres
KidWorks closely collaborates with the business community to develop students who are prepared to enter the workforce and embark on meaningful careers.
A perfect example is Jesse Torres, a KidWorks student since second grade who is graduating this June from Segerstrom High School in Santa Ana with the goal of becoming a computer programmer.
Jesse plans to major in computer science when he starts at a college or university this August. He’s deciding between offers of acceptance he’s received from four universities and colleges.
College was not always in Jesse’s plans.
He credits KidWorks with giving him the confidence—and the motivation—to attend a college or university after high school.
“In my elementary and middle school years, I thought college was out of reach because it would be too expensive and also that I didn’t have what it takes,” Jesse says.
All that changed when KidWorks encouraged him to attend events such as our Campus Crash, where students in sixth through 12th grade get a firsthand taste of college and university life through in-person visits to a range of campuses.
Jesse participated in Campus Crash twice while in middle school, visiting campuses that included UCLA, USC, the University of California, Irvine and others.
Campus Crash is part KidWorks’ College & Career Success Initiative™ (C&CSI). The initiative prepares first generation college students for higher education beyond high school and includes our College Apps Academy, Campus Crash, engagement with our college counselor, care packages for our college students and more.
“KidWorks opened my eyes that if I tried hard enough, I’d have what it takes to be accepted at a college or university,” Jesse says.
“Math was one subject that was not my strong suit during my elementary school years,” Jesse recalls.
Teachers and volunteer tutors in KidWorks’ after school programs helped him gain confidence and proficiency in math, so much so that he’s been enrolled in honors math classes in the areas of algebra and pre-calculus since his sophomore year in high school.
“Math is an essential skill in computer programming and the tutoring help in this subject during KidWorks’ after school programs really set me on a path for success in a career I wasn’t even considering back then,” Jesse says.
Jesse has participated in KidWorks wherever possible, including:
- After school tutoring/academics.
- Summer programs (where for the first time ever he went camping in Yosemite, did rock climbing and hiked).
- Spring programs (including Campus Crash).
- Music programs (where he learned to play the flute).
- Youth programs (where he joined with others in such community outreach as food drives, Christmas toy drives and advocating with officials in Sacramento and locally for approved skate parks and pedestrian safety).
- Tutoring and classroom volunteer with fifth and sixth graders in our after-school programs when he was in eighth grade.
Jesse may be one of the busiest youths you’ll ever meet.
“Jesse has a crazy academic, athletic and social calendar and also attends KidWorks programs weekly,” says Clarisa Vargas, our College & Career Readiness Coordinator.
She adds, “Jesse maintains the most positive attitude despite being extremely busy and at times exhausted. He’s always fully engaged.”
“Many of my KidWorks’ experiences—such as playing the flute in front of a crowd during a concert and presenting to elected officials—helped me gain confidence in public speaking and being a leader,” Jesse says.
In fact, from second through fifth grade, Jesse says he aspired to become president of the United States.
His main policy goal, he recalls, was “free candy for kids who can’t afford it.”
“I’ve seen Jesse grow into a very caring and confident young man; he is a natural-born leader,” says Maria Ruvalcaba, our Youth Leadership Development Coordinator.
She adds, “His faith and self-confidence have grown over the years. He’s always looking out for others and is not afraid to speak and voice his concerns. He embodies a humble leadership style that is very admirable for someone his age.”
Maria, Clarisa and other KidWorks staff members have worked alongside Jesse to help him complete college/university admissions applications, apply for scholarships and more.
Once he starts his higher education in August, Jesse says he plans to do much more than only attend classes.
“I want to be as much a part of that experience as possible,” he says.
A big influence on Jesse is Lance Lew, 26, an incoming medical student and future doctor, who is part of KidWorks’ mentor program. That program matches those with career and life experiences with our 12th grade students to help them navigate the challenges and decisions they face.
Jesse was so excited to meet Lance for their first introduction last year that he attempted to run the three miles from Segerstrom High School to KidWorks rather than be late (the KidWorks van came to the rescue and that’s where the two first shook hands).
Like other KidWorks’ mentors, Lance meets with Jesse at least once a month. But they connect whenever Jesse needs advice.
“The world needs more people like Jesse, who are positive, passionate and kind to the core,” Lance says. “When I sit down with Jesse, I’m immediately in a brighter mood. His strong sense of self and ability to enliven others is inspiring.”
“Lance is amazing,” Jesse says. “He gets me. He’s a key person in my life. If I need help, he’s there for me.”
As KidWorks celebrates our 30th anniversary, Jesse says he hopes to see KidWorks “become even bigger and touch more lives.”
Jesse’s entire family has been very involved with KidWorks over the years, including his parents, Jesus and Karina.
His five siblings have also called KidWorks home: Evelyn, 21, now attending Vanguard University; Ashley, 16, a high school student still enrolled in KidWorks and also a volunteer; Andrew, 14, a middle school and KidWorks student; Alex, 12, a middle school and KidWorks student and Stephany, nine, an elementary school and KidWorks student.
Jesse remains active at Segerstrom High School as he prepares to graduate. He’s part of their color guard and is a midfielder on the varsity lacrosse team.
His hobbies include video games, reading and a big emphasis on personal physical fitness.
We see a wonderful future ahead for Jesse and look forward to sharing his successes and achievements in the years and months ahead. We are also deeply grateful for the entire Torres family. They inspire us in our mission to serve even more students and families in Santa Ana.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
October 2023 ‘Volunteer of the Month’: Vanessa Rosas
Vanessa Rosas, our October 2023 “Volunteer of the Month” is a multi-year, longtime volunteer, especially with children and youth.
This month’s honoree is a California State University, Fullerton senior who’s volunteered at KidWorks since 2018 and is no stranger to other volunteer experiences as well.
Working with children is Vanessa’s passion. And KidWorks helped confirm for her that it’s her life’s calling.
Vanessa is a psychology major with a minor in child and adolescent studies. Her career goal is to become a child life specialist (a health care professional who works with young patients and his or her family during medical experiences, some very challenging).
Vanessa is now both a KidWorks intern and volunteer, serving 11 hours each week, exclusively at our Townsend Street Center in central Santa Ana. She works with each of the kindergarten through eighth grade students enrolled at that center.
While at the Townsend, Vanessa helps with homework, passes out snacks and assists with clean up.
“Vanessa has given so much of her time to KidWorks as a volunteer since she was in high school and continues to serve while in college,” says Karina Flores, Townsend Site Supervisor. “She has so much potential and enjoys helping students succeed.”
Adds Karina, “Vanessa takes the initiative. She has such a tender, gentle approach with students. They reach out to her.”
Rachel Cervantes, Volunteer Coordinator, adds: “Vanessa has been consistent and dependable; her sweet, welcoming demeanor and heart for our students is exemplary.”
Vanessa says her experiences at KidWorks confirmed her desire to work with children.
“I knew I wanted to work with children for my career, but I didn’t know if that was true for me until I tried it out,” Vanessa says. “I’m glad it was with KidWorks; I discovered I have the patience for children and enjoy being around them.”
She adds, “What’s most rewarding about being involved with KidWorks is getting to experience different temperaments from the children and the experience I gain from that.”
And in case anyone thinks being a volunteer helping with homework and other needs is all serious business, Vanessa will tell you that there are plenty of lighthearted moments and lots of laughter.
“One Thursday, most of the children were doing worksheets or finishing homework when I noticed a quiet child who liked to draw,” Vanessa says. “I approached her because she drew a character from a movie I liked. I asked if it was okay if I drew with her.
“That’s when two other children noticed and wanted to join; a child asked if we wanted to challenge each other with our drawing skills and make it timed. Everyone was being silly and having a good time.”
In addition to being a volunteer, Vanessa is a KidWorks intern. Her internships began this past August and continues into the fall.
“We are actively inviting high school and college/university students to consider serving as a volunteer or intern,” Rachel says. “It’s a great way to satisfy service hour requirements and to gain experience no matter what a person’s career goals might be.”
KidWorks is currently recruiting and accepting internship applications. More information is available by emailing Vanessa Hernandez, our Volunteer Manager, at Vanessa@kidworksoc.org
Vanessa keeps a very busy schedule in addition to her studies and volunteer time at KidWorks.
“I work full-time as an assistant manager at a restaurant called Cafe Cultura and have a part-time job as a caregiver,” she says.
When there’s time, she enjoys painting, baking, listening to music, taking her three dogs to the beach or park and going to the movies.
“Volunteering at KidWorks is so rewarding and helpful as I plan a career working with children,” Vanessa says. “At KidWorks, I’m building my relationships and skills with children. I get to face children’s different temperaments and the challenges that may bring. It’s such an impactful experience to volunteer at KidWorks.”
We are grateful that our students benefit each day our October “Volunteer of the Month” is in the classroom. We are honored that her career got a start with us.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
We invite high school and college/university students to learn more about how KidWorks can provide you with opportunities to earn service hours, intern and volunteer.