A dozen years ago, Omar Salazar’s mother, Maria, learned about KidWorks from a family friend in their central Santa Ana neighborhood. Soon afterward, Omar was enrolled as a KidWorks preschool student.

Fast-forward to 2021 and Omar—now a junior at Mater Dei High School—arrives every Monday and Tuesday afternoon at our Dan Donahue Center to tutor students during after school programs. He also helps with clean up after each session. Omar has also assisted with KidWorks University, our volunteer-led workshops that focus on art, science, music, dance, creative writing and more. 

Omar has also provided childcare for our youngest students when parents are at the center attending meetings. He especially enjoys this experience. “I help take care of the kids and keep them entertained. I enjoy seeing their smiles each time we play a board game or just be there so they have someone play with.”

Here’s how Vanessa Sedano, our Volunteer Coordinator, describes our October 2021 Volunteer of the Month:

“Omar is such a lovely student who is caring and kind to his peers and staff. He arrives a shift early to work on his own homework before he starts to volunteer. Omar never hesitates to say, ‘yes’ or ‘is there anything I can do to help?’”

Adds Vanessa, “Omar’s dedication to KidWorks is outstanding. The first week we returned to on-site programs, Omar stopped by our volunteer center to say he would like to volunteer twice a week. We love having him as part of our team and it’s so special to see his willingness to give back to his community.” 

Omar has been a KidWorks after school programs volunteer since 2020 and was back in the classroom as soon as in-person programs resumed in mid-August. In addition to homework help, Omar is at-the-ready for our teachers whenever they need him. He assists with classroom management, passes out school supplies and makes sure they are properly stored and ready for the next group of students.

“Recently I’ve worked with multiple grades but mainly with third and fifth grade,” Omar says. “I think what makes them stand out is that they’re very open with the volunteers and always show their appreciation. Their smiles and laughter are very contagious and can turn any day into a great one.”

“My style as a volunteer is kind, trustful and easygoing,” he says. “I try to make students feel as comfortable as possible and I always make sure to offer words of encouragement when I see them struggling; when they finally figure it out, I make sure to congratulate them.”

Adds Omar, “As a student myself, I can relate to them. I’ve been where they currently are and I see myself in them. I do consider myself a role model. I tell them that I came to KidWorks as a little kid and that they can be someone great; their eyes just shine bright and glisten.”

“Omar takes his role as volunteer very seriously,” says Rachel Cervantes, our Arts Coordinator. “He gives his best to each student and takes his time explaining and leading students through their homework.”

Adds Rachel,  “Omar is always reliable and dependable. He has helped with little projects in my room, such as displaying student work on the wall and printing out class material. Omar’s style is a volunteer who values creating a safe space for the student to ask for help. I believe this comes from him being a KidWorks student himself, which gives him great insight to what he thinks the students need to feel supported.”

“Omar has helped me during KidWorks University sessions with my third-graders,” says Alyssa Saucedo, KidWorks Program Associate . “He’s very hands-on during these sessions, making sure everyone understands to the best of his or her abilities. He has been reliable and dependable. I always trust that he will get done what is asked of him.”

Omar has big dreams for his future. After graduating high school, he plans to attend either Stanford University or the University of California, Irvine. His career goal is to be a licensed physical therapist, working for a professional soccer team as part of a sport that he loves to play and watch.

“KidWorks students are always so energetic and there is never a dull moment with them,” Omar says. “They always manage to make my day even if it’s not going too well. They are so kind and make me feel very appreciated.”

Our students feel the same way about you, too, Omar!

By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer 

Elizabeth Chavez—our September “Volunteer of the Month”–doesn’t usually expect to be pelted with water balloons when volunteering at the Dan Donahue Center, but when it came time for outside fun with students during our summer program, well, she just didn’t want to miss out on one airborne droplet.

“She gladly took part in our water day knowing she would get wet and had so much fun doing so!” says Rachel Cervantes, our Arts Coordinator.  

 “Seeing her have so much fun with the kids was awesome,” adds Jacky Hernandez, Program Assistant/Program Leader.

“Playing with water balloons, laughing and trying not to get wet was so much fun,” Elizabeth says. 

Our September “Volunteer of the Month” is truly a hands-on, jump right in type of volunteer.  The recent California State University, Fullerton graduate helps out with in-person after school programs, offering homework help, tracking student attendance, distributing snacks, joining in during recreation time and sanitizing tables, chairs books and doorknobs in the classroom after a session.

A volunteer since February 2020, Elizabeth was worked with students in grades first, third, fifth and sixth.

“Elizabeth began her volunteer experience with us with a bang,” says Gerardo Magaña, our Senior Director of Volunteer and Leadership Resources. “During her interview process, she shared how she looked forward to the opportunity to give back to her community. And that’s exactly what she does.”

Adds Gerardo, “Throughout the time KidWorks held virtual programming due to the pandemic, we stayed in touch with Elizabeth and waited for the right opportunity for her to reengage. That opportunity came during the summer. Elizabeth was among one of the first volunteers we had back onsite and in person for our summer programs. She has since been a tremendous help with our fall launch, helping in the classroom two to three days a week.  She is always so eager to help and has such a servant heart. We are incredibly blessed to have her be part of our team.”

Elizabeth was introduced to KidWorks through her sister, Mayra, who has attended and volunteered at KidWorks.  

“Mayra told me about her experience, so I was interested in volunteering at KidWorks,” Elizabeth says. “The KidWorks staff are so friendly; I feel comfortable talking to them and offering my opinion on various subjects.” 

“Elizabeth has been a consistent presence for our students,” Jacky says. “She always comes in willing to help in any way she can, never hesitates to support in a crazy, fun activity and has built strong relationships in a short amount of time. Our class is so grateful to have her as a volunteer.”

Adds Rachel, “Since beginning her volunteer journey this past summer, Elizabeth has been a steadfast, reliable volunteer. She takes on tasks with a smile and works so diligently. I love how intentional she is when helping our students with homework. Without having to be asked, Elizabeth grabs cleaning supplies and sanitizes every chair and table, all while leading other volunteers to join her to usher in our next group of students.”

Adds Rachel, “Elizabeth has helped in many tasks a few being: printing, leading games, sanitation of classrooms and homework help. Our combo kindergarten/first graders are lucky to have her and have grown so fond of her quiet, reassuring nature.”

Jacky describes Elizabeth this way:  “She has a quiet, sweet spirit about her that the students gravitate to easily. She is always patient and does all tasks with a willing heart.” 

Elizabeth is glad KidWorks has been able to safely return to in-person programs, allowing her to reconnect with our students. “I was joyful because after so many months away, I was able to see the students back at KidWorks,” she says.  “The most rewarding part of working with students is that they are very creative and intelligent. Most importantly, students are part of our future and the present of the world and I’m glad that I can be part of this generation of students.”

After graduating with a university degree in public administration, Elizabeth now plans to attend graduate school and pursue a master’s degree. In her leisure time, she enjoys going for walks, attends church with her family and loves playing and watching soccer.

The team at KidWorks is inspired by the way Elizabeth always enthusiastically jumps in without having to be asked. Even when that means happily taking incoming fire from flying water balloons.

By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer