KidWorks graduate Cynthia Espinoza is a busy freshman at CSU San Marcos, yet she still finds time in her busy schedule to volunteer and tutor virtually for KidWorks.

Last Fall, Cynthia—our May 2021 Volunteer of the Month—saw an opportunity she just couldn’t pass by.

Cynthia was helping a high school junior struggling with her math assignment during a “virtual” KidWorks’ homework hotline session.

Math is Cynthia’s favorite subject, but she also knows not every student shares her love of numbers.

Cynthia proceeded to assist this student and helped her complete the math assignment, encouraging her to look at math from a more positive perspective

Dianna Valdez
Site Director at our Cedar Evergreen Center.

But Cynthia didn’t stop there.

“After they finished, Cynthia asked her about school and what colleges she was interested in applying to, as well as her overall plan after school,” Dianna says.  “She shared that as a junior, it was time to start thinking about her plans after graduation. Hearing Cynthia encourage another student and help change her perspective about math and college was beautiful to witness.”

Adds Dianna, “Cynthia is the first in her family to go to a university and the first to leave home during a pandemic. Her transition has not been easy but to hear her still be so positive and encouraging to a younger student shows her perseverance and strength. It’s a legacy she’s leaving to other Cedar Evergreen students. She’s showing them that, yes, it’s hard but she is still pushing forward and striving to succeed despite the difficulties. She is showing them that if she can do it, so can they.”

It’s not surprising that Cynthia is able to identify so well with students enrolled in our programs.  That’s because this KidWorks’ alumni was enrolled in our programs from eighth grade until she graduated high school.

Until her freshman year in high school, Cynthia attended our Cedar Evergreen Center.  She’s also been a welcome presence at our Dan Donahue Center since her freshman year in high school when she joined our youth leadership programs and began serving as a volunteer.

As the first person in her family to pursue a university degree, Cynthia credits KidWorks for leading her to that decision.

“I would be lost without KidWorks and the wonderful staff,” Cynthia says. “I would have zero knowledge of college and would have been struggling a lot if it was not for their help not only with homework but emotional wellbeing as well.” 

“At KidWorks we prioritize college readiness,” says Erika Sanchez, our College & Career Manager. “We believe college should be an option for every student and we walk alongside students like Cynthia to ensure that outcome.  KidWorks provides wraparound support services for college students. For example, we provide ongoing support with Free Application for Federal Student Aid and California Dream Act Application.”

Cynthia’s pursuit of higher education aligns with KidWorks College Success Initiative™, which serves students from“Pre-K to B.A.” This represents our 18-year commitment to each student at KidWorks. Because of CSI, our students are on the path not only to graduate from high school—but also to enroll and graduate from college or university and go on to meaningful careers.

“Cynthia is an exceptional leader,” Erika says. “During her time in high school her leadership truly helped transform the Cedar Evergreen Center into a place where leadership is valued. She often led by example. When I would visit the center, she would be there helping younger students with their homework or giving them helpful advice. She always played a role in helping an event take off, or helping students feel welcomed and valued. I admire Cynthia’s tenacity and willingness to work hard. She is extremely committed to what she sets her mind to and by doing so becomes an example to others.”

Before the pandemic, Cynthia volunteered during in-person afterschool programs for kindergarten through fifth grade students, leading dance, plus arts and crafts activities as part of KidWorks University (which are volunteer-led workshops focused on art, science, music, dance, creative writing and more for students in kindergarten through 12th grade). She also helped with prepping the Cedar Evergreen Center for summer activities, and  then led game and crafts sessions. Cynthia was also a speaker at KidWorks’ Noche de Estrellas event in 2020. 

“Cynthia relates to our students on a special level because she was in their shoes as a student herself,” Dianna says. “She knows what it’s like to not have anyone at home that knows how to help you with homework, so giving back is incredibly important to her.”

Cynthia says it best when describing her heart for the student we serve:

“I love helping kids with homework but also like learning more about them. I want to be more than just a person that helps them with homework, I want to build a foundation of trust and really get to know them. I think it’s important to go beyond just helping with homework but really ask them about their day and how they’re really doing.”

Cynthia thanks Dianna, Cedar Evergreen Site Director, for being “an amazing part of my KidWorks journey.”

“Dianna has shaped me to become the person I am today,” Cynthia says. “She has not only helped me be a great student but has also helped me become a great leader. I want our community to be transformed and do my best to show the younger generations that we can make this a better community. This is why I go to KidWorks: to make our community better. I want to see my community transformed and have more kids go to college just like I am right now. KidWorks has still been there for me and I stay connected with them in every way I can.”

That deep connection with our students and staff is why we are so delighted to honor Cynthia Espinoza as our very deserving May “Volunteer of the Month.”

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

When Zeke Pena attended elementary school he often did his homework in less than ideal circumstances at home because the family of five didn’t have extra space for his studies. Little did our April 2021 “Volunteer of the Month” know that decades later this challenge would inspire him to build desks for KidWorks students who now often study at home in similarly cramped spaces because of the pandemic.

“The motivation to build school desks came from when I was a child and I’d do my studies in the weirdest places ever because I didn’t have a place at home,” Zeke says. “Now that these kids are at home the majority of the day, I recognize how difficult and uncomfortable it is to be doing homework in less than ideal settings. That’s why I knew it was up to me to do my part; I could relate to their situation.” 

Adds Zeke, “These children now have desks where they can do their schoolwork, something that belongs to them and which will continue to be useful as classrooms open up. At the end of March, more than 20 desks were built and provided to KidWorks’ students.” 

Zeke, 23-years-old, is an Accelerated Management Associate at Orange County-based Goodman Distribution, where he is training to become a salesperson in the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning industry.  

Zeke has been both an in-person and on-line volunteer, as well as being very active in Young Professionals for KidWorks, a volunteer group of almost two dozen individuals in their 20s and 30s who volunteer at our events and after school programs, recruit other volunteers and get the word out about KidWorks via social media and networking.

Zeke has also helped out our Read Across America activities in March, where he shared Dr. Seuss stories with our younger students. He also volunteered at our 2020 youth overnight lock-in for middle and high school students, where they enjoyed games, discussions and snacks .

Zeke was introduced to KidWorks by Jake Miknuk, our October 2020 “Volunteer of the Month,” a sales development professional at Alteryx, an Irvine, California based leader in analytic process automation. Jake is also a co-chair of our Young Professionals for KidWorks group with Melissa Ley, Senior Associate Broker for the Net Lease Property Group at CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment company.

“Zeke has made some amazing contributions to Young Professionals for KidWorks and to the students,” Jake says. “His idea to make custom-built desks really sparked a lot of interest and the kids were so happy to get them.”

Adds Jake, “Zeke is one of the most outgoing people I know. He brings that energy to our meetings and when he volunteers. He is always looking for opportunities to give back to the community. He has inspired the group to become more involved in KidWorks, even during these unprecedented times. He is one of the most genuine and selfless people I know.”

“Zeke is one of the first to raise his hand when we’re looking for volunteers,” says SueLynn Kim, our Partnership & Donor Relations Coordinator. “He thinks innovatively and proactively seeks opportunities to help our students, such as talking about his college experience during our College Chats sessions. Zeke is dynamic and approachable. He’s unafraid to ask tough questions and he truly wants the best for all our students.”

The desk-building project required Zeke to reach out to others for resources and supplies, in addition to his own time and funds.

He thanks his friend, Wesley Allemand, for assisting with the project through his small woodworking business while going to school to become a doctor.

Zeke also expresses gratitude to Mark Nappi from Quality First Woodworks, an Orange County company that specializes in building custom cabinetry. 

“Mark has been able to help us save time by having his machinery cut the wood and is willing to donate material from his own business,” Zeke says.

Our April “Volunteer of the Month” also knows that our students have a sense of humor and enjoy it when others join in on the fun.

“My style is a very comedic,” Zeke says. “I’m willing to make fun of myself or joke around about dumb things to make the students laugh. I keep trying to encourage students by being involved and connecting with as many of them as I can. Since they’re young, they’re unaware of all the amazing friendships they can make at KidWorks. I encourage them to talk amongst each other.”

Zeke also has big dreams for central Santa Ana.

“I remember as a child living across the street from an active gang member and my mom telling me to stay away from that house and area,” Zeke recalls. “Now, imagine living in an area where everywhere you turn there might be an active gang member. Having an opportunity to spend time at KidWorks and make these kids laugh is probably the best thing that I can do to distract them from the situation they are living in. Volunteering at KidWorks is exactly what I imagined—so many great people helping to further these kids’ lives for the better.”

From building desks for students to being a role model for others, the KidWorks’ team is deeply grateful for the countless ways Zeke lives up to his values and selflessly serves others. 

By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer

For virtual corporate volunteer opportunities or more information on Young Professionals for KidWorks, contact SueLynn at:  suelynn.kim@kidworksoc.org

When Elise Schroeder was a first grader, she had no idea what a college or university was.  Now, our March “Volunteer of the Month”–a senior at the University of California, Irvine – never misses an opportunity to tell our first graders about the importance of a college/university education.

“It’s incredible that these young children are already learning at KidWorks about college and being told that they can pursue higher education,” Elise says. “For example, one lesson I assisted with for first graders was about college. Cesar Ledesma, a program leader at the Dan Donahue Center, and I both talked about our personal experiences of going to college and encouraged these bright young students that one day they could go as well. When I was in first grade, I didn’t even know what college was!  It was so inspiring and heartwarming to see these first graders already talking about going to college.” 

Elise is especially impressed with our College Success Initiative™ (CSI), launched over two years ago. This exciting program serves students from “Pre-K to B.A.,” making an 18-year commitment to each student at KidWorks. Because of CSI, our students are on the path not only to graduate from high school—but also to enroll and graduate from college or university and go on to meaningful careers. 

Elise also thanks Rachel Cervantes, Program Leader at our Dan Donahue Center, who also oversees KidWorks University workshops.  “When I volunteer online, I appreciate what an amazing teacher and mentor she’s been to me and to the students.”

 Our March Volunteer of the Month believes so strongly in education that she plans a career as an educator. Elise is majoring in education sciences and minoring in history and psychological science.  Her goal is to become a high school history and psychology teacher.

At UCI, Elise is furthering her path towards becoming an educator by serving as a board member on a campus club named Teachers of Tomorrow.

“I connect and collaborate with other students who are interested in teaching, as well as with teachers and professors,” Elise says. “At our meetings, club members have often asked about how they can get involved in the field of education and make a difference. My answer to this question is always KidWorks.”

“Elise made a six month commitment to volunteer and nearly two years later and almost 100 hours logged with KidWorks, she continues to make an impact,” says Gerardo Magaña, our Sr. Director of Volunteer and Leadership Development. “Her positive attitude and warm demeanor are such gifts to all who get to interact with her. Elise is always willing to step up and take on leadership opportunities and fill gaps where needed.”

Adds Gerardo, “The staff speak highly of her and recognize the value she brings to our students and programs. Her love for the students she partners with is genuine and sincere.”

Elise shares a story that perfectly reflects Gerardo’s description of her genuineness and sincerity.

“One memorable and poignant example from my time volunteering involves a first grade boy that I really bonded with and feel I’ve had a special positive impact on,” Elise says. “I first met him in Cesar’s first grade class in 2019. While other students would come to class full of excitement, this young boy would often come to class with a frown or in tears. He frequently kept to himself and did not sit or talk with anyone else. I immediately felt drawn to him. I strived to form a bond with him in which he felt cared for by me and could trust me.  

“During snack time, I began to sit next to him while he ate each day and helped him open his milk carton and food wrappers. During homework time, I invited him to sit with me and a small group of his classmates as I helped them with homework. During free time, I gathered pieces of paper and markers and encouraged him to color with me.  I still have many of his drawings.

“After several weeks of consistently making an effort to make this boy feel loved and included in our classroom community, he began to feel comfortable not only around me, but around his classmates as well. His transformation from a student who came to class in tears and sat by himself to one who was filled excitement as he walked through the door and called out to me and his classmates was a heartwarming experience in which I felt that I was truly making a difference in a child’s life as a volunteer at KidWorks.”

Elise was an in-person classroom volunteer prior to the pandemic, and now participates with on-line tutoring help.  She’s also helped at our summer break program during the year before the pandemic. 

Her resourcefulness is demonstrated by the way she’s learned how to be just as encouraging to students with a “high five” in the classroom as in creative ways virtually.

“While  positive feedback can in some ways be more challenging to do virtually, I have utilized some of the features on Zoom to encourage and motivate students,” Elise says.  “For example, I love using the reactions feature on Zoom to encourage students and show them how proud I am of them. When students get an answer to a problem right or read a book to me out loud, I encourage and motivate them by clicking on the clapping, thumbs up, and party hat emojis!”

Anyone who has helped out with our youngest scholars will tell you that one of the highest compliments paid to a volunteer is when a student draws his or her picture.

“As I got to know students in person throughout the year, they would tell me about aspects of their lives outside of school, such as their family members and their hobbies,” Elise says.  “Some kids would even draw or color pictures for me, which I still keep in a folder today so I can always look back at them and remember my sweet first graders.”

When not focusing on her studies or volunteering at KidWorks, our busy Volunteer of the Month makes sure she makes time for fun. 

“My hobbies include reading (my shelves are currently overflowing with books!), watching TV and movies and playing video games,” Elise says. “I also enjoy outdoor activities such as taking walks, swimming and going to the beach. I have also gotten more into baking during the pandemic with my twin sister, Marianna, plus spending quality time with my family and playing with my dog, Sammy.”

Elise encourages high school and college students to experience the joy she feels as a KidWorks’ volunteer.

“Volunteering at KidWorks is rewarding whether a person is planning on working in the field of education or not,” Elise says. “It’s such a fulfilling and life-changing experience to be a part of these kids’ lives and to give back to the community as a volunteer. Being able to serve as a positive role model for these children is incredibly rewarding.”

Just as our students are blessed to have such a wonderful teacher in Elise, we know that each student she teaches during her career as an educator will be equally blessed each time they are in her classroom.

 By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer