KidWorks plants the idea of pursuing a college and university degree in the minds of our students beginning with our state-licensed preschool and throughout their time with us. 

That’s why we’re so grateful that Concordia University Irvine selected KidWorks as one of the organizations to be part of their annual ConcordiaServes volunteer event, held Sept. 24.

Concordia University Irvine is a private, nonprofit Christian university educating nearly 5,000 students.

Nine Concordia students spent several hours with our preschoolers at our Dan Donahue Center, doing crafts, playing games, experiencing yoga and enjoying other fun activities.

Rachel Cervantes, Volunteer Manager at KidWorks, says interacting with the Concordia students helps our preschoolers begin to see higher education as something for them, even if their first college course is years in the future.

“ConcordiaServes Day gave our youngest scholars a meaningful connection with someone visiting them in their classroom and also serving in their very own neighborhoods,” Rachel says.

She adds, “The event was an ideal opportunity for our preschoolers to meet young adults who look like them and to hear about how they are chasing their dreams of higher education and great careers.”

The university describes ConcordiaServes Day as a way for “alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, donors and friends around the world to serve where they are, in the way they can.”

KidWorks thanks Erika Sanchez for making sure KidWorks was part of the university’s sixth annual event.

Erika is HSI (Hispanic Serving Institutions) Project Director, at the Irvine campus, a member of the KidWorks Board of Directors and a KidWorks alumni. She is also the first in her family to pursue a higher education degree, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology from Biola University and her master’s degree in transformational leadership from Azusa Pacific University.

“Erika is an example of how KidWorks’ College & Career Success Initiative™ (C&CSI) 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,” Rachel says.

Erika says that in addition to inspiring our preschoolers, the event was also very meaningful for the Concordia students who participated.

“Most of the students are early childhood education majors and are interested in working with young children,” Erika notes  “This was a perfect opportunity for them to put what they are learning into practice.”

Erika says she hopes KidWorks will continue to be part of future ConcordiaServes events.

Rachel and all of us at KidWorks are grateful for Erika and Concordia’s partnership with KidWorks.

“This year alone, Concordia donated 250 backpacks filled with supplies and 10 new balls for our sports court, plus a new play kitchen, floor puzzles, kinetic sand and fidgets for our preschool,” Rachel says. “Concordia’s support and love is deeply valued.”

By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, passionate about supporting KidWorks students or looking for a fun evening out, KidWorks’ newest event is for you!

Introducing “Cars & Cocktails,” the reimagined Foundation for Success event. After 17 years of successful luncheons, we’re shifting gears to a new event. It all takes place on Nov. 14 at the prestigious Finish Line Auto Club in Costa Mesa. Sponsors and attendees will view one-of-a-kind classic cars while enjoying delicious food and cocktails.

Finish Line Auto Club houses prized auto collections in what they describe as a “country club environment.”

“Organizations like KidWorks are essential to helping first-generation college students achieve their dreams of college and career success. Supporting KidWorks students is an investment in the future leaders of Orange County, and we are eager to partner with KidWorks and the students they serve in the coming years.” – Adrian Montero, senior vice president of Commercial Real Estate in Orange County at U.S. Bank.  

U.S. Bank’s support has been multifaceted. From 15 years of Board Leadership to decorating the center for the holidays, dressing up and passing out Halloween candy to mentoring students, they have consistently championed our mission and vision. Their employees have lent their professional experiences to KidWorks students through mock interviews and job site visits – and also served taquitos to KidWorks families during our “Noche de Las Estrellas” graduation ceremony. Their readiness to serve excellently, no matter the occasion, is a testament to their unwavering support.

We are also deeply grateful to our two Presenting Sponsors: David A. Pyle, Chief Executive Officer of American Career College & Executive Chairman of the Board of West Coast University; and the Paula and Pat Donahue Foundation. We also extend our thanks to Board Member and Event Committee Co-Chair Emily Mandrup, Founder of ECM Management, for her $25K Change Maker Sponsorship.

“Cars & Cocktails will help raise necessary funds for programs such as college and career readiness, leadership development, community service, after school programs and much more.” – Emily Mandrup.

Corporate sponsorships at various support levels for Cocktails & Cars are still available. With limited space, we anticipate a sold-out event for this truly unique experience, so we invite you to join in on the fun while helping the over 1,000 student and families we serve each week.

Secure your sponsorship today at kidworksoc.org/cars or by contacting Abigail Moore at: abigail.moore@kidworksoc.org

By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer

Some of the most joyful sounds you’ll hear when visiting our Dan Donahue Center are from the young scholars attending our state-licensed preschool.

During the past school term, 48 children (our maximum capacity) between the ages of three and five spent time between our indoor classroom and legacy outdoor playground.

In early August, that changed when our preschoolers first experienced the transformation of the outdoor playground into a unique outdoor classroom.

The first day of instruction for the 2024/25 preschool term was August 12 and up to two dozen our youngest scholars at a time can now romp and learn on their new playground, under the watchful eye of our teachers.

This is the first major upgrade to the playground since our preschool opened in 2005.

It’s one of the few outdoor classrooms in a state-licensed California preschool operating in an underserved and economically challenged community.

And while the outdoor classroom will still offer opportunities for fun and play enjoyed in the previous playground setting, the new space offers improved ways to stimulate students’ minds, sense of curiosity and creativity.

“The outdoor classroom is intentionally designed with preschoolers in mind,” says Idalia Galdamez, our Preschool Director.

“The outdoor classroom is a wonderful addition because it facilitates physical and mental health, along with promoting the academic skills that develop at this age,” she says.

Idalia adds, “Children will explore building, creating and problem-solving. They’ll also develop motor skills, executive function, language, visual awareness, creative expression and social-emotional insight.

“There’s also what we call a ‘messy materials’ station where students can work with loose parts. A stage is available for music and movement, along with a sensory area for water and sand play.”

An open area offers the perfect place for high energy preschoolers to roll and run in the grass.

Other elements of the outdoor classroom feature a nature appreciation zone (students can plant bushes and trees), art areas and places to gather with friends.

Paths for bikes, tricycles and pull wagons will also promote physical activity.

“Because most of our students live in apartment complexes, the outdoor classroom is an antidote to the confined space of a small apartment,” Idalia says.

Our indoor preschool classroom continues to be a key place for learning and development. The outdoor classroom opens up opportunities for Idalia and her team to utilize this space even more fully in ways that enhance the preschool experience.

KidWorks is grateful to the City of Santa Ana for providing funding through a Revive grant. We also thank the California Department of Education for their financial support.

Idalia says she and her team “are looking forward to enhancing learning in the new space and creating lifelong memories.”

The next time you’re at our Dan Donahue center, we invite you to take a peek at the new outdoor classroom. You’ll experience the joy on the faces of our preschoolers as they receive all the blessings this new space provides.

By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer

When high school senior and KidWorks student Brenda R. was the victim of a recent hit-and-run traffic accident, Paige Larsh sprang into action.

Our September 2024 “Volunteer of the Month” had been mentoring Brenda since September 2023, before the accident occurred. While sitting bedside at a hospital is not the typical job description for a KidWorks mentor, Paige knew she could be a big part of Brenda’s recovery.

“Paige visited Brenda in the hospital and brought her snacks, flowers and encouragement,” says Clarisa Vargas, our College & Career Director. “She set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical and school expenses.”

Brenda is almost fully healed. “She still has a cast and sling on her arm but she is back to walking normally and remains in positive spirits,” Clarisa reports.

And she and Paige are regularly in contact as Brenda prepares to start her freshman year at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) in the fall, majoring in child and adolescent studies.

Brenda has been enrolled in KidWorks programs since fifth grade and has volunteered in our classrooms helping students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

“Brenda has been one of our youth leaders and always brings with her a positive attitude, resilience and an infectious laugh,” Clarisa says. “Paige has those same personality traits.”

In addition to being a mentor to Brenda, Paige is also a strong role model. Our Volunteer of the Month is Senior Manager of Business Development at the World Surf League. 

The organization describe themselves as “the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing.”

Paige has passed on some of the life skills she uses in her professional career to Brenda, such as planning, meeting deadlines and maintaining a high energy level.

“Together, we’ve focused on a lot in our sessions on time management skills,” Paige says. “Procrastination is never something that helps stress levels. So, we’ve discussed ways to combat that.”

She adds, “We’ve talked about creating detailed outlines for her essays ahead of time before sitting down to write them. That way she can chip away at writing her papers in increments and not wait until the last minute to complete the bulk of her work.”

Brenda describes Paige as “incredible.”

“I am so thankful for the support Paige has given me and I look forward to seeing her on my journey to college,” Brenda says. “Paige is a very fun and welcoming person and I really respect and appreciate her. Seeing her passion encourages me to be the same.”

 Paige first heard about KidWorks from a colleague who also volunteered with us.

“We talked in depth about how rewarding it was to volunteer with KidWorks and how amazing the mentees were,” Paige says. “From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be a part of the program.”

Paige’s focus now is helping Brenda transition to college.

“I’m a sounding board for Brenda as she goes through the next four years at the university,” Paige says. “In me, she’ll always have someone she can talk to. I believe having a mentor is extremely helpful. I wish I had one when I was going to college!”

As KidWorks has begun our fourth decade of service, Paige has big dreams for us.

“I hope to see the organization continue to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for countless children and families,” Paige says. “I dream of a future where KidWorks expands its reach, providing even more comprehensive support services that empower young people to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”

She adds, “I envision a day when every child in our community has access to the resources and mentoring that he or she needs to reach their full potential. Ultimately, I hope KidWorks will be recognized as a catalyst for transformative change, leaving an enduring legacy of success stories that inspire generations to come.”

Paige makes sure to enjoy her leisure time to the fullest.

“I love the beach, especially long walks and swimming,” she says. “For adventure, I head to Mammoth for hiking and camping. The outdoors is my escape. I also love traveling. Work has taken me to some amazing places and those trips are some of the highlights of the past decade of my life.”

Mentors like Paige have a profound and lasting positive impact on the lives of our students. We join Brenda in describing Paige as truly incredible!

By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer

Find out more about being a mentor to a KidWorks student at https://kidworksoc.org/volunteer/mentors/