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 Marketing
November 2023 ‘Volunteer of the Month’: Nestor Morones
Nestor Morones—our November 2023 “Volunteer of the Month—readily relates to the students he works with at our Dan Donahue Center. That’s because he was once one of them.
Nestor’s parents, Maria and Isaac, first enrolled him in KidWorks’ programs when he was in second grade. He continued to attend KidWorks through his high school graduation in 2017.
Nestor benefitted from our after school academic program, leadership classes, college/university guidance, community service opportunities and more.
His brother, Daniel, 30 and sister, Roxana, 22, also attended KidWorks during their school years.
Now a college student, Nestor is an intern with the City of Santa Ana’s youth employment program and volunteers 20 hours a week at KidWorks.
“Nestor has volunteered an amazing 600 hours so far,” says Rachel Cervantes, our Volunteer Coordinator. “He’s kind, down to earth and the students to feel at ease and happy with him.”
His duties are varied, including:
- Helping kindergarteners learn the letters of the alphabet.
- Assisting sixth graders with math and science homework.
- Snack set up and distribution in our classrooms.
- Supervising sports and fitness activities in our outside sports court.
“What excites me about returning to KidWorks is coming back to a place that played such a big role in my development,” Nestor says.
He adds, “The staff and volunteers helped with my homework when there was an English language barrier at home; now, I can do the same for students facing the same situation. Regardless of background, I believe everyone deserves opportunities and chances.”
Nestor remembers the approach our teachers and volunteers took with him when he was a KidWorks student and applies these techniques as a volunteer.
“My style a very calm and understanding,” Nestor says. “I approach situations with the goal of finding a middle ground with the students. For example, most sixth graders are not big fans of reading so I encourage them to read about something they are interested in, like cars or music.”
Nestor also empathizes with the challenges and concerns so many students face.
“KidWorks guided me academically in every way,” he says. “This ranged from helping me with homework to showing me the value in pursuing higher education after high school.”
Nestor adds, “The teachers and volunteers encouraged me to keep going during moments I wanted to drop out of high school.”
He especially thanks Jessica Ellis, Senior Site Supervisor, Dan Donahue Center and Maria Ruvalcaba, our Youth Leadership Development Coordinator.
Our November Volunteer of the Month has also grown in confidence and skills as a leader.
“I never really viewed myself as a leader,” he explains. “KidWorks taught me otherwise. Slowly, the students started to view me as an example to follow.”
He adds, “Positivity was in the air. Life has its moments where we become leaders and examples to follow. I just feel blessed that I was able to become a good example to the children and youth who need role models in their lives.”
Beyond academics, Nestor says KidWorks also instilled in him a lifelong desire to give back to the community and serve others, especially in an under-resourced community like central Santa Ana.
“KidWorks was my biggest motivator when it came to giving back,” he says. “So, giving back as a volunteer at KidWorks feels like I’ve come full circle.”
During his high school years as a KidWorks student, KidWorks provided Nestor opportunities to serve others in ways that included distribution of food to homeless residents and hours spent picking vegetables for a local food bank.
“The employees at the food bank said we picked enough vegetables that day to feed 1,000 people and that was a great feeling,” Nestor says.
He calls the opportunities KidWorks provided to give back to the community “some of my fondest memories.”
In his spare time, Nestor has a wide range of interests, including painting, hiking, acting, editing videos and baking. He’s also a music lover and plays the bass acoustic guitar and piano.
Nestor says his career goals include “appearing in a movie, writing my own book and finishing my album.”
We saw the wonderful potential in Nestor when we first met him as a second grader. We continue to see that endless potential realized as he works with the young minds he helps mold as a valued volunteer and mentor.
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.
Care packages uplift college students
In the 15 months since they officially formed, the KidWorks Women (KWW) auxiliary group of dedicated friends have provided remarkable ongoing support to our students.
Their focus is: Fun. Faith. Philanthropy.
KWW’s generosity was exemplified once again in October when the committee assembled 60 care packages for students who graduated from our programs and are now enrolled in colleges and universities.
“The kits included a variety of items, including gift cards from Amazon, Starbucks and Chipotle (the restaurant donated their gift cards), along with school supplies, an insulated mug, healthy snacks and hygiene items such as lip balm and hand sanitizers,” says Stephanie Peleuses, who serves with Camille Strader as philanthropy chairs of KWW. “The number of care packages has grown every year since we first launched the project four years ago.”
Each package also includes a personalized prayer and inspirational message.
Joining Camille and Stephanie on the project are KWW members Susan Graham, Ginny Koury, Monica Mendoza and Mel Murray.
The women fundraised and purchased all items themselves, and then assembled the packages at KidWorks on October 16. They also covered shipping costs.
“It’s fun to imagine the joy and smiles on our students’ faces when they receive and open a care package from KWW,” says Brenda Trujillo Sanchez, our Senior College and Career Manager. “Whether a student is attending a local college or living miles away in a dorm, the care package lets them know we continue walk alongside them on their academic journey and in life.”
“We time the packages to arrive during the first semester/quarter, just before finals begin,” Camille says. “Those of us who remember the stress of finals will appreciate the strategic timing!”
Adds Camille, “Almost all of our KidWorks college students are the first generation in their families to go to college. It’s an experience that is exciting and maybe a little challenging. We hope these boxes encourage them to continue to pursue their dreams, to work hard and to know that there are lots of people supporting them and cheering for them back home.”
Both Camille and Stephanie recall their college days and how support from home was so vital and appreciated.
Says Camille, “My message to the students is, ‘I hope the care packages brighten your day and that you know we are cheering for you. You’ve got this and we know God has big plans for you. Keep up the hard work! We are so proud of you!’”
“Each of our students is taking a brave and important step for themselves and the future of their families,” Stephanie says. “We want them to know they have an abundance of love, support and prayers behind them.”
She adds, “KidWorks Women support you and pray for you and we are proud of you. As the first female in my family to attend college, I appreciate what a big step this is for our students.”
KidWorks is deeply appreciative of the many ways KWW is making a profound positive difference in the lives of our students. And they’ve only just begun.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
‘Trunk or Treat’ returns on Oct. 27
Halloween arrives at KidWorks a little ahead of Oct. 31, and we invite you to join the fun in several ways at our annual Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 27 at our Dan Donahue Center:
- Donate Candy: Drop treats by our center at 1902 W. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana no later than October 25th.
- Decorate Vehicles: Churches, companies, service organizations and the Santa Ana community as a whole are invited to decorate their vehicles in the Trunk or Treat spirit and help pass out candy in our Dan Donahue parking lot.
- Volunteer: We also need volunteers to help out with the carnival games and the movie night that will take place during Trunk or Treat.
To volunteer, please contact Vanessa at Vanessa@kidworksoc.org or (714) 834-9400 x115.
Since this is KidWorks’ 30th anniversary, we’re also weaving that milestone into our Trunk or Treat festivities. Various departments within KidWorks are planning creative ways to integrate the anniversary into the event.
Our Parents Advisory Council members will prepare and sell their favorite foods.
Participating with booths and other support will be AmWest, Carrazco Law, Dentistry 4 Kids, Girl Scouts of Orange County, PureGame, Teen Challenge and US Bank.
Trunk or Treat has been a tradition at KidWorks since 2018. It provides a safe, wholesome alternative way for our students and their families to enjoy Halloween.
We’d love to have you join in on all the fun.
Alumni Spotlight: Melisa Castillo
From an early age Melisa Castillo had a passion for learning and her sights set on college. She joined KidWorks in seventh grade along with her brothers.
“While I always did well academically, KidWorks played a big role in my social and emotional growth,” Melisa says. “They also taught me to be a leader and to have a servant’s heart.”
KidWorks also helped Melisa develop confidence and a sense of self. Those are skills she needed while attending Duke University, where she graduated in 2020 with a double major in classical civilizations and history.
Our KidWorks alumni is now on a path to becoming an attorney specializing in trademark and intellectual property law. She’s subsequently taken law classes at Santa Ana college and has applied to law schools, planning to start at one of them next Fall.
“Melisa is unstoppable,” says Noemi Juarez, our Director of K-12 Programs. “She’s a determined and spirited young lady. There are no limits to her success in life and career.”
Melisa recently shared the story of her KidWorks’ journey with attendees at our recent fourth annual Rose’ on the Bay event led by our KidWorks Women (KWW) auxiliary service group.
“KidWorks believed in me and that I would go far in life,” Melisa told the attendees. “They’ve been such a big part of my life. During those years, more of my waking hours were probably spent at KidWorks than anywhere else, except home and school.”
Always an excellent student, Melisa thanks her parents and KidWorks for giving her the solid foundation upon which to build not only academically, but also spiritually, creatively and as a leader.
“From a very young age, my parents, Maria and Abel, told both me and my brothers, ‘You’re going to college; it’s just a matter of where,’” Melisa recalls.
Melisa says KidWorks’ faith-based approach helped her develop the desire to serve others that Jesus teaches.
“At KidWorks, I was part of the youth service club during my middle and high school years that focused on making Santa Ana better and serving members of the community,” Melisa said.
What was then known at KidWorks as the Youth Empowerment Network, focused on issues such as safe bike lanes, a community garden, healthy nutritional choices in school cafeterias, bike safety advocacy, the KidWorks’ Christmas toy drive and more.
“While our youth program operated under KidWorks’ umbrella, they really made sure it was youth-led in order to develop our leadership skills,” Melisa says.
That meant she and her youth colleagues participated in such activities as speaking before the Santa Ana City Council, legislators in Sacramento and other key influencers.
The youth also helped organize, promote and fundraise for local street fairs where valuable information was shared with neighborhood residents.
“We connected existing services and resources to people who did not know where to find them,” Melisa says.
“When the opportunity to attend Duke became available, I doubted myself and wondered if I really belonged there,” Melisa recalls. “Maybe one in 30 students looked like me.”
But KidWorks walked alongside Melisa and helped dispel that self-doubt.
Years before, Melisa was also encouraged to attend Mater Dei high school by Xitlaly Sanchez, another successful KidWorks and Mater Dei graduate, who is now a middle school history teacher in Anaheim.
“I met Xitlaly when I was in middle school and we both attended KidWorks summer camp in Yosemite,” Melisa says. “Xitlaly was older than me and saw that I was very uncertain about applying to Mater Dei. ‘It’s not a mistake; you are supposed to attend that high school; God is sending you there,’ Xitlally told me. I was motivated and graduated in 2016.”
As she awaits acceptance to law school, Melisa works 35 hours a week at PTS Marketing, a full-service printing and marketing group located in Tustin, California. They are a longtime KidWorks partner, who also employ two other KidWorks grads and founder Pat Merrell sits on our board.
Melisa says she’s attracted to a career in law because to succeed in that profession, a person must use skills such as creativity, intelligence, problem-solving, persuasion and understanding nuance.
She is particularly focused on the risks Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses to creative people and others if left unchecked.
“The law is not just black and white; I like the fact that you use persuasion and logical arguments within the context of rules,” she says. “KidWorks helped me develop a wide range of skills that I can apply to my chosen profession.”
At PTS Marketing, Melisa is an administrative assistant to Elizabeth Carroll, the company’s Director of Operations, and also helps support the finance team.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, acrylic painting, jigsaw puzzles and video games.
As KidWorks celebrates our 30-year anniversary, we are inspired that our vision—“We unleash youth potential”—is being realized in such inspiring examples as Melisa Castillo.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
Take a tour of KidWorks
Bustling classrooms. Soccer balls bouncing on our sports court. Students engaging with teachers and volunteers.
There’s nothing like an in-person tour of KidWorks’ Dan Donahue Center in Santa Ana to feel the vibe that’s been unique to KidWorks for over three decades.
We invite you to take a personalized 45-minute tour of KidWorks. It’s the best way to see our programs in action.
Our tours are designed for everyone: Those who support KidWorks but have never visited. Those who haven’t dropped by for a while. And those for whom KidWorks is brand new.
To join one of our monthly tours, please visit: https://kidworksoc.org/tour/
KidWorks 3rd Annual Festival of Chefs
More than 50 Orange County chefs joined culinary forces at the 3rd Annual Festival of OC Chefs event. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and guests, over $800,000 was raised in support of KidWorks College Success programs. This video gives a taste of the evening.
Thank You to our 2023 Event Sponsors
PRESENTING SPONSORS:
David A. Pyle Family
GOLD SPONSORS
Alta Med
Anonymous Philanthropy
Stacey & Greg Brown
Dean H. Gray / Riverain Vineyards
Paula & Pat Donahue
Frome Family Foundation
Patti & Paul Gallagher
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Linda Poole Maggard
Melissa & John Marshall
Devon & Kevin Martin
Heidi & Ruben Mendoza
Mary Murfey
Nancy Lee Giving Fund
Oltmans Construction Co.
Provenio Capital
Sares-Regis Group
Schriber Family Fund
Arlene & Craig Silvers
Camille & Tim Strader Jr.
Kyle & David Team
Trenton Rhodes
Ueberroth Family Foundation
U.S. Bank
Sue & Nick Willett
SILVER SPONSORS
Anonymous
Suzi & Brian Burke
Gordon Henry
Integral Senior Living
Guy Johnson
Sharon Kline
Largo Concrete
Pam Munro
Kathy & Bruce Stuart
Summer Camp: Faith & Fun
After nine months of classes and homework, every student needs a vacation. That’s exactly what KidWorks provided for 36 students in sixth through 12th grades who attended our Yosemite summer camp in early July.
“Ranked right at the top of our students favorite KidWorks activities is attending Star Rock Ministries summer camp,” says Maria Ruvalcaba, our Youth Leadership Development Coordinator.
“During this week, they see each other in different ways and in a different setting than what takes place during the school year,” Maria says.
Adds Maria, “Students are able to express their faith in God while enjoying nature with their friends in a fun environment. They see each other in a vulnerable way, too, as they experience new challenges, such as rock climbing and a high ropes course.”
“One student who challenged himself this year is Joel C.,” says Jesus Arroyo, a Program Assistant at our Dan Donahue Center. “At the beginning of camp, Joel was terrified of heights. Despite his fears, he decided to test himself during the rock-climbing wall and tall pole challenges.”
Adds Jesus, “On his second attempt, Joel told us that his goal was ‘to reach the top.’ Relying on his friends’ cheering and the directions from the staff, he was able to accomplish his goals.”
Jesus says this led to sharing the Bible verse 1 Thessalonians 5:11 that says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
For 10 years, KidWorks has partnered with Star Rock Ministries, who offer a summer camp that they describe as “Christ-centered camp experiences that grow faith, relationships, character, and life skills to youth from under-resourced communities and the U.S. military.”
On July 2, campers from all three KidWorks centers boarded buses with six of our staff and arrived hours later at Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp (YSSC), just in time for “XLR8” week, made possible through donations and funding from the Urban Youth Workers Institute (UYWI) and their collaboration with Star Rock Ministries Christian Camps.
Among the popular activities our youth were able to select from were nature walks, visiting a waterfall, arts and crafts, skateboarding, archery, rock and wall climbing, tomahawk throwing, marksmanship, pole climbing, a high ropes course and banana boating on Bass Lake.
“This year’s summer camp was especially meaningful because everything Star Rock Ministries included in the July 2 through 7 experience was an intentional blend of growing the students’ faith in Jesus as inspired by the beauty of nature that surrounded them,” says Cynthia Gomez, our Youth Lead.
KidWorks is also very grateful to Kelsey’s Corner for Christ, a ministry formed by Jill and Troy Potts in memory of their daughter, Kelsey Faith, who went to heaven 10 years ago at age 13.
“Our amazing and generous family and friends joined with us to collect and put together 40 backpacks full of goodies for students to take to KidWorks camp,” Jill says. “This included items such as beach towels, sunscreen, lip balm, flashlights, hand sanitizers, journals, water bottles, socks and lots of snacks. We also provided each camp attendee with their own Bible.”
Adds Jill, “We are so grateful the Lord led us to KidWorks, a wonderful organization to partner with and to be a blessing to these 40 campers, sharing the love of Jesus with them.”
Many of our students have never before slept under the stars or even attended a summer camp. That made their visit to Yosemite perfectly timed after working so hard during the past academic year. A few days at camp also assures that they are refreshed and energized for the school year that’s about to begin!
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
30 Faces of KidWorks – Hector Mora
Name: Hector Mora
City: Santa Ana
Role at KidWorks: KW Alum
How did you become involved with KidWorks?
I joined KidWorks as a preschool student and graduated high school in 2020. I am now enrolled in the OC Fire Authority academy and work part time at PTS marketing. My ultimate dream is to work for CalFire or the US Forest Service.
Share the most meaningful experiences you’ve had at KidWorks? What made them impactful to you?
Attending summer camp was life changing because I got to experience so many “firsts” like the climbing wall and the banana boat. These experiences challenged me to test my limits. I learned I am braver and stronger than I realized.
Can you talk about some of the biggest obstacles KidWorks’ programming overcame when you were involved?
There were times I wanted to quit but I’m thankful for the staff at KidWorks who kept me focused and on track with my career goals. Now that I’m working, I continue to benefit from KidWorks mentors who are walking alongside me as a young professional.
What does KidWorks mean to you? Looking back, how did KW help to shape your life? How did KW help to influence the person you are today?
Kidworks is all about people – I met so many friends and mentors that have shaped me into the person I am today. I want to give back to the next generation and my family. I recently represented PTS Marketing at the KidWorks career fair and it was rewarding to connect with younger students and help the next generation of KidWorks students.
What are your dreams for KidWorks over the next 10, 20, or 30 years?
I hope to see more students at KidWorks and more centers across Santa Ana.
Anything else you would like to share about KidWorks?
I am excited for the future of KidWorks.
Enrique: A KidWorks success story
When now 19-year-old Enrique Vega was about to graduate from high school in Spring 2022, he was carefully considering three potential career paths: forensic scientist, history teacher or bioengineer.
But there was a problem. Enrique realized he didn’t have a true passion for any of them. Enrique’s real longing was for a career in culinary arts.
That love of food and cooking began in his early years when mother, Esmeralda, started showing him the way around a kitchen.
But Enrique started to doubt his career choice when saw his friends preparing to go off to colleges and universities. He also didn’t want to disappoint his high school counselors, who were helping him decide his future.
Those were very difficult months for Enrique, who found himself experiencing self-doubt and uncertainty.
It had been several years since Enrique had been enrolled in KidWorks but he had fond memories of seventh and eighth grade, where he participated in summer and afterschool programs.
But KidWorks had not forgotten about Enrique.
His older brother, Cristian, volunteers at KidWorks, where the staff regularly asked about Enrique. Gone but not forgotten was how his former teachers Rachel Cervantes (now our Volunteer Coordinator) and Jacky Hernandez (now our Program Administration Lead) looked at it.
“I learned from my brother that Rachel and Jacky still really cared about me,” Enrique said, “I member them both as warm teachers with a great sense of humor.”
It wasn’t long before Brenda Trujillo Sanchez, our College & Career Manager, heard about Enrique’s culinary arts career aspirations.
She began urging Enrique to apply at Bracken’s Kitchen, an Orange County non-profit focused on feeding the hungry, including prepping meals for KidWorks’ families during the COVID 19 pandemic; they also offer a culinary training program to the community.
Enrique resisted. Brenda persisted.
Finally, Enrique submitted his application to Bracken’s. It was accepted. He enrolled in their six-month program. He learned about a range of topics essential to understand to be part of the industry, including knife skills, food preparation, food safety and sanitation.
Brenda thanks Becky Trowbridge, a chef who has volunteered at Bracken’s Kitchen, for providing her with all the details about the culinary training program.
Becky and her husband, Brett Trowbridge, are valued supporters of our College & Career Success Initiative™ (C&CSI). The initiative prepares first generation college students for higher education beyond high school.
Brenda also expresses her gratitude to Bracken’s Kitchen’s Charlie Negrete, Chef and Chef Instructor, and Patti Casas, Dean of Students. “They made the Bracken’s Kitchen/KidWorks partnership a success,” she says. “We continue to have a great relationship with this organization.”
At the end of the six-month program, Enrique applied for a full-time position at Marche Moderne, an upscale French restaurant in Newport Beach. He was immediately accepted and now works on staff as a garde-manger, a team member who specializes in cold foods such as meat, fish and salads.
“I am grateful to Chef Florent Marneau and Chef Amelia Marneau, the married couple who founded the restaurant, and Chef Arturo for the amazing opportunity they have given me to learn,” Enrique says.
Eventually, Enrique hopes to become a private chef, inspired to explore his own creativity and cooking interests.
“Brenda, Rachel and Jacky, along with the KidWorks team, had my back,” Enrique said. “That was the case even when I wasn’t feeling so great about my career prospects and when I was starting to doubt whether I was making a good career choice.”
“I strongly believe that higher education should be accessible to everyone, however I also acknowledge that not every person wishes to pursue a four-year degree,” Brenda says. “KidWorks educates our high school seniors about all the different paths they can take, including college, military and trade/vocational training.”
She adds, “We’re proud and celebrate every single one of our students regardless of which path they decide to take.”
In 2017, KidWorks wrote about the Vega family’s perseverance during a time of economic hardship.
At the time, a then 13-year-old Enrique made a prophetic statement about his own future: “You never fail if you get right back up when you fall.”
Our KidWorks’ inspired chef truly adds an even deeper meaning to the phrase “the taste of success.”
You can see photos of some of Enrique’s culinary creations on Instagram: @riques_mise_en_place
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer