Monica Mendoza

Dana Point
Supporter, Volunteer, Mentor

How did you become involved with KidWorks?

In October 2006, I became involved with Kidworks after hearing about the organization at RockHarbor church in Costa Mesa.  I started volunteering weekly.  With God’s help, I started building relationships in a short time. By the Summer of 2007 I and another girl from church took the challenge of living with a KidWorks family during the Summer Camp week in Santa Ana. I remember how it touched me. The family not only gave up their bedroom to us, but they all slept in the living room together. It was difficult to accept, yet truly showed their kindness and joy in sacrificing comfort for others. It had a profound impact on me.

Share the most meaningful experiences you’ve had at KidWorks? What made them impactful to you?

There are so many memories, but one of the most impactful was one day helping Gilda write out her electives request for Godinez High School. She filled in water polo as an elective and I didn’t even know she knew how to play water polo. She said “I don’t even know how to swim, but I’m going to learn this summer.” She not only joined the water polo team, but had great success on the swim team. I was thrilled to have seen her in action at both water polo and swim meets.

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

Post Kidworks get togethers with the girls have been very meaningful... seeing their passion for life.. I guess you can say I transitioned to more of a mentoring role than helping with homework. One profound dinner discussion I had 5yrs ago with Xitlaly (post college) was about the separation felt after graduating high school and starting college. Kidworks was such a vital part of their growth, then you’re off to college without KW support. Freshman year is a challenge, and without support (mental, spiritual, physical) it becomes a continuous uphill battle. I’m thrilled with the new College Success Initiative. It’s what I’ve prayed for the graduating youth to grow and transform.

What are your dreams for KidWorks over the next 10, 20, or 30 years?

KidWorks will continue to invest in the community, but I pray the KidWorks kids will further God’s kingdom alongside a Santa Ana revival.

Anything else you would like to share about KidWorks?

 Kidworks will continue to invest in the community, but I pray the KW kids will further God’s kingdom alongside a Santa Ana revival.