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Announcing KidWorks’ Two Main Growth Strategies for 2026 & Beyond Do you remember your first day of school, perhaps in first or second grade? If you’re like me, there was… Continue Reading
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The center expands KidWorks’ community presence through our existing main Dan Donahue Center, along with the Cedar Evergreen and Townsend Street spoke centers.
KidWorks Bishop Manor (KBM) first opened in 2012 but was forced to close in 2020 during the COVID pandemic and due to water damage during this same time period.
Now, it’s ready to open soon as a fully remodeled and repaired spoke center, available to welcome up to 60 students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade.
“What’s so uplifting about Bishop Manor is the way neighbors and the community jumped in with 100 percent effort in their desire for us to reopen,” says David Benavides, KidWorks’ Chief Executive Officer.
He adds, “Moreover, we are deeply grateful to our partners and supporters who provided time, talent funds and resources to bring this dream to fruition. We especially thank Emily Mandrup, founder of ECM Management.”
Emily is the driving force behind all parts of the project to ready Bishop Manor for this month’s reopening. Emily recently started her term as chair of KidWorks Board of Directors. In addition to Emily and ECM, we also thank these subcontractors who donated time, talent and resources:
ADEP Precision Contracting
Air Control Systems
Castlerock Environmental, Inc
ECM Management
Gregg Electric
Inland Commercial Flooring
J.C. French and Company, Inc.
Johnson Plumbing
JP Prime Inc.
Oltmans Construction Co.
Omega Environmental Services, Inc.
PREMIER Design + Build Group
Roy E. Whitehead, Inc.
S and J Interiors, Inc.
Saddleback Roofing Inc.
SERVPRO
Sierra Insulation
SoCal Environmental Solutions
“So many neighbors in the community near Bishop Manor were part of making the reopening possible,” says Salma De Loera, our Family & Community Engagement Program Associate.
Their volunteer efforts included:
“The community’s generosity and willingness to be part of this process reminds us of how much we can accomplish together,” Salma says.
KidWorks thanks all the neighbors who lent a hand, including:
Robert A.
Maria C.
Guadalupe H.
Luis L.
Sandra L.
Gloria O.
Christian S.
Rosa S.
Rosa S.
Stephany S.
Iliana Z.
Jose Z.
Maria C., one of the neighbors noted above, says, “I really value what KidWorks does for our families, so helping was a way of showing support by donating food and getting word out about the new center to my neighbors.
She adds, “I’m always referring parents to KidWorks. One of the biggest needs in our community is a safe place for kids to go after school. With KidWorks, parents can feel peace of mind knowing their children are safe, supervised and doing something positive that prepares them for the future.”
Luis L. also listed above and a member of the Bishop Manor Homeowners Association, is another strong KidWorks supporter and gets word out about our program to community members. He’s helped in other valuable ways as the Bishop Manor project moved forward.
“I plan to enroll my children in Bishop Manor and encourage others to do so as well,” Luis says. “I’m grateful that KidWorks is returning to our community, providing valuable support in the areas of homework and other engaging activities. Their presence in the neighborhood will greatly benefit families in the neighborhood.”
“The parents and community have a true desire to see their community thrive,” says Sonia Rios-Guzman, our Family & Community Engagement Manager. “This neighborhood action team worked together to accomplish a better future for the families that live in the Bishop Manor community.”
Sonia adds, “Their strength, leadership and passion for a healthy and safe community defines and drives this extraordinary group of caring neighbors.”
Eva Ochoa is the site supervisor for Bishop Manor.
“Eva is the perfect choice to lead this spoke center,” says Gerardo Magaña, our Senior Director of Programs. “She was a student at Bishop Manor starting in her elementary school years and has taken a similar journey as the students she will lead and inspire.”
“I’m super excited to return to the same community where I grew up and to be a leader who demonstrates that everyone is able to accomplish a dream,” Eva says. “My KidWorks’ experience helped me with my personal and academic growth, reinforcing positive qualities and guiding me to promote spiritual well-being.”
Eva graduated from Grand Canyon University, earning a bachelor’s degree in educational studies. She previously worked for the Santa Ana Unified School District as a teacher’s assistant.
Brizzy Cruz served as site supervisor for Bishop Manor from 2015 to 2019 and is now site supervisor for our Cedar Evergreen spoke center. She is delighted to see Bishop Manor reopen.
“My dream is that the center becomes a hub of opportunity and pride, where students discover their potential and families feel supported and connected,” Brizzy says.
“I’ve seen firsthand the resilience of this community and the lasting impact programs like these have on young people’s futures. Bishop Manor will once again be a place that creates opportunities, hope and belonging.”
Brizzy Cruz
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
KidWorks is accepting applications from parents and students to enroll in programs scheduled for Bishop Manor. All programs offered at our other centers, will be available at Bishop Manor, including after-school tutoring, college and career guidance, spring and summer events and more. Learn more and register at https://kidworksoc.org/bishop-manor/
KidWorks is also actively recruiting volunteers to serve at Bishop Manor. Learn more at https://kidworksoc.org/volunteer/individuals/
