Jessica Ellis

Long Beach
Senior Site Supervisor

How did you become involved with KidWorks?

I first joined KidWorks as an intern in 2007 - Larry Acosta spoke at a college chapel service and knew I wanted to get involved.  I ended up serving a year-long internship at KidWorks.  Two years later I joined the staff as a Program Lead and have been here ever since. 

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

I love holidays at KidWorks because it's a time when families from the community come together and celebrate.  It is fun watching kids come for trunk or treat, moms prepare food shoulder to shoulder for the youth feast, and dads dance with their kids at Posada.  It is truly magical.

Can you talk about some of the biggest obstacles KidWorks' programming overcame when you were involved?

It took a long time for KidWorks to build trust in the neighborhoods where our centers are located, but it has clearly paid off.  Having interns live in the neighborhood, and integrate into community life demonstrated to the families that KidWorks is here to stay. We have become a trusted resource in the community and I believe our success is directly attributed to this model.

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 means community and family.  The students and parents have had a major impact on my personal development and I continue to learn so much from them.

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

I want KidWorks to expand into more communities.

Anything else you would like to share about KidWorks?

For me, working at KidWorks is more than a job, it is a calling.   Praise God for KidWorks!