July 1, 2025

(Editor’s note: This month, KidWorks is honored to recognize Angel Carrazco, Jr., and his firm, Carrazco Law, as our June Volunteer of the Month. Their support of KidWorks and the many families we serve is truly remarkable.

Established  in 2004, the firm describes itself this way: “We were founded on the idea that we are ‘all created equal’ and champion the rights of the underserved. We specialize in  civil rights, personal injury and workers’ compensation. Angel Carrazco, Jr., has been advocating for human rights for more than 20 years.”)

Mr. Carrazco, the firm’s founder and principal, grew up in the Townsend Street neighborhood in central Santa Ana, the same neighborhood where KidWorks first opened our doors in 1993 (and where we still operate a vibrant center).

Mr. Carrazco has witnessed first-hand the struggles faced by this underserved community.

He and his firm first teamed up with KidWorks in 2009, with a shared resolve to continue seeing Santa Ana achieve its untapped and full potential.

“As a result of Angel’s ties and roots with the local community, he and his law firm have been long-time friends and supporters of KidWorks,” says David Benavides, our Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer. “Over the years, they have provided invaluable support that’s ranged across all parts of our mission and strategies.”

David also thanked the firm’s Faust Minor, Communications Director, Human Resources, Operations.

“Faust is a great partner, consistently asking, ‘what else can we do to serve KidWorks and your families?’ and then making it all happen,” David says.

Mr. Carrazco’s passion for KidWorks and the central Santa Ana community is clear:

“Santa Ana will always have a special place in my heart because it shaped me into the person I have become,” he says. “Santa Ana showed me the need to pursue an education so I could help others with their legal rights.”

Mr. Carrazco adds, “KidWorks has been instrumental in shaping the minds of the community. I have seen this firsthand. Thanks to obtaining a formal education at Loyola Law School, I have been placed in a position to help those with legal and financial needs.”

The firm and its leaderships’ support over many years has included, but is not limited to:

• Internships at their law offices for high school/college students interested in law careers.  Yosely Ocampo and Jocelyn Velazquez—both KidWorks alumni—were selected for internships and are currently university students.
• Career Day 2023: Participated in a panel where students learned about various careers and also received a gift bag supplied by the firm.
• KidWorks’ state-licensed preschool. The firm’s involvement has included the Día del Niño (Children’s Day) festival in April and a Mother’s Day event.
• Trunk-or-Treat in October for our kindergarten through fifth graders. The firm  provided a photo booth for the students and helped host the overall event.
• Cars & Cocktails: One of the sponsors of this first-time event last year.
• Foundation for Success luncheon: An annual sponsor of this legacy event for many years.
• Posada (a Mexican Christmas celebration): For years they have helped sponsor this popular KidWorks’ tradition for the families we serve.
• Townsend Street summer street fair.
• Christmas Store: A years-long sponsor, providing toy donations and volunteers to wrap gifts for families who otherwise might not be able to afford holiday presents for their loved ones.
• Funding support for family outings, including trips to the Aquarium of the Pacific and Los Angeles Angels games.
• Generous financial contributions.

Our preschool in particular continues to thrive thanks to the exceptional support Mr. Carrazco and his firm provided over the years.

“The Día del Niño event in April exceeded our expectations thanks to Carrazco law,” says Idalia Galdamez, Preschool Director.  “Our youngest scholars enjoyed a petting zoo, face painting, popcorn treats, toys and more. The firm also made sure the parents got VIP treatment.”

Idalia said this Mother’s Day was also made extra-special thanks to Mr. Carrazco and the firm.

“They sponsored a photo booth, provided gift bags, served meals and helped decorate and clean up after the event,” she says.

Mr. Carrazco says it perfectly when asked what he and the firm’s hopes are for KidWorks and Santa Ana.

“After witnessing KidWorks’ remarkable growth and evolution over the past years, Carrazco Law is confident that we will soon see a major leap forward in education through their efforts,” he says. “We hope KidWorks gains national recognition for its deep commitment to the community and attracts more supporters to help advance its integration of new technologies in childhood and youth education.”

Mr. Carrazco says he and his firm look forward to “seeing a new Santa Ana.”

“It will be one shaped by healthier youth, free from gangs, drugs and social pollution,” he says. “We envision a Santa Ana built on strong values and a shared pursuit of collective well-being.”

KidWorks is deeply grateful and inspired by the leadership, support and years-long generosity Mr. Carrazco and Carrazco Law has so steadfastly provided to us and the families we serve. Their positive impact will last for generations.

By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer

We invite companies, foundations, faith-based organizations and others to learn how they and their teams can partner with KidWorks as we serve Santa Ana youth and families. Learn more at: https://kidworksoc.org/volunteer/groups/