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KidWorks is welcoming up to 60 students in grades kindergarten through 12th grades as we celebrate the reopening of our Bishop Manor spoke center, located at 1001 E. Bishop St. in central Santa Ana.
“The reopening of Bishop Manor is a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to serve even more students and families since we first opened our doors in a small, one bedroom apartment 32 years ago,” says David Benavides, KidWorks’ Chief Executive Officer.
He adds, “This is the perfect time to reopen Bishop Manor; the needs of this underserved but vibrant community are clear. We are confident we will make a meaningful and sustained positive impact.”
David explains, “While our main campus/hub, the Dan Donahue Center, is a strong presence in the community, our goal is to serve more youth and expand by opening new spoke centers in additional neighborhoods. The reopening of Bishop Manor supports that intent.”
The thinking behind this long-term goal is four-fold:
Bishop Manor first opened in 2012 but was forced to close in 2020 due to water damage and the impact of the COVID pandemic.
Now, Bishop Manor is back, stronger than ever.
More than just a reopening, the spoke center has been reimagined, with improvements that include:
Bishop Manor operates in addition to our main Dan Donahue Center, plus Townsend Street and Cedar Evergreen spoke centers.
Relaunching Bishop Manor is the result of incredible effort by Bishop Manor neighbors and the generous support of time, talent, funds, materials and resources by our partners.
(Editor’s note: Read more about how the community joined in to prepare Bishop Manor to welcome students: https://kidworksoc.org/coming-soon-bishop-manor-spoke-center-reopening/)
KidWorks is especially grateful to Emily Mandrup, founder of ECM Management, a company which describes itself as “specializing in industrial land development in Southern California, delivering expert project management with precision and efficiency.”
Emily recently started her term as chair of our board of directors.
Emily has been the driving force behind all parts of the project to ready Bishop Manor for last month’s grand reopening.
“Emily has been a faithful partner for over 14 years and a shining example of servant leadership,” says Lisa Gels, our Director of Philanthropy.
This generous supporter’s impact has been felt in countless ways: wrapping donated gifts for our annual Christmas store where parents can purchase new items for family and loved ones at next to no cost, supporting the KidWorks women’s committee, inspiring high school seniors at career days and sparking generosity by offering matching year-end gifts. In 2024, she spearheaded the launch of “Cars & Cocktails: Funding a Foundation for Success,” which continues in 2025.
“When she learned about the opportunity to reopen Bishop Manor, she not only volunteered her time but also mobilized her network of trusted contractors to donate materials and volunteer their time—turning a construction project into a community movement for our students,” Lisa says. “Her leadership transformed Bishop Manor into a space where students can learn, dream and thrive for years to come.”
Adds Lisa, “With ECM’s reputation for delivering expert industrial land development projects with precision and accountability, Emily has ensured that every phase of the renovation is managed with the highest level of care.
“She also has rallied her network of trusted contractors to donate materials and volunteer their time.”
By sharing her expertise, network and heart for KidWorks’ students, Emily is helping first-generation college students pursue their dreams of college and career success. Bishop Manor will help develop the next generation of young leaders because she chose to lead by example.
Gerardo Magaña, our Senior Director of Programs says, “Early in the process of evaluating the potential to reopen Bishop Manor, Emily saw the strengths and potential within the local community and has readily made herself available to support the successful launch.”
Gerardo adds, “As we came up against roadblocks through the renovation process, Emily and her team generously agreed to help and work to move it forward. Her galvanizing spirit has pulled a great team together. We are incredibly grateful for her leadership.”
Emily expresses her joy in being such a valued KidWorks partner and supporter:
“Being part of the Bishop Manor renovation is deeply meaningful to me. For more than 14 years, KidWorks has been close to my heart; I’m honored to use my experience and network in construction to create a space where students can learn, lead and thrive.”
Emily mandrup, Founder of ECM management & kidworks board chair
She adds, “By bringing together trusted contractors and partners to volunteer their time and donate materials, we’re building more than a center—we’re building opportunities for these incredible young leaders. Seeing the transformation and knowing the impact it will have on students’ futures is why I serve.”
In addition of Emily and ECM, we also thank these subcontractors who donated time, talent and resources:
KidWorks is also delighted to announce that Emily and her company will be honored as the recipient of the Dan Donahue Leadership award at our Cars & Cocktails fundraising event set for Nov. 13 in Irvine. Learn more at https://kidworksoc.org/cars/
This award recognizes KidWorks’ most dedicated supporters who share our passion and commitment to equipping students growing up in Santa Ana’s most under-resourced neighborhoods to lead lives of influence and positively impact their community.
Eva Ochoa will serve as site supervisor for Bishop Manor. Fun fact: She was a student at this center during its first years of operation. All the best in your new role at KidWorks, Eva.
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/appointment/.
There are countless ways to partner together to provide meaningful engagement opportunities for your employees as you give back to the community and support KidWorks students. Get involved today!
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer