January 14, 2022

The entire KidWorks team wishes you and yours a happy and healthy 2022. We are excited for the new year and to continue supporting our youth to thrive as students and young leaders.

In the nearly 30 years since KidWorks first opened our doors, we have been immeasurably blessed by the countless friends who consistently pray for us and all those we serve. We covet your prayers as we look to God’s leadership, protection and guidance as begin another year of programs. 

Since Day One, the health and safety of KidWorks students has remained paramount. The everchanging landscape of COVID has forced us to think and act creatively to ensure the health and safety of students, staff and friends while fulfilling our commitment to walk alongside our students in their journey towards leadership and college success. 

We are equally as committed to addressing another reality: Our students, like everyone else, have been profoundly impacted by the pandemic. We know firsthand that our students do much better when they have the encouragement and interaction that comes from in-person social engagement with friends along with KidWorks’ staff, teachers and volunteers. Our students need hugs and high fives, especially as their lives become more interdependent with technology. We remain committed to offering in-person programs as long as it’s safe to do so.

As you can imagine, significant strategic planning takes place behind the scenes in order to provide in-person programing in the midst of COVID. We continue to partner with the Orange County Health Care Agency, the Orange County Department of Education, the Santa Ana Unified School District and other agencies for guidance and best practices in the areas of health and education so that students, staff and volunteers can continue meet together in person whenever possible. 

Our Parent Advisory Council, comprised of moms,  dads and grandparents of our students, have been true warriors. They have been reaching out to fellow parents and also in helping us to better understand concerns from the community, while offering innovative program solutions.

Moreover, a KidWorks COVID Emergency Response team meets regularly to assure our pandemic-related practices are as robust and up to date as possible. 

KidWorks remains flexible and adaptive to the ways the pandemic may change how to be safe and operate. Please continue to pray for the full measure of God’s safety and protection for all of us at KidWorks, just as we pray for health and wellbeing for all of our students, families, friends, partners, volunteers and supporters.

We have a great year ahead. Keep reading our e-news, blogs and social media for ways to get involved and the latest program updates in 2022.

We appreciate you and you have our deepest gratitude.