(Editor’s note: This is the first in a new series called “Meet the KidWorks Alum,” where you have a chance to learn more about the many successful students who graduated… Continue Reading
(Editor’s note: This is the first in a new series called “Meet the KidWorks Alum,” where you have a chance to learn more about the many successful students who graduated from KidWorks’ programs and have gone on to successful careers in a wide variety of fields. This story introduces Haide Gutierrez, Site Supervisor of our Townsend Street Center.)
When Haide Gutierrez arrives each weekday at our Townsend Street Center to lead our after-school programs, she pauses in front or the dozens of classroom chairs lined up in neat rows.
20 years ago, she sat in those same chairs as a kindergarten student.
Haide, center left, poses for a photo during her time in KidWorks programming.
“My family lived in an apartment not far from the center and I remember running at full speed from elementary school to get to the center before programs began at 4 p.m.,” Haide recalls. “I usually made it with a minute or two to spare!”
As it was during her childhood, the Townsend neighborhood is an underserved area of Santa Ana still prone to the negative impacts of poverty, crime and violence.
“Just as it was for me, KidWorks’ Townsend Center is a trusted, safe haven for families and their sons and daughters,” Haide says.
She adds, “Despite these challenges, the students continue to arrive each school day. We do our best to create a safe space for them, at least for the hour and a half that they are here. It’s a break from what may be going on outside. It’s a chance to learn and have a little fun.”
As site supervisor of Townsend Center, Haide brings joy to her students.
The Townsend Center is located within an apartment complex where one of the units has been converted into a KidWorks classroom.
“The parents are always so incredibly grateful for the resources we provide,” Haide says. “Most people would never guess that we are in the middle of dozens of apartment units, but that means we are just steps away from where those we serve actually live.”
Haide says the challenges in this neighborhood are real but is confident that she is helping to make a positive impact.
Haide builds strong relationships with her students both inside and outside the classroom.
“I have a student who’s in fifth grade who struggles with reading,” Haide says. “I’m really focused on helping her to read words; it’s a skill she simply must have to go forward successfully academically and in life. In these cases, KidWorks is doing our best to help these students catch up and not get left behind.”
For Haide, it also goes far beyond helping students learn the basics. She also wants them to set their sights on higher education and meaningful careers.
“Many of my students would be the first in their families to go to a university or college,” she says. “We work with the students and their parents to plant the seed that this is a realistic possibility and guide them to higher education.
“For example, one of my students plans to study medicine. This was a shift; only last year she doubted this dream was even within her reach. Now, she sees herself as a future nurse.”
Interestingly, that was also Haide’s story. As a youngster she had doubts that college was in the cards for her, yet a KidWorks teacher changed her mindset.
“My teacher at that time said, ‘Haide, you’re going to college.’ And I did!”
Haide graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 2023 with majors in criminology, law and society.
Thanks to alumni like Haide, the future is bright for our students.
Haide says it best:
“KidWorks’ goal is that our students see beyond their circumstances and pursue higher education and a rewarding career. That’s why it’s so important that KidWorks continues expanding our presence into additional communities, helping children and youth realize their full potential.”
Haide Gutierrez, Site Supervisor at Townsend Street Center
