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When she was five years old, Julie (Juliana) Villanueva first stepped into a KidWorks’ classroom as a preschool student. Now a freshman business major at Orange Coast College, Julie overflows… Continue Reading
Starting KidWorks Campus Crash off with a bang, KidWorks high school students and parents met at UC Irvine on April 1st to tour their campus, connect with current college students and consider future career paths.
After being dropped off at the UCI flagpoles, students learned fun facts about the different dorms, subjects to study and food options available to students. The tour guides showed off a couple of UCI’s prestigious schools, like their schools of engineering and business. Students also got a chance to check out university merch at the campus store and take a Starbucks run before heading back to their next stop. From there, students were transported to a lunch and tour at Irvine Valley College to explore more options for future education.
Students heard from speakers about the many programs and services IVC offers for student success and learned about the IVC Basic Needs Program. The group also got the opportunity to tour some of the campus buildings such as the Computer Science building, and the career and transfer center. One student shared, “I really enjoyed learning about the campus, especially hearing about the soccer team and other sports.”
Overall, the first day of Campus Crash was a success! The tours were a great way to provide a vision for college, ignite an excitement for learning and show that learning is a lifelong pursuit.
Santa Ana has one of the largest youth populations in California. For decades, it has also been “park poor.”
That means that children, youth and families in the city had very limited community recreation areas, green spaces, bike lanes or skate parks.
Nearly 31% of the population of Santa Ana is under 18-years-old, making it one the youngest cities in the U.S.
Beginning in 2016, a group of KidWorks youth set out to change all that.
“This took years of effort, coupled with leadership, intense research, working with elected officials and much more,” says Maria Ruvalcaba, KidWorks’ Youth Leadership Development Coordinator.
“Now, we are seeing their hard work come to fruition,” she says.
Maria explains that through these leadership projects and campaigns youth develop critical thinking skills, academic and professional skills such as working together towards a goal, as well as leadership skills such as public speaking.
“These skills help them feel empowered which helps them build agency and courage to speak up for themselves and call for positive change in their communities,” Maria says.
In late March, the city held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Friendship Park, a small green place located around the corner from our Dan Donahue Center. The park features such amenities as a jungle gym, picnic tables and concrete bollards for traffic safety.
KidWorks’ youth Estrella Moreno, a high school senior, and Jose Vazquez, 12th grade, played a big role in working with the city leading up to the April 3 ribbon cutting.
“The lessons I learned by being part of this project is that teamwork and communication are key, especially for a project like Friendship Park,” Estrella says. “It’s extremely important to communicate with one another, share ideas, hear other people’s inputs and take them into consideration.”
Estrella’s role in making Friendship Park a reality included providing input and ideas (along with other KidWorks’ youth), to city decision-makers. She also monitored the progress of the park renovation and bike trail addition.
Getting buy-in from the neighborhood was also part of the process.
“My team by talked with the students and neighbors who live in the area about what they would like to see,” Estrella says. “Being part of the planning and knowing that the park is now open is a very big accomplishment for KidWorks’ youth. We had a say and our voices were heard.”
“Friendship Park is the fourth success story achieved by our youth over the past seven years,” Maria says.
The other three are:
KidWorks alumni Evelyn Torres, a Vanguard University senior who’s graduating in May, and Irma Mateo, a third-year student attending the University of California, Berkeley, were deeply involved for several years beginning in 2016.
Evelyn was one of the KidWorks organizers for the Youth for Active and Safe Communities group.
“I participated in meetings with the City of Santa Ana, the University of California, Irvine and community members,” Evelyn says. “We also shared our team’s research results with Sacramento officials.”
She adds, “These efforts validated the need for more skate venues in our community. Knowing that the project created a safe space for families is such a rewarding feeling. It’s one of my proudest accomplishments. The work we did as high schoolers will have a positive impact for future generations.”
“I learned so much about decision-making and problem-solving throughout this project,” Irma says. “We faced many challenges and needed to make a lot of decisions, so it was very important to analyze situations and come up with solutions we all agreed on. My teammates taught me to be more confident and speak up; it’s always important to share your ideas.”
“Each of these parks is in some measure the result of KidWorks’ strategic focus on developing tomorrow’s leaders, beginning with students enrolled in our state-licensed preschool,” Maria says.
Building future leaders is woven into KidWorks’ DNA. Starting in our preschool, youth are assigned leadership roles in the classroom to help them develop the skills and self-confidence they can use their entire lives. KidWorks’ youth leaders receive education and training to make a meaningful impact in their homes, at KidWorks, in their careers and in the community.
“Evelyn and Irma, along with several other KidWorks alumni, spoke before the Santa Ana City Council, Parks and Recreation Department and met with other elected officials,” Maria says. “They also partnered with such skateboard advocacy groups.”
In a KidWorks blog story from 2017 Maria said, “Active transportation—such as biking, walking and skateboarding—is how many of our youth get to school, appointments and other destinations. Being physically active is part of our advocacy for healthy diets and exercise.”
That vision took tenacity, drive and true leadership to come to fruition.
The year 2017 was also when KidWorks youth took a more active role in making sure their voices were heard and insights understood by city leaders.
“That engagement with decision-makers continues to this day,” Maria says. “What’s even more impressive is that these youth have inspired their younger siblings and their friends to also be passionate and take on leadership roles about issues they care about.”
She adds, “The younger siblings and friends also want to help their community and make a positive change for their families and neighbors. They experience a beautiful feeling when they walk past a park and know that they played a key role in its design.”
Maria says these issues largely revolve around making sure their Santa Ana has adequate green spaces, parks (including those with fitness equipment), bike lanes and more.
“The city is also in the midst of finalizing their annual budget and KidWorks youth have gone to council meetings to voice support that monies are allocated for these purposes,” Maria says. “Over the years, I believe city officials have come to value the ideas, insights and leadership of KidWorks’ youth.
“It’s so uplifting to see how our youth have made indelible, positive impact on Santa Ana and acquired leadership skills that will surely grow stronger over the years.”
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
KidWorks closely collaborates with the business community to develop students who are prepared to enter the workforce and embark on meaningful careers.
A perfect example is Jesse Torres, a KidWorks student since second grade who is graduating this June from Segerstrom High School in Santa Ana with the goal of becoming a computer programmer.
Jesse plans to major in computer science when he starts at a college or university this August. He’s deciding between offers of acceptance he’s received from four universities and colleges.
College was not always in Jesse’s plans.
He credits KidWorks with giving him the confidence—and the motivation—to attend a college or university after high school.
“In my elementary and middle school years, I thought college was out of reach because it would be too expensive and also that I didn’t have what it takes,” Jesse says.
All that changed when KidWorks encouraged him to attend events such as our Campus Crash, where students in sixth through 12th grade get a firsthand taste of college and university life through in-person visits to a range of campuses.
Jesse participated in Campus Crash twice while in middle school, visiting campuses that included UCLA, USC, the University of California, Irvine and others.
Campus Crash is part KidWorks’ College & Career Success Initiative™ (C&CSI). The initiative prepares first generation college students for higher education beyond high school and includes our College Apps Academy, Campus Crash, engagement with our college counselor, care packages for our college students and more.
“KidWorks opened my eyes that if I tried hard enough, I’d have what it takes to be accepted at a college or university,” Jesse says.
“Math was one subject that was not my strong suit during my elementary school years,” Jesse recalls.
Teachers and volunteer tutors in KidWorks’ after school programs helped him gain confidence and proficiency in math, so much so that he’s been enrolled in honors math classes in the areas of algebra and pre-calculus since his sophomore year in high school.
“Math is an essential skill in computer programming and the tutoring help in this subject during KidWorks’ after school programs really set me on a path for success in a career I wasn’t even considering back then,” Jesse says.
Jesse has participated in KidWorks wherever possible, including:
Jesse may be one of the busiest youths you’ll ever meet.
“Jesse has a crazy academic, athletic and social calendar and also attends KidWorks programs weekly,” says Clarisa Vargas, our College & Career Readiness Coordinator.
She adds, “Jesse maintains the most positive attitude despite being extremely busy and at times exhausted. He’s always fully engaged.”
“Many of my KidWorks’ experiences—such as playing the flute in front of a crowd during a concert and presenting to elected officials—helped me gain confidence in public speaking and being a leader,” Jesse says.
In fact, from second through fifth grade, Jesse says he aspired to become president of the United States.
His main policy goal, he recalls, was “free candy for kids who can’t afford it.”
“I’ve seen Jesse grow into a very caring and confident young man; he is a natural-born leader,” says Maria Ruvalcaba, our Youth Leadership Development Coordinator.
She adds, “His faith and self-confidence have grown over the years. He’s always looking out for others and is not afraid to speak and voice his concerns. He embodies a humble leadership style that is very admirable for someone his age.”
Maria, Clarisa and other KidWorks staff members have worked alongside Jesse to help him complete college/university admissions applications, apply for scholarships and more.
Once he starts his higher education in August, Jesse says he plans to do much more than only attend classes.
“I want to be as much a part of that experience as possible,” he says.
A big influence on Jesse is Lance Lew, 26, an incoming medical student and future doctor, who is part of KidWorks’ mentor program. That program matches those with career and life experiences with our 12th grade students to help them navigate the challenges and decisions they face.
Jesse was so excited to meet Lance for their first introduction last year that he attempted to run the three miles from Segerstrom High School to KidWorks rather than be late (the KidWorks van came to the rescue and that’s where the two first shook hands).
Like other KidWorks’ mentors, Lance meets with Jesse at least once a month. But they connect whenever Jesse needs advice.
“The world needs more people like Jesse, who are positive, passionate and kind to the core,” Lance says. “When I sit down with Jesse, I’m immediately in a brighter mood. His strong sense of self and ability to enliven others is inspiring.”
“Lance is amazing,” Jesse says. “He gets me. He’s a key person in my life. If I need help, he’s there for me.”
As KidWorks celebrates our 30th anniversary, Jesse says he hopes to see KidWorks “become even bigger and touch more lives.”
Jesse’s entire family has been very involved with KidWorks over the years, including his parents, Jesus and Karina.
His five siblings have also called KidWorks home: Evelyn, 21, now attending Vanguard University; Ashley, 16, a high school student still enrolled in KidWorks and also a volunteer; Andrew, 14, a middle school and KidWorks student; Alex, 12, a middle school and KidWorks student and Stephany, nine, an elementary school and KidWorks student.
Jesse remains active at Segerstrom High School as he prepares to graduate. He’s part of their color guard and is a midfielder on the varsity lacrosse team.
His hobbies include video games, reading and a big emphasis on personal physical fitness.
We see a wonderful future ahead for Jesse and look forward to sharing his successes and achievements in the years and months ahead. We are also deeply grateful for the entire Torres family. They inspire us in our mission to serve even more students and families in Santa Ana.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
Are you ready to hop into spring and the Easter season? Join us for a day of egg-citement with our 2nd annual KidWorks Easter Eggstravaganza!
Students, keep your eyes peeled at the event during our egg hunt! Once you’ve found all the Easter bunny’s gifts, unleash your creativity with crafts and games.
Want to get involved in the springtime spirit and Easter cheer? There are three easy ways for you to make this event one to remember!
Send a Venmo payment to @susan-graham-20 OR mail a check payable to Susan Graham with “KidWorks Easter Event” on the memo line.
Volunteers are needed for this event on March 14th, from 2-5pm. Click HERE to get involved.
Auxiliary Chair
Kyle Team
Social Team
Kim Carpenter
Debbie Trammell
Sue Willett
Kathy Ursini
Amanda Zimmerman
Spiritual Team
Betsy Flint
Kristen McGuiness
Community Advisor
Vicki Booth
Staff Advisor
Lisa Gels
Service Team
Stephanie Peleuses
Anne Yardley
Young Professional Team
Melissa Marshall
Jesse Torres may be one of KidWorks busiest high school seniors. In addition to honors classes, he plays varsity lacrosse, serves on his school’s color guard, and is active in KidWorks leadership.
“Jesse maintains the most positive attitude despite being extremely busy and at times exhausted. He’s always fully engaged.” says Clarisa Vargas, our College & Career Readiness Coordinator.
KidWorks has always been a part of Jesse’s world. In addition to music programs, Jesse has been involved in after-school programs and youth leadership teams where he has volunteered in the classroom, attended summer camp and advocated for the building of skate parks in Santa Ana.
“Many of my KidWorks’ experiences—such as playing the flute in front of a crowd during a concert and presenting to elected officials—helped me gain confidence in public speaking and being a leader,” Jesse says.
“I’ve seen Jesse grow into a very caring and confident young man; he is a natural-born leader,” says Maria Ruvalcaba, our Youth Leadership Development Coordinator.
She adds, “His faith and self-confidence have grown over the years. He’s always looking out for others and is not afraid to speak and voice his concerns. He embodies a humble leadership style that is very admirable for someone his age.”
Now that college is on the horizon, Maria, Clarisa, and other KidWorks staff have worked alongside Jesse to help him complete college applications, apply for scholarships, and prepare for college life.
Jesse plans to major in computer science and has already received several acceptances including Cal Poly and Vanguard University.
He credits KidWorks with giving him the confidence—and the motivation—to pursue higher education.
“In my elementary and middle school years, I thought college was out of reach because it would be too expensive and also that I didn’t have what it takes,” Jesse says.
All that changed when Jesse attended Campus Crash, visiting UCLA, USC, UC Irvine and others.
“KidWorks opened my eyes that if I tried hard enough, I’d have what it takes to attend college,” Jesse says.
“Math was one subject that was not my strong suit during my elementary school years,” Jesse recalls.
KidWorks’ tutors helped him gain confidence and proficiency in math, so much so that he’s been enrolled in honors math classes in the areas of algebra and pre-calculus since his sophomore year in high school.
Another big influence is Lance Lew, 26, an incoming medical student and future doctor, who is part of KidWorks’ mentor program. Like other KidWorks’ mentors, Lance meets with Jesse at least once a month. But they connect whenever Jesse needs advice.
“The world needs more people like Jesse, who are positive, passionate and kind to the core,” Lance says. “When I sit down with Jesse, I’m immediately in a brighter mood. His strong sense of self and ability to enliven others is inspiring.”
When you support students like Jesse you are making a significant impact on future generations who will be tomorrow’s respected leaders.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
Do you treasure the joy of Christmas as much as we do at KidWorks? You can fill your holidays with even more love by being part of our once-a-year holiday toy drive.
For 21 years KidWorks supporters have made Christmas extra special for the parents of children and youth enrolled in our programs. These parents are often unable to afford gifts for their sons and daughters.
That’s especially true during these economically challenging times; being able to purchase Christmas gifts is often not financially possible for the families we serve. Their limited funds go to rent, gas and groceries.
Our goal for this year’s Christmas Store: A gift for every student.
There are many ways you can brighten the holidays for our students:
“An added request this year is for toys that are appropriate for parents of children with special needs in pre-K through 12th grade and those enrolled in Individualized Education Programs,” says Vanessa Hernandez, our Volunteer Manager. “Such items include toys that stimulate the senses. These are very helpful for students with autism, for instance.”
Here’s how the Christmas gift program works for the parents of our students: Moms and dads purchase gifts for their sons and daughters at a discounted rate at the KidWorks Christmas Store on Dec. 19. KidWorks then deposits these proceeds into our benevolence fund, which provides financial and other support to families when they are in serious need or experience a crisis.
What makes the KidWorks Christmas Store so special for these parents is that it offers them a sense of being able to provide for their families. By purchasing the gifts at nominal cost instead of receiving them for free they feel respected and empowered.
“As KidWorks celebrates our 30th anniversary, we are incorporating creative ways for the store to reflect our gratitude to God for allowing us to serve others for three decades,” says Sonia Rios-Guzman, our Family and Community Engagement Manager.
She adds, “Parents shopping at our Christmas store will receive a small gift commemorating this milestone in our history.”
KidWorks will send each donor a thank you letter acknowledging the contribution for their tax records.
Interested in knowing more? Email: vanessa@kidworksoc.org, visit https://kidworksoc.org/christmas-store or contact the KidWorks at: 714-834-9400, extension 115. You can also view our Christmas store flyer.
“We are so grateful for the amount of support we receive each year for the Christmas store from our partners and donors,” Sonia says. “It fills our hearts and lights up our spirit to see so much generosity and love towards the families and community we serve.”
Your help will help continue a wonderful 21-year tradition of Christmas smiles.
Nestor Morones—our November 2023 “Volunteer of the Month—readily relates to the students he works with at our Dan Donahue Center. That’s because he was once one of them.
Nestor’s parents, Maria and Isaac, first enrolled him in KidWorks’ programs when he was in second grade. He continued to attend KidWorks through his high school graduation in 2017.
Nestor benefitted from our after school academic program, leadership classes, college/university guidance, community service opportunities and more.
His brother, Daniel, 30 and sister, Roxana, 22, also attended KidWorks during their school years.
Now a college student, Nestor is an intern with the City of Santa Ana’s youth employment program and volunteers 20 hours a week at KidWorks.
“Nestor has volunteered an amazing 600 hours so far,” says Rachel Cervantes, our Volunteer Coordinator. “He’s kind, down to earth and the students to feel at ease and happy with him.”
His duties are varied, including:
“What excites me about returning to KidWorks is coming back to a place that played such a big role in my development,” Nestor says.
He adds, “The staff and volunteers helped with my homework when there was an English language barrier at home; now, I can do the same for students facing the same situation. Regardless of background, I believe everyone deserves opportunities and chances.”
Nestor remembers the approach our teachers and volunteers took with him when he was a KidWorks student and applies these techniques as a volunteer.
“My style a very calm and understanding,” Nestor says. “I approach situations with the goal of finding a middle ground with the students. For example, most sixth graders are not big fans of reading so I encourage them to read about something they are interested in, like cars or music.”
Nestor also empathizes with the challenges and concerns so many students face.
“KidWorks guided me academically in every way,” he says. “This ranged from helping me with homework to showing me the value in pursuing higher education after high school.”
Nestor adds, “The teachers and volunteers encouraged me to keep going during moments I wanted to drop out of high school.”
He especially thanks Jessica Ellis, Senior Site Supervisor, Dan Donahue Center and Maria Ruvalcaba, our Youth Leadership Development Coordinator.
Our November Volunteer of the Month has also grown in confidence and skills as a leader.
“I never really viewed myself as a leader,” he explains. “KidWorks taught me otherwise. Slowly, the students started to view me as an example to follow.”
He adds, “Positivity was in the air. Life has its moments where we become leaders and examples to follow. I just feel blessed that I was able to become a good example to the children and youth who need role models in their lives.”
Beyond academics, Nestor says KidWorks also instilled in him a lifelong desire to give back to the community and serve others, especially in an under-resourced community like central Santa Ana.
“KidWorks was my biggest motivator when it came to giving back,” he says. “So, giving back as a volunteer at KidWorks feels like I’ve come full circle.”
During his high school years as a KidWorks student, KidWorks provided Nestor opportunities to serve others in ways that included distribution of food to homeless residents and hours spent picking vegetables for a local food bank.
“The employees at the food bank said we picked enough vegetables that day to feed 1,000 people and that was a great feeling,” Nestor says.
He calls the opportunities KidWorks provided to give back to the community “some of my fondest memories.”
In his spare time, Nestor has a wide range of interests, including painting, hiking, acting, editing videos and baking. He’s also a music lover and plays the bass acoustic guitar and piano.
Nestor says his career goals include “appearing in a movie, writing my own book and finishing my album.”
We saw the wonderful potential in Nestor when we first met him as a second grader. We continue to see that endless potential realized as he works with the young minds he helps mold as a valued volunteer and mentor.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
We invite high school and college/university students to learn more about how KidWorks can provide you with opportunities to earn service hours, intern and volunteer.
Vanessa Rosas, our October 2023 “Volunteer of the Month” is a multi-year, longtime volunteer, especially with children and youth.
This month’s honoree is a California State University, Fullerton senior who’s volunteered at KidWorks since 2018 and is no stranger to other volunteer experiences as well.
Working with children is Vanessa’s passion. And KidWorks helped confirm for her that it’s her life’s calling.
Vanessa is a psychology major with a minor in child and adolescent studies. Her career goal is to become a child life specialist (a health care professional who works with young patients and his or her family during medical experiences, some very challenging).
Vanessa is now both a KidWorks intern and volunteer, serving 11 hours each week, exclusively at our Townsend Street Center in central Santa Ana. She works with each of the kindergarten through eighth grade students enrolled at that center.
While at the Townsend, Vanessa helps with homework, passes out snacks and assists with clean up.
“Vanessa has given so much of her time to KidWorks as a volunteer since she was in high school and continues to serve while in college,” says Karina Flores, Townsend Site Supervisor. “She has so much potential and enjoys helping students succeed.”
Adds Karina, “Vanessa takes the initiative. She has such a tender, gentle approach with students. They reach out to her.”
Rachel Cervantes, Volunteer Coordinator, adds: “Vanessa has been consistent and dependable; her sweet, welcoming demeanor and heart for our students is exemplary.”
Vanessa says her experiences at KidWorks confirmed her desire to work with children.
“I knew I wanted to work with children for my career, but I didn’t know if that was true for me until I tried it out,” Vanessa says. “I’m glad it was with KidWorks; I discovered I have the patience for children and enjoy being around them.”
She adds, “What’s most rewarding about being involved with KidWorks is getting to experience different temperaments from the children and the experience I gain from that.”
And in case anyone thinks being a volunteer helping with homework and other needs is all serious business, Vanessa will tell you that there are plenty of lighthearted moments and lots of laughter.
“One Thursday, most of the children were doing worksheets or finishing homework when I noticed a quiet child who liked to draw,” Vanessa says. “I approached her because she drew a character from a movie I liked. I asked if it was okay if I drew with her.
“That’s when two other children noticed and wanted to join; a child asked if we wanted to challenge each other with our drawing skills and make it timed. Everyone was being silly and having a good time.”
In addition to being a volunteer, Vanessa is a KidWorks intern. Her internships began this past August and continues into the fall.
“We are actively inviting high school and college/university students to consider serving as a volunteer or intern,” Rachel says. “It’s a great way to satisfy service hour requirements and to gain experience no matter what a person’s career goals might be.”
KidWorks is currently recruiting and accepting internship applications. More information is available by emailing Vanessa Hernandez, our Volunteer Manager, at Vanessa@kidworksoc.org
Vanessa keeps a very busy schedule in addition to her studies and volunteer time at KidWorks.
“I work full-time as an assistant manager at a restaurant called Cafe Cultura and have a part-time job as a caregiver,” she says.
When there’s time, she enjoys painting, baking, listening to music, taking her three dogs to the beach or park and going to the movies.
“Volunteering at KidWorks is so rewarding and helpful as I plan a career working with children,” Vanessa says. “At KidWorks, I’m building my relationships and skills with children. I get to face children’s different temperaments and the challenges that may bring. It’s such an impactful experience to volunteer at KidWorks.”
We are grateful that our students benefit each day our October “Volunteer of the Month” is in the classroom. We are honored that her career got a start with us.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
We invite high school and college/university students to learn more about how KidWorks can provide you with opportunities to earn service hours, intern and volunteer.
Name: Hector Mora
City: Santa Ana
Role at KidWorks: KW Alum
How did you become involved with KidWorks?
I joined KidWorks as a preschool student and graduated high school in 2020. I am now enrolled in the OC Fire Authority academy and work part time at PTS marketing. My ultimate dream is to work for CalFire or the US Forest Service.
Share the most meaningful experiences you’ve had at KidWorks? What made them impactful to you?
Attending summer camp was life changing because I got to experience so many “firsts” like the climbing wall and the banana boat. These experiences challenged me to test my limits. I learned I am braver and stronger than I realized.
Can you talk about some of the biggest obstacles KidWorks’ programming overcame when you were involved?
There were times I wanted to quit but I’m thankful for the staff at KidWorks who kept me focused and on track with my career goals. Now that I’m working, I continue to benefit from KidWorks mentors who are walking alongside me as a young professional.
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 is all about people – I met so many friends and mentors that have shaped me into the person I am today. I want to give back to the next generation and my family. I recently represented PTS Marketing at the KidWorks career fair and it was rewarding to connect with younger students and help the next generation of KidWorks students.
What are your dreams for KidWorks over the next 10, 20, or 30 years?
I hope to see more students at KidWorks and more centers across Santa Ana.
Anything else you would like to share about KidWorks?
I am excited for the future of KidWorks.
