While much of Orange County is returning to life as normal, Santa Ana continues to report some of the highest number of COVID cases in the County. As a result, our students continue to learn virtually both at school and KidWorks.
Providing quality programs during a pandemic is no easy task, however we remain committed to providing innovative programs that ensure our students excel academically, spiritually and creatively.
“Our top priority is that KidWorks remains a safe haven for all who turn to us, whether it’s for emotional, physical or academic support,” says Noemi Juarez, our Director of After School Programs. “The presence of KidWorks in the lives of the families we serve lets them know they are not alone and that there is always hope, even in dark times like this. Hope is demonstrated in everything we do, and it’s all made possible because of those who have been so generous with financial donations, volunteering and supporting our dedicated staff.”
KidWorks staff learned a lot by providing online programs last spring.
Here are some of the ways we’ve adjusted this fall :
Until it’s safe, students participate in virtual learning each Monday through Saturday. Our distance learning is focused on academic achievement and overall wellness.
Our Homework Hotline provides students in grades K-12 the opportunity to connect with KidWorks staff and volunteers each Tuesday and Thursday. This helps ensure that there is no “lost semester” while students learn virtually.
KidWorks’ has expanded its curriculum to include a focus on personal and social emotional development (SEL). The goal is to equip student to better manage emotions, cope with online learning, focus on goal-setting, develop empathy and exhibit self control.
KidWorks weekly wellness checks with families ensure that staff can provide proper referrals to families for their children
Because music gives our students a creative outlet while providing comfort, we’ve added to their music experience. Specifically, Saturday music classes have been expanded by 30 minutes (all offered online). Our Love in Music program has also been enhanced, with an added element that shows students how to tune their own instruments.
A major challenge has been to raise the necessary funds to provide laptops and Internet access to enable distance learning since so many of our families live below the poverty line and cannot afford equipment and services. Moreover, within over half of these families, one or more parents have lost jobs due to the economic downturn.
KidWorks is very grateful to everyone who has already given financially, through in-kind gifts and with time, talent and other resources.
Bona Fide Pomade, a Santa Ana-based barbershop and hair care product shop, donated face masks and hand sanitizers. Owner Luis Moreno says, “I witnessed first-hand the positive impact that organizations like KidWorks have on our community. I ’ve been actively trying to figure out how I can incorporate community outreach into my brand, so when KidWorks approached me, I jumped on the idea of being able to help however I could. KidWorks is dedicated to uplifting our community by engaging our youth and this is something Bona Fide fully supports.”
Orange County Transportation Authority for donating masks.
Building Block Fund, Kingston Technology and Results Gym for donating headphones, which help our students concentrate during online classes.
Second Harvest Food Bank for providing families food boxes once a week
Noemi says she and the KidWorks staff continue to value all everyone does on behalf our team and those we serve. She says, “Please pray for peace and protection, look for ways you can engage to give back during the holidays, volunteer and teach a virtual workshop. Your positive impact is so deeply appreciated.”
Here’s how to engage with KidWorks by making a donation or serving as a virtual volunteer, plus other ways to provide support:
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer