St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach has been a longtime friend of KidWorks and the families we serve. This committed ministry partner has provided support both through donations and volunteering at a wide range of events over many years. This has included hosting concerts at the church where students enrolled in our music programs experienced performing before a live audience. The church selected our Dan Donahue Center for a “Serve Day” where they spruced up the facility. Members of their congregation, including those in leadership roles, have been loyal supporters of KidWorks with time, talent and funds. The church and its members truly show what it means to have a “servant’s heart” as encouraged in the Bible.
Name: St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
City: Newport Beach, CA
Role at KidWorks: Julie Wood/Suzi Lyons ministry partner liaisons from St. Andrew’s. Minister of Serve or Director of Serve Engagement respectively.
How did we first become involved with KidWorks?
St. Andrew’s first learned of KidWorks through one of our staff members, Joe Cristina, who was running the Avanti music program there. We were inspired by this music education program and started supporting him in 2012. After further conversations with two of our congregants, Kyle Team and Lisa Gels, St. Andrew’s added KidWorks as a ministry partner in 2015.
Share the most meaningful experiences we have had with KidWorks? What made them impactful?
Working with the KidWorks staff throughout COVID to help care for the needs of the community was true partnership. We collaborated weekly to find ways to support and encourage KidWorks staff as they served the KidWorks community and cared for so many people amidst the confusion and chaos of that season. Early in the lock down, we secured 3,800 rolls of toilet paper and organized a fleet of volunteers to drive it all to KidWorks – we called it the Toilet Paper Brigade.
We have participated in a number of prayer walks that KidWorks has hosted, and we have been enlightened by the personal stories of individuals we have prayed for. We are encouraged by KidWorks’ heart to serve and love the local community and your intention to be a place of empowerment. Recognizing the spiritual aspects of this and prioritizing prayer has been great.
What does KidWorks mean to you? Looking back, how did KidWorks help to shape your life? How did KW help to influence the person you are today?
KidWorks has been a treasured ministry partner of St. Andrew’s over the last decade. We have been inspired to see how you have empowered families and provided wrap-around services in order to create a hope-filled future for youth and families in Santa Ana.
What are your dreams for KidWorks over the next 10, 20, or 30 years?
My dream for KidWorks is that you would find proactive, relational ways to partner with churches in your area so that the church can best meet the spiritual needs of your community.
Anything else you would like to share about KidWorks?
We are grateful for you!