We often say that supporters are the lifeblood of KidWorks. Monica Mendoza is a perfect example. She’s walked alongside us and those we serve since 2006. Monica’s been a mentor to our youth, a classroom volunteer and overall supporter. A number of churches over the years have partnered with KidWorks; their members often grow deep connections with us. Monica’s journey with KidWorks began that way through RockHarbor Church in Costa Mesa. Monica has worked alongside many of our legacy leaders over the years. She’s also seen us grow in impact, the size of the population we serve and in the number of centers we’ve established. As a 17-year volunteer, Monica’s been with us for over half of our history so far.

As KidWorks’ former President and Chief Executive Officer, Ava Steaffens was one of the most influential leaders of KidWorks during her tenure of August 1999 through March 2015. This legacy leader is now Strategic Partnerships Director for California at World Relief. “In the summer of 1999, I got a call from Larry Acosta, asking if I’d take a job as office manager in the small office from which he operated the Hispanic Ministry Association,” Ava says. “At the time, I was still a practicing lawyer, but I knew God was calling me to do something different, like a global mission. In 2002, KidWorks spun off as a separate, non-profit community development corporation. At the time, I never dreamed that KidWorks would provide so much redemption to so many lives. The impact has been astronomical in so many lives, including my own. It shows that God is faithful; God cares for all of us.”

Like so many of our students, Michelle first enrolled in KidWorks as a child in our state-licensed preschool. She’s now a high school senior. Michele will soon join the ranks of hundreds of KidWorks alumni who have found a safe, welcoming and inspiring second home each time they pushed open the doors at one of our three centers. Michelle is now looking forward to college, followed by a meaningful career. The little girl who first started her academic career in our preschool is now a young adult. We are very honored to be part of her journey.

Gabi and Omar Cova are a true love story—not only because they met and married while at KidWorks but also for their love of KidWorks since our early beginnings. Both served for a number of years as KidWorks team members, positively influencing the lives of hundreds of students. They have also served on Christian missions outside of the United States, bringing their love of Christ and His children.

For two decades, Steve Perry has been a generous KidWorks financial supporter. In 2015, during our “Building Dreams” capital campaign to expand the Dan Donahue Center, Steve and Susie Segerstrom Perry, founders of Sacred Harvest Foundation, pledged $1 million to the campaign.

Camille Strader has been honored as a KidWorks Volunteer of the Month and also as an Orange County Spirit of Volunteerism award winner, nominated by KidWorks. When this longtime KidWorks friend was named April 2018 Volunteer of the Month, a KidWorks team member said, “Camille is such a wonderful and giving spirit. The students recognize her commitment.”

In 2008, we asked Jonathan Calvillo, and several other staff members at the time, to comment on the positive our programs were having on youth. He was coordinator of what was then our Los Puentes Center. Here's what he said at the time: "The way I know YouthWorks is having an impact is that the youth don’t want to leave the center!  

Jayme and Larry Acosta were immeasurably instrumental in the forming of KidWorks—and in laying the firm foundation of faith in Jesus that has sustained us as we celebrate our 30th year of service.

Because Alma Magana has been part of the KidWorks team since 1999, she's seen many of the preschoolers she's taught graduate from high school, earn college/university degrees and go on to meaningful careers. In fact, our beloved preschool teacher has a special message for parents who attend graduation ceremonies for their four-year-olds: “Please remember to invite me to your child’s high school and college graduation,” she tells them.  I’ll go.” And she does!