Cory Alder, KidWorks’ Board Chair and President of Nexus Development, added an extra measure of excitement to our January Youth Lock-In by donating trips to Disneyland for two lucky families.
Meet the Teacher: Maria Ruvalcaba
Help Support the Potential in KidWorks Youth on Sept. 21
Volunteer of the Month: Jared Pacheco
“If you want something done, ask a busy person.”
No one knows for sure who first said these wise words, but the quote is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin.
The KidWorks team might suggest another version of the quote:
“If you want something done, ask Jared Pacheco.”
This ninth grader at Valley High School is our April 2022 “Volunteer of the Month.”
Campus Crash sets the stage for college and career success
Six Southern California universities in just four days, followed by a daylong career exploration event.
KidWorks’ Campus Crash returned in full force April 4 through April 8, with in-person experiences replacing the “virtual” event of the past two years due to the pandemic.
A KidWorks tradition since 2005, Campus Crash provides students a firsthand taste of college life, with the goal that they pursue higher education.
Igniting Youth Leadership Through Character And Faith Development
Estrella's Story: A ninth grader with a huge heart for helping others
Virtual lock-in shines a light of hope for youth during the pandemic
COVID-19 forced our annual lock-in to be held virtual, however, this new format allowed staff to creatively reimagine the event to include fun and meaningful activities focused around social and emotional well-being.
The event’s theme, “Finding Light in Darkness” resonated deeply with both students and staff. Like in previous years, the lock-in included lots of fun with not a lot of sleep.
Valentine's Day Was a Sweet Success
‘Sleepless in Santa Ana’: Youth ‘Lock-in’ combines prayer, real talk and fun
Christmas Store Makes Spirits Bright This Holiday Season
Volunteer Of The Month: Alex Gutierrez
Alex is a student himself, an 18-year-old senior at Valley High School, who has been a KidWorks volunteer since he was in ninth grade. And he’s been enrolled in our programs since he was in first grade. He often jokes that he spends more time at KidWorks than he does at home, which motivates him to give back as a volunteer.
Franklin is an answer to prayer
For many years, KidWorks has recognized the need to provide more spiritual mentorship and direction to our students.
Franklin Montoya is the answer to that prayer! As KidWorks newest youth coordinator, he is charged with shepherding our youth through Bible studies, teen gatherings, and other special events all designed to point students to Christ.
Summer at KidWorks was ‘wildly’ successful
Isabel's Story
Before KidWorks came into my life, I hated my neighborhood. Every time I walked out my door I saw chaos and destruction. From afar, I have seen the face of someone who was dedicated to harm another. Helicopters often roam the sky above, police cars pass by every few hours. I have firsthand experience of a gunshot striking a glass bottle just mere feet away from where I was standing. What if that bottle had been me? I hated the uncertainty I felt each time I encountered anyone from my neighborhood. So when a new family was expected to live in the space available in the apartment complex in front of me, the only wish I had was that they would bring children into this place. Little did I know that I was about to encounter a whole load of them.
KidWorks Youth "Crash" College Campuses Across CA
When KidWorks youth think spring break plans, it’s not a sunny vacation they are planning for. They are thinking about the long awaited “Campus Crash” week which is a key part of KidWorks College Success Initiative. Campus Crash is designed to expose students to a real – life college experience that instills in them the belief and motivation that college can be their reality.
