“Touching Lives With Hope”

Santa Ana, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/07/2013 -- KidWorks, based in Santa Ana, was awarded a $13,000 grant from Impact Giving, a women's collective giving organization. The grant was announced at Impact Giving's Awards Ceremony held May 8th at the Irvine Marriott Hotel. That evening Impact Giving granted a total of $130,000 to four local and two global nonprofit organizations. In its first four years the women's collective has granted a total of $475, 000 to 26 local and global organizations.

"This grant will increase our ability to reach more kids from Kindergarten through high school in our after school program called University Starts Now," says Ava Steaffens, KidWorks CEO. Funds will help enroll an additional 72 children in KidWorks' effective model of service.

The Impact Giving grant will be earmarked to support KidWorks' expansion of after-school program services into the high-crime, low-income neighborhood of Cedar Evergreen in central Santa Ana. KidWorks will work in partnership with Side By Side Church's gang intervention ministry known as "Lives Worth Saving" and "360 Diversion," a family-focused mental health program led by Dr. Christina Kampfner. Each partner will use their unique approach to help turn children and youth away from potentially life destroying behavioral paths and strengthen the community.

Claudia Soto-Neira, KidWorks Communications Director expressed, "Through this expansion of our program, KidWorks will be giving more vulnerable children a safe place to go after school—where they can do their homework, practice math skills, conduct science experiments, participate in fitness activities, and create art projects."

"KidWorks provides a safe alternative to the influence of gangs in the neighborhood," says Steaffens. "The choice to help these children is one that starts with supporters like Impact Giving. Our donors are helping steer children away from gangs and developing them into positive leaders who will restore their neighborhood from the inside-out."

To learn more about Impact Giving please visit http://www.impactgivingnow.org. To find out about KidWorks go to http://www.kidworksonline.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Fifth Annual Event Continues to Expand

Santa Ana, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/23/2012 -- KidWorks, a Santa Ana-based non-profit that serves at-risk children and teens, today announced that over 1,000 children, teens and parents attended the fifth annual Townsend Raitt Street Fiesta and Resource Fair, held August 18 in central Santa Ana.

The free event was a result of the planning efforts by the Townsend-Raitt Street Task Force. This partnership of residents, non-profits, churches, businesses, city, and county agencies has been working together for six years to improve the community. The California Endowment, JPMorgan Chase, Orange Housing, and C&C Development sponsored the fair. Backpacks were also given as prizes for the children because of a generous donation from Outdoor Products.

"KidWorks provides programs all year around, and we put extra emphasis on summer when children and teens are not in school and more susceptible to getting involved with risky behaviors," said Ava Steaffens, KidWorks' President & Chief Executive Officer. "The fiesta and resource fair is one of many activities offered in the community to provide safe and wholesome activities as an alternative to the dangerous temptations present on the streets of the at-risk neighborhoods of Santa Ana,"

The event organizers were KidWorks, America On Track, the City of Santa Ana, Coalition of OC Community Health Centers, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Latino Health Access, and the office of OC Supervisor Janet Nguyen.

For the first time the event included free mobile clinics operated by Illumination Foundation and Birth Choice as well as a Recycling Pavilion with many of the event organizers in addition to Inside the Outdoors, Discovery Science Center and Pretend City.

Santa Ana Councilmember David Benavides presented an award of appreciation to Alexis Rocha of TKO Boxing for his participation in the Junior Olympics. Supervisor Nguyen recognized the KidWorks' Parents Council for their contributions to the Townsend Raitt Task Force and for five successful Townsend Street fiestas.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Event is Nov. 15, Just Ahead of Classic UCLA vs. USC Gridiron Game

Santa Ana, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/24/2012 -- KidWorks, a Santa Ana-based non-profit that serves at-risk children and teens, today announced that legendary former rival football coaches Terry Donahue of UCLA and John Robinson of USC will be the guest speakers along with former players from both schools at the charity's sixth annual Foundation for Success fundraiser luncheon on Nov. 15 at the Doubletree Hotel in Santa Ana. The event is two days before the traditional USC versus UCLA football game.

Robinson and Donahue will be joined on stage by former USC Trojans Paul McDonald, quarterback and wide receiver John Jackson and former UCLA Bruin quarterbacks Matt Stevens and Wayne Cook. The emcee will be Ed Arnold, co-anchor of KOCE's Real Orange nightly news and public affairs broadcast.

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 15 at the Doubletree Hotel, Santa Ana/Orange County Airport, 201 E. MacArthur Blvd., Santa Ana.

"Foundation for Success is our marquee event and generates a significant portion of the funds we use to help the more than 800 children, teens and parents that KidWorks serves each week," said Ava Steaffens, KidWorks' President and Chief Executive Officer. "The chance to see these two highly competitive coaches share insights, tell stories and probably trade a few friendly barbs just 48 hours before the USC/UCLA game is a must-see event for any true college football fan."

Foundation for Success celebrates the legacy of the late Dan Donahue, for whom KidWorks' Dan Donahue Center in central Santa Ana is named. After Dan Donahue's passing in 2002, his family came together to remember him and led the effort to raise over $1 million to invest in the lives of children in central Santa Ana. Their fundraising led to the purchase and subsequent renovation of the building that now bears his name. Until his death in 2002, Mr. Donahue was Chairman of Donahue Schriber, a leading real estate investment trust headquartered in Costa Mesa that owns and manages 80 shopping centers throughout California, Arizona, Nevada and Oregon. Donahue Schriber continues to provide a wide range of financial and strategic support to KidWorks. Funds raised at the Foundation for Success luncheon help pay for continuing programs, services and operations.

Diamond-level presenting sponsors for the 2012 luncheon are Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Toyota Financial Services and West Coast University/American Career College. Additional sponsors include CBRE, Donahue Schriber, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth and U.S. Bank.

Event sponsorships are still available at various levels, including diamond ($50,000), platinum ($15,000), gold ($10,000), silver ($7,500), bronze ($5,000) and pearl ($2,500). Sponsorship can be arranged by contacting Lisa Gels, KidWorks' Corporate Relations manager at 714-834-9400 or at: lisa@kidworksonline.org

Robinson was head football coach at USC from 1976 to 1982 and 1993 to 1997 and for the NFL's Los Angles Rams from 1983 to 1991. He has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Robinson serves on the board of directors for the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, which recognizes and supports national and local charities serving America's youth.

Donahue was head football coach at UCLA from 1976 to 1995, and was general manager of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers from 2001 to 2005. He has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Donahue is a football analyst and serves on the board of directors for the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation.

Since its inception in 2007, KidWorks' Foundation for Success event has raised over $1.1 million to support at risk families in central Santa Ana. Previous speakers have included the late John Wooden, former UCLA basketball coach and Jack Kemp, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives and presidential candidate. Other speakers have been Mike Scioscia, Manager, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and John Naber, four-time Olympic gold medalist.

About KidWorks
KidWorks mission is to restore at-risk neighborhoods one life at a time by improving the education and sustainability prospects for children and youth living in central Orange County's Santa Ana. KidWorks was founded in 1993 and incorporated in 2002 as a public benefit organization for underprivileged children and their families providing preschool programs, after-school tutoring, youth mentoring, adult education services and leadership development programs.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Non-Profit to Expand Outreach to At-Risk Families in Central Santa Ana

Santa Ana, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/05/2012 -- KidWorks, a Santa Ana based non-profit that serves at-risk children and teens, today announced new officers on board of directors for the 2012-2013 term, which began July 1.

"We are very fortunate to have such a diverse board of visionary leaders," said Ava Steaffens, KidWorks' President & Chief Executive Officer. "Our board will continue to guide KidWorks as we increase our focus on serving additional at-risk neighborhoods within Santa Ana, while pursuing strategic partnerships."

Members of the board taking new roles are:
- Norma Garcia Guillen, Board Chair. Ms. Garcia-Guillen, a native of Santa Ana, is an attorney in the Orange County office of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP. She is a member of the firm's Business Trial and Latino Business Practice Groups. She also serves on Sheppard Mullin's Diversity and Inclusion, and Recruiting Committees.
- Rachid Chamtieh, Board Vice Chair. Mr. Chamtieh, a certified public accountant, is a Deloitte & Touche partner with 16 years of financial, management and real estate experience.
- Scott McPherson, Board Treasurer. Mr. McPherson is Senior Vice President and Market Manager of U.S. Bank's Orange County/Inland Empire Commercial Real Estate Office. He has also served on U.S. Bank's Orange County Grant Committee board benefiting non-profit philanthropic organizations throughout Orange County.
- Rick Rawlins, Board Secretary. Mr. Rawlins is the Chief Executive Officer of R&B Wire Products, Inc. in Santa Ana, a leading manufacturer of welded wire and steel tubular products.

Steaffens also thanked two outgoing board members who completed their terms.

"Al Esquerra, our former Board Chair and John McKay, our former board Vice Chair have been tremendously instrumental in their service to KidWorks," Steaffens said. "Their leadership has taken KidWorks to the next level, doubling our weekly community members served from 400 to 800 children, youth, and parents."

KidWorks' board of directors is comprised of 18 individuals, and expects to name directors shortly to fill the two currently open positions.

About KidWorks
KidWorks mission is to restore at-risk neighborhoods one life at a time by improving the education and sustainability prospects for children and youth living in central Orange County's Santa Ana. KidWorks was founded in 1993 and incorporated in 2002 as a public benefit organization for underprivileged children and their families providing preschool programs, after-school tutoring, youth mentoring, adult education services and leadership development programs.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Will Take Place On June 23 in Central Santa Ana

Santa Ana, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/13/2012 -- KidWorks, a Santa Ana-based non-profit that serves at-risk children and teens, today announced it has teamed with Pure Hobby Racing to sponsor an off-road event on June 23 in the central Santa Ana neighborhood where the charity provides services and support to needy families.

The event is scheduled for noon to 3 p.m. at KidWorks' facility at 1902 W. Chestnut Ave. in Santa Ana.

"Summer is a time when children and teens are not in school and more susceptible to getting involved with risky behaviors. This is our first-ever off-road event and is one of many activities offered by KidWorks to provide safe and wholesome activities as an alternative to the dangerous temptations present on the streets of the at-risk neighborhoods of Santa Ana," said Ava Steaffens, KidWorks' President & Chief Executive Officer.

Offered free of charge to families in the central Santa Ana neighborhood, the off-road event will feature a wide variety of off-road trucks, buggies and race quads that have been custom modified for peak performance in desert terrain. Children will also be able to participate in face painting and balloon activities.

"Families will have the chance to meet and collect autographs from professional off-road racers, sit in their cars, take photographs and learn about off-road and overall driving safety," Steaffens said. "We are also delighted that several professional female racers will attend in advance of an upcoming race in Morocco that will raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and raise awareness about the disease."

In addition to Pure Hobby Racing, those sponsoring the event with KidWorks include the Santa Ana Zoo, Orange County Fair, Fountain Bowl, ATS Diesel Performance, Boomers, Simple Green, S&M Bicycles and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

About KidWorks
KidWorks mission is to restore at-risk neighborhoods one life at a time by improving the education and sustainability prospects for children and youth living in central Orange County's Santa Ana. KidWorks was founded in 1993 and incorporated in 2002 as a public benefit organization for underprivileged children and their families providing preschool programs, after-school tutoring, youth mentoring, adult education services and leadership development programs.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Teens are Now Ready for College

Santa Ana, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/24/2012 -- KidWorks, a Santa Ana-based non-profit that serves at-risk children and teens, today announced that six youth in its programs have successfully graduated from Mater Dei High School, a private Catholic high school, also located in Santa Ana. This is the largest number of teens in KidWorks programs to ever have graduated from Mater Dei, known for its demanding academic standards tailored to help students succeed in high school and beyond.

All six graduating KidWorks students have also been accepted by leading colleges or universities, and will begin pursuing their bachelor's degrees in September.

"Kids growing up in the at-risk, low-income communities of central Santa Ana are not being prepared to enter college," said Ava Steaffens, KidWorks' President & Chief Executive Officer. "Schools in Santa Ana rank last in the Academic Performance Index for Orange County and only 20 percent of students are taking college preparation courses in high school. KidWorks' academic and leadership development programs focus on preschool age children on up to encourage them to finish high school, earn an advanced academic degree, and to be contributing members of society. We are delighted that for the past two years 100 percent of KidWorks' students complete high school, and 74 percent go on to attend a college or university."

KidWorks has partnered with Mater Dei for six years to provide access to a solid education for impoverished youth in the city. KidWorks "Mater Dei Scholars Fund" relies on individual, corporate and foundation donations to provide $6,000 of the $12,000 annual tuition cost per student, with Mater Dei matching the remaining $6,000.

"Mater Dei High School is honored to have a partnership with KidWorks, which does such outstanding work in reaching out to children and families in need. We are so proud of the six KidWorks students who are graduating from MDHS this year and who are going on to higher education. These students now have a brighter future due to KidWorks and its partnership with Mater Dei High School."

The youth in KidWorks programs who will receive their Mater Dei diplomas at graduation ceremonies in May are Betty Garcia, Danny Torres, Fritzi Valladares, Javier Morales, Julia Hernandez, and Xitlally Sanchez.

"I will be a first generation college student from my family, and KidWorks prepared me for this goal ever since I began attending their programs in kindergarten," said Xitlally Sanchez, 18, who has been accepted at Scripps College, a member of the Claremont Schools. "I am so grateful to have the support of Mater Dei and KidWorks throughout my high school years."

"Attending Mater Dei is an opportunity I never could have imagined for myself," said Betty Garcia, 19, who has been accepted at Azusa Pacific University, where she will major in communications and media. "Those who sponsored my tuition put their trust in students like me, and truly care about our lives."

About KidWorks
KidWorks mission is to restore at-risk neighborhoods one life at a time by improving the education and sustainability prospects for children and youth living in central Orange County's Santa Ana. KidWorks was founded in 1993 and incorporated in 2002 as a public benefit organization for underprivileged children and their families providing preschool programs, after-school tutoring, youth mentoring, adult education services and leadership development programs.

About Mater Dei
Established in 1950, Mater Dei High School is a diocesan Catholic high school that recognizes each student as a gift from God. We are dedicated to the development of the whole person: spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional and aesthetic. Each of our students are challenged by a college preparatory curriculum and encouraged to reach his/her full potential through extensive co-curricular and extra-curricular programs. Mater Dei has established a tradition of excellence with 99% of our graduating seniors going on to college each year.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Santa Ana, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/18/2012 -- KidWorks is a comprehensive community-based organization that predominately serves the children and families living in at-risk neighborhoods of central Santa Ana, California. KidWorks is working every day to develop the capacity of local leadership to build a healthier, sustainable community through holistic early childhood, youth, and parent development programs. The goals of KidWorks are: 1) to be a model of community transformation by building on existing community assets; 2) to be a safe haven for youth and families; and 3) to be a place for learning, nurturing, and leadership development.

KidWorks mission is to restore at-risk neighborhoods one life at a time. KidWorks was founded in 1993 and incorporated in 2002 as a public benefit organization. Today, KidWorks serves over 550 young people in Santa Ana through preschool, after-school, mentoring, and civic engagement programs. In addition, KidWorks serves over 250 adults through parenting, computer, fitness, financial literacy, and community engagement activities that contribute to the overall community impact. Learn more about this work– and how you can help- at http://www.KidWorksOnline.org.

KidWorks welcomes six new members to its board of directors:

- Steve Craig, Craig Realty Group
- Craig Hirson, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- Brandon Howald, Paul Hastings
- Ruben Mendoza, Foundation Building Materials
- David Mossman, Donahue Schriber
- Teresa Saldivar, Teresa's Jewelers

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

1,600 parents, children, and resource partners come together to celebrate their community and promote good health.

Santa Ana, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/26/2010 -- The Townsend Raitt Street Task Force, a Santa Ana, Calif.-based community and inter-agency collaboration dedicated to improving the neighborhoods of Townsend and Raitt Streets, is hosting the 3rd annual Townsend Raitt Street Fair on Saturday, August 28, 2010 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the 700 – 900 block of S. Townsend Street in Santa Ana. The event is tied to ongoing work of Santa Ana Building Healthy Communities, a 10 year initiative of The California Endowment, dedicated to making central Santa Ana a healthy place to live and thrive.

1,600 children and adults are expected to attend the street fair that will bring together 40 health-promoting organizations with fitness activities, music, martial arts demonstrations, dance groups, resource booths, and food. The street fair is organized by a collaborative effort of the Townsend Raitt Street Task Force, comprised of residents, KidWorks, property owners, Bella Vista Neighborhood Association, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, the Santa Ana Police Department, Orange County Probation Department, Latino Health Access, Orange County On Track, the Office of Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Santa Ana Unified School District, The Grain Project, and the City of Santa Ana.

Though this neighborhood is known throughout the area for high levels of gang activity, the Townsend Raitt Street Task Force has worked with local residents in developing a safer neighborhood through leadership development, health education and community involvement. "The street fair is an important time for families to support one another with pride. It demonstrates the positive character of a neighborhood and its achievements." said Ava Steaffens, Executive Director of KidWorks.

At the fair, the Townsend Raitt Street Task Force will be celebrating this week's installation of new mailboxes—a process that took over a year of negotiations and fundraising. The new mailboxes are a project that came out of a need to repair the unsecured and broken mailboxes that have lined their street. The effects of not having a secure mailbox have been far-reaching for residents, as bills go unpaid and important documents are not received. Working with Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, the Santa Ana City Council, and the United States Postmaster General, the Townsend Raitt Street Task Force received approval to replace the vandalized mailboxes. These new, secure mailboxes have been highly anticipated and are welcomed improvements for public safety and community building in the neighborhood.

Sponsors of the street fair include The California Endowment, Bank of America, Northgate Market, Gallo Giro, Chase Bank and Deloitte. For more information about the Townsend Raitt Street Fair and the achievements of the Townsend Raitt Street Task Force, please contact Ava Steaffens at KidWorks, ava@kidworksonline.org or (714)834-9400 x103.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

114 Under-privileged Kids Will Learn about Sports, Nutrition and Life from Olympic and World-Class Athletes

Santa Ana, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/02/2010 -- The Olympic Academy, an Orange County, Calif.-based non-profit organization under the direction of U.S. Olympians and dedicated to providing world-class mentoring and instruction for young student athletes, today announced that it will host its first charitable sports camp with KidWorks on August 2-4, 2010. The mission of the Olympic Academy, is to teach, inspire, and motivate young student athletes from ages 8 to 18 to excel at the skills needed be prepared for the next level in their lives while illuminating the importance of bringing the ideals of good sportsmanship, teamwork, and discipline into all other areas of their lives. Santa Ana, Calif.-based KidWorks aims to transform challenged neighborhoods within Santa Ana, Calif., by building on the strengths and potential in the community through education, character formation, and personal development.

The free sports camp will bring together some of the United States' top athletes and more than 114 children from KidWorks at the Jerome Center, a 14-acre community center and park recently renovated by the City of Santa Ana, located at 726 S. Center Street.

The world-class coaching staff, who will introduce the children to the skills behind baseball, basketball and soccer, as well as a healthy lifestyle, will include:
• Genai Kerr, Olympic Academy founder, was a member of the Men's U.S. Water Polo Team, playing in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. He was also a founding faculty member of Sage Hill School in Newport Coast, Calif.
• Slavko Kljestan, from Bosnia, was a semi-professional soccer player in Zeljezni?ar Sarajevo. He coached six Olympic soccer players in the Bejing Games in 2008. His son, Sacha Klijestan is a member of the Men's U.S. National Soccer Team.
• Taylor Bills, an American ex baseball player and reality television star, playing for Arizona League Seattle Mariners and recently winning ABC's reality television show "True Beauty."
• Lauren Collins, now on the cover of Runner's World (July 2010), is a graduate of University of Calfiornia, Irvine, winner of the UCI Alumni Association Lauds & Laurels Outstanding Student-Athlete Award, and UCI high jump and heptathlon record holder.
• Michael Fitzhugh, A current life skills coach and certified personal trainer, and programs director for at risk youth.

For more information about the sports camp benefitting the children of KidWorks, please contact Mike Galindo at Olympic Academy at (877)824-7656 or (949)954-707 or Ava Steaffens at KidWorks, (714)834-9400 x103.

About The Olympic Academy
The Orange County based, Olympic Academy, a 501(c)3, offers academic tutoring and sports camps, clinics, and private and semi-private instruction with the top athletes, educators, and coaches in the country. The Academy was founded by U.S. Olympian Genai Kerr, who believes that the skills needed to be a successful student athlete? good sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, and the commitment to setting and reaching goals? translate directly to the game of life. Kerr, who served as team captain and goalie for the U.S. Water Polo team, also has roots in academia as a founding faculty member of Sage Hill School in Newport Coast, Calif., and who embraces a lifestyle of balancing rigorous physical training with intellect and creativity.

About KidWorks
The mission of KidWorks is to restore at-risk neighborhoods one life at a time. Our vision is to transform challenged neighborhoods within central Santa Ana, California by building on the strengths and potential in the community through education, character formation and personal development. Our first outreach programs were launched in 1994 in a converted apartment on Townsend Street. Today KidWorks fills a 10,000 square foot community center in the same neighborhood located in the heart of the Federal Empowerment Zone, serving 3,000 community members each year and 350 children and parents each week. In addition to this site we have a center located a few blocks away on Townsend Street. This center serves 75 students weekly. Overall, the goals of KidWorks programs are to be a model of community transformation by building on existing community assets; to be a safe haven for youth and families; and to be a place for learning, nurturing, and leadership development.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Santa Ana, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/09/2010 -- KidWorks is hosting the graduation event "Day of the Stars" on June 19th from 10am-12pm at 1910 W. Chestnut Avenue in Santa Ana. City of Santa Ana Councilmember, David Benavides, will be giving a commencement address to the KidWorks high school graduates. KidWorks will also have a ceremony for the 48 preschool students who are promoting to Kindergarten.

KidWorks has been bringing hope to families living in challenged neighborhoods of central Santa Ana since 1994. While in some ways this community has changed in the last 15 years with some housing redevelopment and improved police relations, there continues to be high levels of gang activity and low educational attainment. According to the United States Census, in the KidWorks neighborhoods only 35% of adults have graduated from high school. This community is one of the poorest in Orange County where over 95% of the children qualify for the free lunch program at school and 45% of the families at KidWorks live below the Federal Poverty Line. Among KidWorks families, the average household income is $30,000 and the average household size is 5.

In the midst of this hardship, KidWorks boasts that all nine of its high school seniors are graduating on-time, within four years. This is an incredible achievement compared to the local Valley High School's drop out rate of 19%, according to the State Department of Education in 2007. Within this graduating class, 8 are enrolling in college this fall and one will be serving in the United States' Army.

KidWorks serves 350 students from preschool to 12th grade. The after school program for teenagers began in 2005 with fifteen high school students. This year, KidWorks served one hundred 6th-12th grade students by providing them the opportunity to set and pursue goals that may have seemed out of their reach. The program builds on the strengths of the youth through out of school time activities including tutoring, leadership development, computer literacy, library resources, mentoring, character building, health education, creative arts, college readiness, and parent engagement.

Out of a strong commitment to support these students through their time in college, KidWorks is launching a college program. They will provide mentoring and supportive services to ensure that high school graduates remain in college until they obtain their desired degrees. KidWorks will host monthly gatherings to bring graduates together to share their experiences and support one another. KidWorks will also assist students in building a "road map" that will guide them to their desired degree. Although there are eight eligible students to participate in the college program this first year, KidWorks currently has twelve 11th grade students, thirteen 10th grade students, and fifteen 9th grade students who will help grow this program each year as more graduating students enroll in college.

KidWorks is currently recruiting mentors who want to help a recent high school graduate navigate through their first year of college. Please contact KidWorks Volunteer Director, Donia Quon, at Donia@kidworksonline.org or 714-834-9400 ext. 111 to learn more about this opportunity.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Santa Ana, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/16/2009 -- On December 18th at 3:45pm high school students from KidWorks will be delivering 40 teddy bears to children at the Children's Hospital of Orange County. KidWorks is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming challenged neighborhoods within central Santa Ana by building on the strengths and potential in the community through education, character formation and personal development. Youth at KidWorks come from a neighborhood that is known for gang activity, drug deals, violence and poverty. KidWorks combats these negative forces by building on existing community assets and becoming a model of community transformation. The KidWorks centers are a safe haven for youth and families and a place for learning, nurturing, and leadership development.

One of the main components of KidWorks is leadership development and giving back to the community. This holiday season is a time for youth, no matter what their economic and personal situation, to cherish the blessings they have and learn about the importance of giving. The High School students from KidWorks will have a chance to experience the joy of giving, as they donate teddy bears to the Child Life program at CHOC.

The Children's Hospital of Orange County understands the importance of play as children in the hospital experience heightened stress and anxiety. Through the hospital's Child Life program, children are provided emotional and developmental support to help minimize the anxiety they might be experiencing. In cheerful playrooms, they enjoy a variety of toys, create works of art and culinary masterpieces, and even visit with pets through the Pet Therapy Program. Children are also encouraged to gain an understanding of their hospital experiences through medical play and preparation.

KidWorks serves 3,000 community members each year with 350 children enrolled in weekly education and enrichment programs. KidWorks is proud to be a part of the grassroots transformation of the community of central Santa Ana.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Santa Ana, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/25/2009 -- On December 2nd from 4-6pm KidWorks, in conjunction with Orange Housing and C & C Development will present the Grand Opening of the KidWorks Center on Townsend Street. This center operates after-school programs for 75 K-12th grade students while providing space for community forums and enrichment classes. The Townsend Street Task Force was an instrumental effort that brought Orange Housing and C & C Development to renovate 6 apartment complexes and construct the KidWorks Center. This task force is a more than 50 person group made up of police officers, city officials, Townsend Street residents, apartment complex owners, educators and community organization members. The KidWorks Center on Townsend Street is a beautiful component of the apartment renovation and community revitalization effort. This project has been is the works for two years as part of the continued transformation of Townsend Street. Townsend Street is a notorious street in central Santa Ana, known for gang activity, drug deals, violence and poverty. KidWorks has offered education and parent engagement program on Townsend Street for the past 13 years out of a converted apartment. This new community center is a realized dream of the residents of Townsend Street as it will provide more space for tutoring, enrichment activities, adult education and community engagement programs.

About KidWorks
KidWorks serves 3,000 community members each year with 350 children enrolled in weekly education and enrichment programs. KidWorks is proud to be a part of the grassroots transformation of the community of central Santa Ana. City Councilman David Benavides will make a short presentation at the Grand Opening as a long-time community leader, neighborhood resident and KidWorks supporter. Attendees will be able to tour the KidWorks Center as well as two of the renovated apartments. All are welcome to come and celebrate these new beginnings for children and families in central Santa Ana.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm