Nonprofit KidWorks Is Increasing Its Impact in Central Santa Ana With Powerful New initiatives

Since 1993, KidWorks has strategically grown into a vibrant community development nonprofit supporting tomorrow’s leaders in overlooked central Santa Ana neighborhoods by walking with them from “Pre-K through B.A.”

Now in 2026, two new growth strategies have been announced that are designed to increase its impact.Plans call for adding two more KidWorks spokes centers within three to five yearsin order to serve a greater number of students from preschool through post-secondary success in neighborhoods identified as having the greatestneed.

Thestrategy builds on KidWorks successful Dan Donahue Center hub model and three existing KidWorks spoke centers. Last November, the nonprofit reopened the third spoke center located in the 164-townhouse Bishop Manor community, adding to its existing Townsend Street and Cedar Evergreen locations.

As an example of a successful community partnership, the process to renovate the Bishop Manor site included recruiting local companies that together donated more than $200,000 in services and materials for the project.The effort was shepherded byKidWorks’ Board chair Emily Mandrup, who is the founder of ECM Management, a Santa Ana-based land development and construction management services business.

Said KidWorks CEO David Benavides, “Expanding our spoke centers allows us to be deeply rooted in the life and culture of the neighborhoods we serve whilebuilding trusted relationships that lead to sustainable impact and generational change.”

He said the spoke centers help provide safe, welcoming spaces for students to learn and grow and provide a gathering space for community partners to collaborate on neighborhood transformation.

Asecond growth strategywill strengthen and expand KidWorks’ college and career success programming with the goal of preparing more young people to become competent, confident, and career-ready adults.

Several key enhancements underpin the strategy.They include providing additional support for its Transfer Program, which assists students who begin at community college and later transfer to four-year universities. Also cited are a more robust Mentor Program, and Expanded Workforce Readiness programming to equips students with practical skills and a strong work ethic that is valued by employers.

“Many of our students are the first in their families to pursue higher education,” said Benavides.“We are proudto say that over the years, our alumni have gone on to successful careers in healthcare, engineering, law, industrial trades, the military, and more. These enhancements will allow us to multiply that impact. Since its founding, KidWorks has remained rooted in faith and the belief that a child’s zip code should not determine their future.”

For over 10 years, 100% of KidWorks seniors have graduated high school on time and continued to higher education. For more information and to support KidWorks, visit www.kidworksoc.org.

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About KidWorks

Since 1993, KidWorks has helped children, youth and families living in under-resourced neighborhoods in central Santa Ana, California. As a 501(C) (3) nonprofit, KidWorks makes an 18-year commitment to its students walking with students from “Pre-K through B.A.”

KidWorks Develops Students Who Are:

•Life Ready: Developing the whole person so they can make wise decisions and thrive

•Learners: Educating students so they have a brighter future

•Leaders: Preparing young leaders who make a difference

The outcome is self-reliant young adults who are equipped to succeed in life and are motivated to give back.

For over 10 years, 100% of KidWorks seniors have graduated high school on time and continued to higher education. ln addition to our traditional after school programs, we added supplemental support to better meet the needs of our students and families.

To learn more about KidWorks and to read its success stories, please visit www.kidworksoc.org.