newportbeachindy . com APRIL 28 , 2023 5
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
Newport Beach Women Believe in the Promise of KidWorks to Change Lives
KidWorks Women ’ s Committee members ( L to R ): Betsy Flint , Kathy Ursini , Camille Strader , Kyle Team , Charlene Calish , Kristen McGuiness , Kim Carpenter . Not pictured : Stephanie Peleuses .
By NB Indy Staff
Central Santa Ana may seem a world away from fashionable Newport Beach , but both communities are home to many families who love their children and hope they will have a brighter future and a chance to become young leaders who will make a difference .
While wealth and opportunities are vastly different , purely from the perspective of love and hope , a defining difference between the two communities may be the zip code .
Perhaps that ’ s why KidWorks , a Santa
Ana-based nonprofit dedicated to providing academic , personal development , and leadership programs for children and teens in overlooked neighborhoods , has captured the hearts and minds of a group of influential and philanthropic-minded women from Newport Beach .
These women , who say they are sharing the joy they have found in being a part of something bigger than themselves , are members of a women ’ s auxiliary , called Kid- Works Women ( KWW ), which has pledged to support the important and transformative
work of KidWorks . KidWorks , which marks 30 years as a vibrant community development-focused nonprofit in 2023 , has a fully licensed preschool and after-school programs , plus tutoring , mentoring , and adult services in the areas of health , parenting , and support groups .
For nearly a decade , 100 percent of Kid- Works high school students have graduated on time and gone onto higher education . Each year , KidWorks impacts the lives of hundreds of students and families through our programs in central Santa Ana .
The founding KWW leadership group includes Newport Beach residents Kyle Team , Kristen McGuinness , Stephanie Peluses , Kathy Ursini , and Camille Strader . The KidWorks staff advisor is Associate Director of Development Lisa Gels , also of Newport Beach .
“ For 30 years , KidWorks has provided academic support , and leadership development programs that empower students on their journey from pre-kindergarten through their college years ,” said KWW Chair Team , who is also a member of the KidWorks board .
“ Our group supports the entire family to ensure student success , creating self-reliant young adults , who are equipped for life and career , and who are making a difference by giving back to their community ,” she said . She added that the group focuses activities through the lenses of fun , faith , and philanthropy . Fun is represented by two annual signature social events , the spring Pickleball Tournament held at The Tennis and Pickleball Club at Newport Beach , and the fall Rosé on the Bay event , which takes place at a private waterfront residence .
The faith component includes participation in at least two spiritual activities like prayer walks , Bible studies , or other faithbased projects . Lastly , philanthropy will include two hands-on service projects or engagement opportunities each year .
“ I ’ ve had the privilege to play a small part in the creation of this group that supports KidWorks ,” said KidWorks Service Co-Chair Camille Strader . “ We have started with a few annual events , but I hope to see these events grow and for us to reach more and more women who would like to give of their time , talents and treasure .”
Collectively , the women are determined to support KidWorks as it continues its legacy as a beacon of light and hope .
Said KidWorks Executive Director David Benavides , “ We thank these women for their belief in our mission to unleash youth potential … one life at a time . In partnership with all of our valued supporters and volunteers , we are empowering youth towards college and meaningful careers .
Women interested in joining the group are asked to send their contact information to Gels at lisa . gels @ kidworksoc . org . To learn more about KidWorks and to read its success stories , please visit www . kidworksoc . org .