CREER Food & Diaper Distribution 3rd Year Anniversary
Dear Friends of CREER,
Greetings! We hope this note finds you and your families doing well. On April 21st, we celebrated our three-year anniversary distributing food and diapers at the CREER Food Pantry. Reflecting in the last three years, we are amazed that we are still distributing food & diapers after 36 months to more than 675 families per week and helping them alleviate some of the economic hardships that the COVID-19 Crisis has created.
Starting on April, and due to the cancelation of many federal and state programs, and in order to continue to help more than 650 families, we were forced to change our food distribution schedule from weekly to bi-weekly. On Tuesday, we served more than 675 families and more than 187 children at the diaper program. Below, please find a few pictures from Tuesday's Food & Diaper Distribution at CREER.
The CREER Food Pantry has completed its 156th continuous week (36 Months) of food distribution to families affected economically by the COVID-19 pandemic and by Tuesday, April 18th, 2023, we have distributed more than 2,705 pallets, 139,818 boxes/bags of food, 163 1/2 pallets of diapers, and more than $268,898.00 in emergency funds and goods to the most vulnerable and affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
The food boxes represent 559,272 meals distributed in 36 months. In the last 156 weeks, the average number of families served is 101,487 with an average of 4 individuals per family, the average number of people served by the pantry is 405,948.
In addition to the food and diaper distribution, during the last three Christmases we were able to distribute more than 2,750 gifts, and we also distributed more than 150 bags with children's books at the beginning of the summer to encourage reading. Additionally, we distributed 75 computers, in partnership with COX Communications and Human IT, to the most vulnerable members of our community.
Aside from the CREER Food and Diaper Distribution, in the last 3 weeks we have distributed 370 FREE Android SKY PAD 10 Tables from the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to qualifying candidates. In the same events, and in collaboration with Latino Heath Access, we performed 160 supervised COVID-19 Tests– All with a negative diagnosis.
Tomorrow, Saturday, April 22nd, 2023, we will have a 4th tablet distribution event where we are planning to distribute another 250 tablets during the Mental Health and Family Resource Fair hosted by Latino Health Access where our families will be presented with new programs and resources.
CREER has been able to accomplish these remarkable goals and become a weekly vital source of food and diapers to an average of 650 of the most vulnerable families affected by the COVID-19 crisis in the San Juan Capistrano and adjacent communities thanks to the support of so many in our community. Our community partners, agencies, local and regional businesses, Community Presbyterian Church, Christian Science Church, and so many generous individuals. We will be forever grateful for your generosity!
Special thanks to our dedicated and amazing volunteers, Valeria, Sue S., Ron, Bill, Rosy, Jazmine, Jimmy, Ezequiel, Merri, Jackie, David, Linda, Susan, Diane, Darleen, Bruno, Efrain, Theo, Todd, Leslie, Gloria, Francisco, Andrea, Lara, Cricket, Suzie, Lilian, Lorena, Miguel, Ethan, Pedro, Efren, Efren II, our amazing students and so, so many more wonderful people who support our efforts – Thank you with all our heart, you are the heart that makes us beat!!
“No one can measure the effects of a single act of giving, for its repercussions are beyond our limited imagination.” -Taitetsu Unno
We are looking into the future with hope and with your help, the continued support of the OC Food Bank, and the generosity of so many members of our community, we will make sure our children and their families continue to have food on their tables and much needed access to quality educational programs.
One thing is certain in the future, the CREER Educational Programs will be as vital if not more vital now that the COVID-19 crisis is phasing out and children are back in school. We will be here to continue to help with their education, starting with the opening of the 2023 CREER Summer Programs.
Please help us celebrate our 3 years Anniversary by donating to any of our programs and sending your check to CREER Comunidad y Familia at P.O. Box 1347, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693 or using the donate now button below. Thank you again for your continued support and dedication to the CREER Mission. Have a wonderful day!
With Gratitude,
Angeles & Rosario
CREER Food Distribution Photo Gallery
About Us
Who We Are
CREER a 501 (c) (3) non-profit based in San Juan Capistrano, CA was founded in 2004 and in 2007 became a non-profit. The number of children, youth and families served by CREER’s combined programs is approximately 10,080 a year.
CREER develops positive programs to guide our youth in productive, self-sufficient life paths. We are one of the most effective providers of educational programs, parent education, community / youth leadership and gang prevention programs for at risk children and families in South Orange County.
CREER’s Primary Geographic Area is South Orange County: San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch and adjacent cities.
Although 95% of the families that CREER serves live in poverty, all of our programs are universal, inclusive, and will never be discriminatory to anyone. In fact, by default, we work with a large number of children with learning disabilities that are benefiting from our homework club, tutoring and summer programs.
Our Commitment
We would like to emphasize that all members of CREER believe in the development of academics, fine arts and leadership programs and that with the help of these programs CREER strives to instill a strong sense of community in the lives of the most vulnerable and underprivileged children and their families in our community.
CREER aims to give our children and youth academic success leading to higher education and an artistic base as alternatives to the negative influences that surround them. Our cultural and performing arts program specially aims to give the children and youth of our community the opportunity to develop a strong sense of belonging and also to understand that hard work and commitment will help them achieve their goals in life. We at CREER believe that if we give children and youth the means to express themselves in a positive way it will help to deter future crime, thus making our community a safer place for all.
CREER Programs
In 2012, we at CREER, decided that the fastest and most efficient way for permanent social impact was to concentrate our efforts and limited resources into education. The same year, and with the help of several very talented individuals we co-wrote the CREER Community Education Initiative (CCEI).
Following are the CREER Educational Programs as outlined in CCEI:
1. CREER Homework Club K-12th Grades. School Year-Round Program
2. CREER Afterschool Tutoring Program Pre-K-12th Grades. Five Six-week Sessions Scheduled in 2018.
3. CREER Summer Program Pre-K-12th Grades. One Six-week Session Scheduled in 2018. At the end of every Summer Session we hold a closing ceremony, where all children have the opportunity to share their achievements and art works. This event offers a very unique opportunity for family bonding and community togetherness, while giving children a strong sense of pride and empowerment.
Children enrolled in these programs also learn vital study skills, workmanship and the joy and pride in learning; giving them a sense of empowerment that will help them achieve their academic goals.
CREER's Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
To develop children, youth and families through educational, cultural, arts, sports and civic leadership programs.
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Mission
To create inspiring programs that transform lives and generations through education, culture, athletics, civic leadership and community involvement.
Our Values
Our Mission
Our Values
Believing in the power of the human spirit. Believing in the power of community. Believing all goals and dreams are achievable.
Meet the Team
CREER's Board Members
Mrs. Shirley Sauvageau - CREER Board Member - Former Teacher. (Left)
Mrs. Adelita Coronado-Greeley - CREER Co-Founder and Board Member - Former Teacher. (Second Left)
Mr. Ricardo Beas - CREER Board Member - Ricardo's Place Restaurant Co-Owner and Community Leader. (Center)
Mr. & Mrs. Kramer - CREER Supporters & Financial Contributors. (Right)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Mr. Joe Soto,
President
The Soto Company – CEO
Mayor, City of SJC – (2004 & 2008)
Mr. Ricardo Beas,
Vice-President
Ricardo’s Place Restaurant – Owner
Community Leader,
Rotary Club Member
Mrs. Adela Greeley-Coronado,
Secretary
CREER Founder,
Credential Educator – Retired
Former Illinois Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Vera Assanti,
Treasurer
Partner / Office Manager / Accountant
Assanti & Associates, P.C
MEMBERS
Mrs. Shirley Sauvageau
Credential Educator – Retired
Faculty Volunteer Member – CREER
Mrs. Lourdes Gutierrez
Business Owner / Community Leader
Ms. Aurea Florentino
Dental Assistant / Community Leader
Mr. Jeff Singer
Sailor,
Angel for the Art’s-Emeritus – Former
Board Member SJC FOL – Former,
Dr. Bob Manniello,
Neonatal & Pediatric Physician – Retired
Rockin with the Doc Host /
OCRockRadio.com
ADVISORY BOARD
Mrs. Louise Dumais
Credential Educator – Retired,
Faculty Volunteer Member – CREER
Mrs. Rosa Beas
Educator – Retired,
Principal of Head Start – Former
Mrs. Kathy Rowley
Credential Educator – Retired,
Faculty Volunteer Member – CREER
Mr. Javier Martinez
Founding Board Member,
Corazones Alegres Director – Former
Mr. Juan Peña
Founding Board Member,
Director of Atlas SJC Soccer League
STAFF MEMBERS
Ms. Angeles Ceballos
Executive Director
Ms. Rosario Rowell
Director of Education
CREER's Volunteers
Thank you to all our volunteers for your support and dedication. Our Staff and Board Members understand and value your hard work. We know that you are the legs we stand on and the heart that makes us beat so we can continue with our Mission. Thank you Ladies and Gentlemen from the bottom of our hearts...
CREER's Staff
Ms. Angeles Ceballos - Executive Director (Left)
Ms. Rosario Rowell - Director of Education (Right)
Miss. Andrea Romero - Summer Music, Reading & Writing Teacher
(Center)
All CREER Staff, Faculty and Volunteer Faculty are qualified to work with children. We have seven retired credentialed teachers who teach classes in a daily basis and during the Summer Programs. According to Mrs. Dumais, Educator with a Masters in Special Education and former Principal of Prentice School: “Between all of us, we have over 350 years of experience and expertise working with children k-12 Grades, we love it and are overwhelmingly passionate about our programs.” Mrs. Dumais is a CREER volunteer, who developed and currently implements the writing program.
Sponsor a Child Campaign
The CREER Sponsor a child Campaign will give a child the opportunity to learn and close the academic and cultural gaps that poverty creates. Your donation of only $60.00 will sponsor a child for one class for 6 weeks. $360.00 will provide a Full Afterschool or Summer Session consisting of 6 classes for 6 weeks.
Please donate!!
Picture: 2017 CREER Summer Programs - Reading & Comprehension Class - 1st-2nd Grades.