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
To develop children, youth and families through educational, cultural, arts, sports and civic leadership programs.
Our Vision
To create inspiring programs that transform lives and generations through education, culture, athletics, civic leadership and community involvement.
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)
Executive Committee
Joe Soto, President - Soto Company – President, CREER Board of Directors – 2014 - Mayor City of San Juan Capistrano – Former
Ricardo Beas - Vice-President, CREER Board of Directors - Co-owner Ricardo’s Place Restaurant –Community Leader
Adela Coronado-Greeley -– CREER Secretary - CREER Co-Founder, Former Illinois Teacher of the Year
Dr. Patricia Ahearn – Treasurer, CREER Board of Director - Internal Medicine - Church Leader
Members
Shirley Sauvageau - Credential Educator – Retired, Docent Society, Mission Basilica, and FOL Board Member - Former, Global Volunteer, since 1997 - California Retired Teachers Association, Faculty Volunteer Member – CREER
Vera Assanti - Office Manager / Accountant - Assanti & Associates, P.C
Lourdes Gutierrez - Community Leader and Business Owner
Aurea Florentino - Community Leader and Mission Basilica Volunteer
Advisory Board
Louise Dumais - Educator – Former, Masters in Special Education, Former – Principal of Prentice Academy - Faculty Volunteer Member – CREER
Javier Martinez - Founding Board Member - Irvine Company Manager - Former - Coordinator. Corazones Alegres de CREER Ballet Folclórico
Juan Pena - Founding Board Member, Business Owner - Director of Atlas SJC Soccer League
Rosa Beas – Co-Owner of Ricardo’s Place - Community Organizer, Principal at Head Start - Former - Board Member of Several Local Organizations.
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 $40.00 will sponsor a child for one class for 6 weeks. $240.00 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.
