Making a Difference in our Community Fundraiser
A heartfelt message from Angeles Ceballos, Executive Director & Rosario Rowell, Director of Education.
Dear Friends of CREER,
Greetings! We hope this note finds you well. Seven weeks ago, marked the CREER Food Pantry one-year Anniversary. Looking back at all that has happened in the last fourteen months, we continue to feel overwhelmed by the need of the most vulnerable families in our community. We were hoping that the number of families affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic would start to go down once the restrictions started to lift. Unfortunately, our numbers continue to escalate as other temporary pantries have started to close their doors. We are asking for your financial support to help us continue with our food distribution efforts, CREER emergency fund and to maintain our doors open.
The CREER Food Pantry has completed its 59th continuous week of food distribution to families affected economically by the COVID-19 pandemic. By Tuesday, June 1st, we have distributed more than 1,170 pallets, 72,798 boxes/bags of food, 60 1/2 pallets of diapers, and more than $79,898.00 in emergency funds and goods to the most vulnerable and affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
CREER has been able to accomplish these remarkable goals and become a weekly vital source of food to 750 - 850 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, especially supporters like OC Food Bank, OCC Food Recovery Kitchen, Abound Food Care, The City of San Juan Capistrano, The Presbyterian Community Church, The Jewish Foundation, OC Community Foundation, Christian Science Society SJC, EDISON International, O.L Halsell Foundation, SDG&E, F&M Bank and so many more wonderful members of our community.
Also, for the dedication and hard-work of our volunteers and partners: Alexandra, Olivia, Aida, Sindy, Sue, Gloria, Nancy, Tammy, Valeria, Jazmin, Lorena, Martha, Claudia, Lizbeth, Shawn, Bruno, Efrain, David, Ruben, Orlando, Ron, Bill, Toaster, Bear, Ruben O, Christopher, Chrisy, Melissa, karla, Kevin, Margarito, Arturo, Aaron, Hector, Sean, Christina, Judy, Daisy, United Way, the CREEROC Club at San Juan Hills High School and so many more. We also want to give a special recognition to the following restaurants that have donated food for our volunteers during these trying times, knowing how hard the COVID-19 Crisis has affected their businesses: Ellie’s Table, Basanti Restaurant, Ricardo’s Place, OC Pizza, Crivello’s Italian Bistro, Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria, Bueno-Bueno Mexican Kitchen, El Adobe Restaurant, Starbucks Coffee, Irvine Ranch Market, El Campeon. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
CREER is a vital source of information, resources, and educational programs for the most vulnerable members of our community. One thing is certain in the future, the CREER Educational Programs will be as vital if not more vital when the COVID-19 crisis is over, and children return to school. We will be here to continue to help with their education. Meanwhile, with your help, the continued support of the OC Food Bank, and the generosity of other members of the community, we will make sure our children and their families continue to have food on their tables. We need all the help that we can get to continue to offer these vital programs and services to the most vulnerable members of our community.
“Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another.”– Mother Teresa.
If you or anyone you know would like to make a contribution to the CREER Emergency Fund, please send your check to P.O. Box # 1347 San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693 or make a donation by using the donate now button below. Thank you with all of our hearts for your support and constant dedication to us, the CREER Mission, but more importantly, our children. Have a wonderful day and stay safe.
Most Sincerely,
Angeles, Rosario &
The CREER Board of Directors
CREER Comunidad y Familia
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. Kay Barker
Credential Educator – Retired,
Faculty Volunteer Member – CREER
Mrs. Kathy Rowley
Credential Educator – Retired,
Faculty Volunteer Member – CREER
Mrs. Aileen May
Local Artist – 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 $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.