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R� K!dWorks-- <br />C; ` <br />` ,dears <br />Unleashing Youth Potential <br />Dear Commissioners or Councilmembers, <br />1902 W. Chestnut Avenue <br />Santa Ana, CA 92703 <br />Office: 714.834.9400 <br />Fax: 714-834-9494 <br />www.kidworksoc.org <br />I am a longtime resident of the great City of Santa Ana. I believe in our city and its bright future. <br />Today, through my role at KidWorks, I have the privilege every day of supporting youth from <br />underserved Santa Ana neighborhoods as they stretch themselves and grow to become young leaders. <br />At KidWorks, we believe every child is born with unique gifts and talents. Our youth are able use their <br />talents to ultimately impact the world and create meaningful, lasting change in their community. From <br />pre -kindergarten thru college, KidWorks guides students step-by-step to help them develop into <br />confident, self-reliant adults who are equipped for the professional world and are motivated to give <br />back. Since KidWorks was established 30 years ago, thousands of Santa Ana students have successfully <br />participated in our programs. The results are inspiring: nearly 100% of the KidWorks students graduate <br />high school on time and go on to college, and 98% are grounded in the belief that they are equipped to <br />face life's challenges. <br />Our success in large part is due to having committed community partners who believe in the mission <br />and future of our organization, as well as the potential of our great city. Related California is one of <br />those corporate believers and they are different than other real estate developers who build a project <br />and then move on. Related is a long-term owner, who invests in their communities for the long run and <br />takes pride in being a true community partner. I have witnessed this through their work in the Lacy <br />Neighborhood and their housing development there a number of years ago. <br />Related's genuine understanding of its role and opportunity to improve the quality of life for all Santa <br />Ana residents and their track record of providing mixed -income housing, is why I support their proposed <br />Related Bristol redevelopment project in south Santa Ana. It will deliver remarkable economic benefits, <br />including 7,600 new jobs and millions of dollars in annual tax revenue to the city for needed projects <br />citywide. <br />But just as impactful, Related will remain a long-term community partner because it is what they have <br />done and will continue to do as the largest developer of mixed income housing California, including two <br />affordable projects right here in Santa Ana. <br />Santa Ana needs more partners like Related, which is why I support Related Bristol and encourage you <br />to do the same. <br />Thank you, <br />David Benavides <br />Executive Director/CEO <br />KidWorks... We Unleash Youth Potential <br />