KidsFirst has been part of the Placer County community for decades, supporting children and families through difficult times and helping create stronger, more stable futures.
Jesus knows that impact firsthand.
Born in Mexico and brought to the United States with his parents as a young child, Jesus grew up in a household shaped by financial strain and concern for his younger sister, Yulissa, who was born with a serious heart condition. His mother spent much of her time caring for Yulissa and navigating hospital visits while his father worked to support the family. During that time, a referral brought them to KidsFirst.
What Jesus remembers most is not just the support his family received, but how it made them feel.
One Christmas, when resources were limited, KidsFirst surprised Jesus and his sister with gifts. For a child who spent time watching cartoons and imagining what Christmas might feel like in other homes, that moment stayed with him. It was more than receiving presents. It was feeling seen and knowing his family mattered.
But the impact extended beyond that moment.
Jesus remembers Leticia, a KidsFirst team member, who stayed connected with his family even after his sister passed away. That consistency left a lasting impression. It showed him that support is not only about meeting an immediate need, but about helping families feel cared for through life’s hardest moments.
That experience shaped the way Jesus sees the world.
Growing up under pressure helped him value small things, understand struggle, and appreciate people who show up for others.
Today, Jesus works at Macy’s, where he already knew KidsFirst board member Lawrence through work. During a recent community fair, Jesus shared for the first time that he was a KidsFirst alum and told Lawrence about the impact the organization had on his family. Lawrence was proud to support him in that moment, creating a full-circle reminder that care and connection can last far beyond childhood.
That is the lasting impact of KidsFirst: helping create a future where children and families feel safe, supported, and seen.
