Zulema Zarate is a full-time working mom in Houston raising three kids while earning her college degree. Two BakerRipley programs helped her family turn a hard stretch into a stronger foundation. Her story shows what steady, judgment-free support can do for a family at different stages of life.
Head Start is a federally funded program that provides early childhood education to children from low-income families. BakerRipley runs Head Start sites across Houston. Zulema first enrolled her son more than a decade ago; today her youngest daughter attends. The Weatherization Program helps eligible homeowners repair and upgrade their homes to make them safer and more energy-efficient. When a burst pipe forced Zulema's family out of their home in 2025, the Weatherization Program helped cover critical repairs and improvements so the family could return and move forward.
If you are a Houston-area parent, look into BakerRipley's Head Start program for children who are preschool age. If you own a home and have faced damage or high energy costs, check whether you qualify for the Weatherization Program. Both programs are designed to meet families where they are, without judgment. Zulema's experience suggests that reaching out directly and describing your situation honestly is a good first step. BakerRipley also runs programs in adult education, workforce support, tax help, immigration services, and more, so one call or visit can open doors to more than one kind of help.
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BakerRipley offers a wide range of programs beyond the two in Zulema's story. Families can also access adult education, workforce training, food and nutrition services, health and wellness support, immigration and citizenship help, small business resources, veteran services, and free tax preparation. If one program fits your situation today, another might fit tomorrow.
Zulema's story is worth knowing because it names real programs that are available to Houston families right now. Head Start gives young children high-quality early learning. The Weatherization Program helps homeowners make safety and energy upgrades after things go wrong. Together, they show that help can meet a family at more than one point of need.
