Forward, together: Houston's culture of philanthropy propels our community

As the CEO of BakerRipley , I am in awe of Houston's enduring love of humanity, care and concern for our Neighbors, and generous philanthropy. This matchless energy and steadfast commitment are what drive our agency's capacity to bring innovative resources, enriching educational experiences, and life-changing social connections to the emerging communities we serve. In my opinion, this is the epitome of philanthropy as an American virtue.

Philanthropy is often described as society’s risk capital. It has the power to accelerate progress where it is needed most. It supports work that can fuel real change in the world. And it has the power to influence social change by creating a ripple effect that can touch people’s lives for generations.

During our Fall 2022 fundraising event, The BakerRipley Experience: Unlimited, it was a distinguished honor for me to salute two of BakerRipley's most ardent corporate partners -- Shell USA and Verizon. The generous philanthropic resources from these organizations are building tremendous cornerstones of stability for the Houston region.

壳牌 and BakerRipley have been changing lives together for more than 25 years. In 2021, the company made an incredible $1 million legacy investment in Deer Park, a small community just a few short miles east of Houston. With those funds, our agency is working with San Jacinto College to ensure our Neighbors in that community have equitable access to continuing education, community leadership training, and other opportunities to help them overcome life’s obstacles and turn their dreams into unlimited possibilities and invincible realities.

Verizon , too, is an outstanding, future-focused philanthropic partner. This company shares our vision for empowering neighbors to create better lives for themselves and their families through digital inclusion.?Our collaboration on the Tech Equity Bridge Program focuses on building the STEM skills our Neighbors need to be successful in education, the workforce, and our increasingly digital economy.

WATCH THIS VIDEO: Forward, together, Verizon and BakerRipley are paving pathways into the unlimited future of digital inclusion and resilience while changing the lives of Neighbors like Maria Santos and Oni Meeks.

I cannot imagine what our community would be without small businesses. I love it when drive, determination, passion, and resources from BakerRipley lead to entrepreneurial success for Neighbors like Monica Cortez. She went from serving coffee out of the back of her vehicle to launching a full-time cafe and catering service. And she is paying it forward by helping other entrepreneurs.

Watch her beautiful story here.

My deepest, undying appreciation goes out to every member of BakerRipley's culture of philanthropy -- including our board of directors, donors, corporate partners, community leaders, and agency staff. When our agency asks them to be part of the solution to help our most vulnerable Neighbors move forward in their journey, they always come through with an overwhelmingly generous response of financial contributions and hours of volunteer service. Their investments of time and resources in BakerRipley make it possible for more than half a million Neighbors who walk through our doors every year to find hope and opportunities.

BakerRipley prides itself on building communities and delivering programs and services with a unique, holistic approach. We drive bold, innovative solutions that affirm human potential. In every aspect of our work to uplift and create impact, we never take our culture of philanthropy for granted. It is a culture that sustains our agency's unwavering commitment to keeping the Houston region a place of opportunity for everyone to move forward, together.

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