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2017-2018 ANNUAL REPORT

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A LETTER FROM OUR CEO

At BakerRipley, we believe in breaking down barriers and bringing down walls to
expose the one thing we all have in common - the fact that we’re all HUMAN.



All around the world, there’s an urgent need for compassion—a need for us all to
come together and to talk. The BakerRipley HUMAN campaign is an opportunity to
provide a space for meaningful connections that build bridges—from one HUMAN to
another. We’re more alike than we are different, and we want to celebrate our
common bonds. Sometimes a simple conversation is all it takes to foster
understanding between two people.

For more than 110 years, BakerRipley’s work has been based on conversations with
the people in the neighborhoods where we work. Community engagement is at the
very core of what we do. From these conversations, we have learned that all of
us, no matter where we’re from, want the same things - to earn, learn, and
belong. These are universal aspirations that connect us as human beings.

We do our part to keep Houston a welcoming place of opportunity by staying
connected to the community. We listen. We respond. And we deliver. Our programs
and services are always evolving to meet the region’s most pressing issues.
BakerRipley must be relevant and responsive because these issues are those that
matter most to our neighbors.

We want the same things – to earn, learn and belong. These are universal
aspirations that connect us as human beings.

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In this Annual Report, you will find stories about people, just like you, who
have overcome challenges to pursue a better life for themselves, their families,
and their communities.

We hope these stories will inspire you to get to know your neighbors better and
to become more involved in making improvements to your community.

At BakerRipley, we know that the good things we do for one another can have a
huge impact on our neighborhoods, our city, and even the world.

Claudia Aguirre
President and CEO

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ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY

EVERYONE HAS A VOICE. AT BAKERRIPLEY, OUR WORK IS ABOUT IGNITING AND SUPPORTING
OUR NEIGHBORS’ VOICES. AN ESSENTIAL PART OF STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES IS SHOWING
INDIVIDUALS WAYS TO USE THEIR VOICES TO EXPRESS THEIR OPINIONS AND USHER IN
CHANGE.

Whether it’s attending a City Council meeting, volunteering at a school,
organizing a voter registration drive, or planning a neighborhood festival,
BakerRipley gives our neighbors the tools and training they need to advocate for
themselves and their communities.

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ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE



For several years, Steve Adame stocked his home with gallon jugs of water. His
stockpile of water had nothing to do with hurricane preparedness, although he
did keep a supply on hand for emergencies.

While many people take for granted having water available to cook, bathe, and
drink, Steve didn’t always have this luxury. Poor service by his neighborhood’s
water company plagued the area.

We do our part to keep Houston a welcoming place of opportunity by staying
connected to the community. We listen. We respond. And we deliver. Our programs
and services are always evolving to meet the region’s most pressing issues.
BakerRipley must be relevant and responsive because these issues are those that
matter most to our neighbors.

“You never knew when the water would go out,” Steve said.

After suffering through the situation, Steve decided to take action. For the
past four years, he has been fighting the water company and advocating for
better, more reliable service.

The problematic utility company was eventually taken over by the state, but when
a new company expressed interest in purchasing the service, Steve wanted some
assurances that the service would be better.

He was tired of the run-around from utility companies and state officials who
promised change, but never delivered.

Around this time, Steve signed up for BakerRipley’s Leadership Training Course.
Through the class, he learned how to leverage his networks and the importance of
pressing civic leaders for commitment.

At a town hall meeting, Steve was able to get a verbal commitment from a utility
representative to not raise rates for two years without getting community input.
Although the company has since stepped back from their commitment, Steve remains
firm in his request and speaks with the utility company on a regular basis to
discuss community concerns.

BakerRipley works with our neighbors to show them that one person can make a
difference. Steve has used the skills he learned in the leadership class to not
only advocate for his neighborhood, but for his larger community as well.

Steve’s experience in holding the utility company accountable has inspired him
to help host a large Veterans Day parade, organize toy drives, and even bike
drives. Others now come to him for help with volunteer projects or civic
engagement advice.


“IT’S IMPORTANT TO PASS ON THE KNOWLEDGE AND CONNECTIONS TO HELP THE COMMUNITY”

STEVE ADAME

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Photo: East Aldine neighbors participated in our first health fair at the new
BakerRipley East Aldine Campus.


WHAT ENGAGEMENT LOOKS LIKE

Too often, organizations have looked at poor neighborhoods as a collection of
problems to be solved and issues to be addressed. At BakerRipley, we have
learned that we must first listen to find out all the elements a family needs to
build vibrant lives—in the way that they define vibrant.

Appreciative Community Building is BakerRipley’s approach of engaging neighbors
and communities by uncovering their strengths and assets, and leveraging them
for greater impact. Whether it’s creating programs for older adults to remain
active, teaching community members how to advocate for their rights, or
developing educational programs that help children thrive, our main goal is to
nurture engagement and help people get more involved in the communities where
they live and work.

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FINDING FAMILY IN COMMUNITY

Awa Diawara was born in the Republic of Mali, a land-locked country in West
Africa. “Malians are very family- oriented and your neighbor is part of your
family. So I was raised by my parents and my neighbors,” Awa said.

That sense of belonging is what drew her to Houston, which has one of the
largest African communities in the United States.

However, living between two cultures can be both positive and negative. Her
daughter, Zeina, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, but at a very young age moved to
Mali to live with Awa’s mother. After spending two years in Mali with her
grandmother, she came back speaking only French and Mandingo, which made her
first experiences of American schools and American children difficult.

Awa enrolled Zeina at BakerRipley’s Promise Community School. “Her class is very
integrated—Latinos, Asians, Africans. She is exposed to other cultures.”

This was important to Awa. “Children like Zeina are stuck in the middle and
sometimes don’t know what to do,” Awa said. But at Promise Community School, her
teachers embrace her for who she is—African and American. The school has become
their family of neighbors.


BAKERRIPLEY TAX CENTERS

Since 2009, our tax centers have prepared over 290,000 tax returns, putting over
$390 million back in the pockets of working families.

2017 STATS

0

TAX RETURNS PROCESSED

$0

NET TAX REFUNDS

$6615084

COST SAVINGS TO FAMILIES

This story was originally published in the BakerRipley publication, Black Lives
Houston: Voices of Our Generations. Click here to learn more or get your copy.

“I want her to succeed in life. She does very well in school. I always try to
set a good example for her—work hard, focus on school.” This is why Awa feels
that education and exposure to diverse communities are important for African
immigrant communities and their children.

Currently, Awa is working part-time for a Houston law firm and the Tax Center at
BakerRipley, all while pursuing her doctoral degree in public policy and law.

She doesn’t mind the numerous hours required to work in immigration law,
volunteer at the Tax Center, attend school and be a full-time mother.

“I want to make a difference in people’s lives and give back to others.”

BakerRipley offers Early Childhood Education, Charter Schools and adult
education to help our neighbors achieve their educational goals.

3,277

EARLY HEAD START AND HEAD START STUDENTS

2,097

PROMISE COMMUNITY SCHOOL STUDENTS


ONE PARENT AT THE BAKERRIPLEY HOUSE CHARTER SCHOOL SAID

“It was as if she had awakened. We were at the [school] award ceremony [where my
daughter in 6th grade received a citizenship award]. It was the first time that
she received a certificate and that really motivated her. When I looked at her,
I felt as if there was a change taking place within her. After we came to meet
her teachers during the Open House... they told us that [my daughter] was a girl
that has great potential... a great deal of charisma, she is very talented and
has a huge desire for learning. She was like a sponge, absorbing everything that
was being given to her. When I turned to look at my husband, I said, ‘Who are
they talking about?’ Because at the other school, we heard very different
things, almost all negative comments about her. Things like she didn’t pay
attention, she was very talkative, she didn’t focus, even though I thought that
she was trying. So when they said that, I told my husband that we didn’t make a
mistake in bringing the children here.”

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WISDOM EXCHANGE

17,180

SENIORS AND CAREGIVERS SERVED THROUGHOUT OUR REGION

60+ YOUTH & 40+ SENIORS

PARTICIPATED IN INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAMS

Asking questions, listening and taking action based on what we hear results in
powerful exchanges that build bridges between people and communities. Our Senior
Services division has created an intergenerational program where high school and
college students interview older adults to learn about each other in a true
wisdom exchange.

Starlic Williams is a 16-year-old senior at Mickey Leland College Preparatory
Academy for Young Men. The soft-spoken young man has a passion for art and
music. In fact, he just released a song called “Story.” But he is also
passionate about making a difference in his community. That’s why he agreed to
participate in BakerRipley’s Wisdom Exchange.

“I thought it would be a cool experience,” he said. “And it turned out to be
quite inspiring.”

Starlic interviewed two older adults— Dr. Virgil Wood, a former lieutenant to
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Masey Hines, who unbeknownst to Starlic, lived
near his home in Pearland.

Starlic immediately connected with Masey because they both believe in the
importance of family.

“Family is a big part of life and you should use your family to your advantage,”
Starlic said. “Miss Masey told me about her mother and how she taught her to
serve the community and help those in need.”

While Masey focused on family and community, Dr. Wood talked about the
importance of goal- setting and self-improvement.

“The lesson Dr. Wood taught me is perseverance,” Starlic said. “If a plan fails,
find another way to achieve it. Don’t give up. Keep at it. Get better. Tap into
the wisdom and knowledge of the people around you.”

“The biggest thing I learned from this experience is age doesn’t limit what you
can or should do,” Starlic said. “All you need is the drive and motivation.”

Starlic believes that this experience has given him a new perspective on life
and he advises people his age to have similar conversations with people from
different generations.

“Our generation is more connected than ever and that allows us to build
connections around the world,” Starlic said. “Talk to older people and learn
about their lives, then incorporate how they lived into your life.”

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RESPONDING TO THE REGION

The issues that the nation is struggling with— natural disasters, immigration,
workforce training and development, and others—are being addressed by
BakerRipley on a daily basis through our programs and services.

Our neighbors seek us out because they trust that we can respond to their needs
effectively and efficiently.

“We must prepare. We must plan for the next disaster. It isn’t whether it’s
going to happen. It will happen... and the planning has to be with every entity—
public, private, nonprofits. Everyone has to join together.”

CLAUDIA AGUIRRE

President and CEO

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HURRICANE HARVEY: RESPONSE AND RECOVERY

25 Days of Our Work at the NRG Shelter

When we got the call from Harris County Judge Ed Emmett on August 29th asking
BakerRipley to manage the NRG Center Shelter for people displaced by the storm,
we immediately answered it. It’s in our DNA. It’s what we do. We have more than
a decade of experience in long-term disaster recovery starting with Tropical
Storm Allison in 2001, and of course, Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Approximately 12 hours after the initial request, a core team from BakerRipley
had come together, developed a plan, and opened the NRG Center Shelter to the
public. People poured into the shelter and we welcomed each of them with dignity
and respect.

Our work in long-term disaster recovery helps neighbors rebuild through:
Disaster Case Management, Home Restoration, Unmet Needs Assistance (temporary
housing and financial assistance), and our Neighborhood Restoration Centers.



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HOPE AFTER THE STORM

When Hurricane Harvey hit 67-year-old Dorothy Cullom’s Edgebrook neighborhood,
she never expected to stay up all night with her grandson, Cody, saving
keepsakes from the flood water seeping into her home.

She never expected to wind up with nine inches of water in her home. She never
imagined being rescued by boat the next morning, then picked up in a dump truck,
taken to a METRO bus shuttle pickup and dropped off at the George R. Brown
Convention Center, which served as one of the Harvey shelters.

“Things looked bleak that first week post-Harvey,” Dorothy said. “I was safe,
but didn’t know how I would pay for the hotel, home repairs and damaged
belongings.”

One of Dorothy’s neighbors told her how BakerRipley was helping people recover
from the storm and she decided to go to the Pasadena Neighborhood Restoration
Center at the BakerRipley Cleveland Campus to see if she qualified.

“When we first went to the Neighborhood Restoration Center, we didn’t have an
appointment, but they didn’t turn us away,” Dorothy said. “I liked that it was
organized, they didn’t waste our time and it was a welcoming environment.”

At the center, Dorothy received a gift card for groceries and several goody bags
filled with basic items such as personal hygiene products, paper towels and
cleaning supplies.

Disaster Case Manager Teri Lynn Smith was assigned to Dorothy to guide her
through the process.

“You could hear the toll Harvey took in her voice,” Teri Lynn said. “She seemed
vulnerable and in shock six months after the hurricane. When I told her the new
stove got approved and I was going to help her pick one, her tone lightened and
it seemed like she had more hope. I wanted her to know she wasn’t alone.”

Although things were looking brighter for Dorothy, her 10-year-old

grandson was struggling with health issues brought on by the stress of the
situation.

“We didn’t think the Harvey situation was affecting him,” Dorothy said. “He had
friends, he played in the hotel pool and school life seemed normal. One morning
his face was drooping, we went to the doctor and learned he had Bell’s Palsy -
most likely from stress.”

Luckily, Cody’s condition went away after a month just in time to move back in
to their home.

“I have things I’ve never had before in my life in this new house, Dorothy said.
“I’m so thankful and I feel like I’m on the top of the world, thanks to people
lifting me up, both physically and mentally.”

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ONE YEAR LATER

One year later, in collaboration with the City of Houston, The United Way of
Greater Houston, and Harris County, BakerRipley expanded long-term disaster
recovery services so our neighbors impacted by Harvey can connect to specific
resources that support their path to recovery.

BakerRipley’s recovery efforts are available in Fort Bend, Harris, Montgomery,
and Waller counties.

“When FEMA and the Red Cross couldn’t get here to help set up and run the NRG
Center Shelter, I knew BakerRipley could. It was done spectacularly and, with
the help of BakerRipley’s partners, it provided everything from food to cots to
medical and pet assistance. It was a great accomplishment. The NRG Center
Shelter is now going to be the model for how to set up a welcoming shelter
worldwide.”

Ed Emmet
Harris County Judge

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THANK YOU

Although Hurricane Harvey caused unprecedented damage and destruction, it didn’t
crush our spirits.

In fact, it only made us stronger. So many people did what they could to help
their fellow neighbors and support one another during and after the storm.

We appreciate everyone who contributed time, money, or supplies to our Harvey
Recovery efforts. The outpouring of generosity was overwhelming. Because of your
donations, we have been able to support our neighbors during their time of need.


WE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO DONORS WHO CONTRIBUTED $100K* AND
ABOVE.

AIG AMERICAN RED CROSS CATHOLIC CHARITIES ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON
CULLEN TRUST FOR HEALTH CARE THE DENVER FOUNDATION DYNEGY INC. GLOBAL GIVING
GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (CITY/COUNTY HURRICANE HARVEY FUND) JJ WATT
FOUNDATION
JOHN P. MCGOVERN FOUNDATION THE JOSEPH H. FLOM FOUNDATION NEWMAN’S OWN
FOUNDATION REBUILD TEXAS FUND RELIANT ENERGY UNITED HEALTHCARE UNITED WAY OF
GREATER HOUSTON VACATIONS TO GO W.M. KECK FOUNDATION

*AS OF OCTOBER 2018

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IMMIGRATION

BakerRipley believes that regardless of where we are from, we all have a HUMAN
connection. We are here to help everyone who walks through our doors. We will
ensure they have found a place where they can belong.

Our immigration system is complex and in need of reform. Changes to immigration
policies directly impact our neighbors and the region as a whole. And
BakerRipley is always ready to respond. Our priority is to make sure our
communities have the most updated and accurate information around immigration
policies.

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KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER

The birth of a child is a momentous occasion in every parent’s life. But imagine
if you were thousands of miles away on the day your child was born. How would
you feel about missing this special event?

Santosh, a farmer from Nepal who was forced to flee the country in 2014, knows
how painful this experience can be. Not only was he separated from his wife and
newborn child, but it also took three years for him to finally meet his
daughter, Sanjana, in person.

For six months, Santosh traveled across the globe, slowly working his way
through India, Africa, Brazil and other Central and South American countries
before arriving at the U.S. – Mexico border in August 2014 where he sought
asylum from persecution.

After a long and difficult waiting period, he was granted asylum in a New York
court and moved to Houston in 2016.

“After I come here I feel good, I’m safe and can worry about my family. America
is great, and it respects human rights, you know,” Santosh said.

In 2017, Santosh approached BakerRipley staff for help in bringing his wife and
now three-year-old daughter, Sanjana, to the U.S. as refugees.

After a year-long wait, his case was approved on December 11, 2017 and his
family flew to Houston nearly two weeks later. Santosh finally met Sanjana in
person for the first time.

“It feels good, so amazing,” Santosh said about holding his daughter in his arms
for the very first time.

These days Santosh works at a grocery store and his wife is taking English
classes every morning during the week.

“She’s learning, now she’s going to the grocery store, paying for stuff, you
know learning by doing,” Santosh said.

Slowly integrating into life in Houston, Santosh now dreams of a peaceful future
for his wife and daughter.

A 2015 Census Bureau study indicates that 145 languages are spoken in the
Houston metro area. Since 2010, more than 27,500 people have attended our
immigration forums, and in 2017, we handled 428 legal cases, 98% of which
achieved the clients’ objectives.

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Like many other major cities around the world, Houston is experiencing changes
in how people view work. While improvements in technology and education have
increased production and made workers more efficient, some people are still not
reaping the economic benefits of their labor.

Overlay on these changes some of the wider shifts in society—slow wage growth,
increased cost of living, economic uncertainty—and it’s easy to see why people
are interested in creating their own paths by becoming entrepreneurs.

According to a 2016 report by the Kaufman Foundation, 6.02% of the U.S. adult
population owns a business as their main job.

More than 99% of Houston’s businesses are considered small by the Small Business
Administration. A survey by Expert Market ranked Houston number one among U.S.
cities for cultivating minority-owned businesses, based on such factors as the
number and percentage of businesses, the opportunity for finding customers here,
and the rate at which startups are launched.

BakerRipley is doing our part to help startups and small business grow and
thrive by providing education and access to resources.

BakerRipley’s Entrepreneur Connection Program, on average, has created one new
job for every $9,164 invested. This return on investment is even greater than
The Small Business Administration’s Small Business Investment Company (SBIC)
Loan program which creates one new job for every $14,458 invested. Our program
has supported the launch of 21 new businesses. At least 33 full-time and 21
part- time jobs were created by clients’ new businesses, and strengthening
clients’ existing businesses saved 53 jobs.

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COFFEE HAS THE POWER TO CHANGE LIVES

For Sidia and Mario Guzman, coffee is much more than a simple beverage. It is
part of their identity and a way of life.

The Guzman family has worked as coffee producers in Honduras for four
generations. Growing and harvesting coffee is not easy work. As coffee is often
grown in mountainous areas, widespread use of mechanical harvesters is not
possible and the ripe coffee cherries are usually picked by hand.

Growing up, Sidia watched her father labor in the coffee fields and dreamed of
the day when she could own a field of her own.

Her dream recently became a reality when she purchased the land her father
worked, and took control of the beans.

With the purchase of the land, Sidia and Mario were able to start Mandarinos
Coffee. Now, they grow, roast and sell their own coffee and K-cups in Houston.

To support budding entrepreneurs such as the Guzmans, BakerRipley developed the
Entrepreneur Connection program. This bilingual program closes the opportunity
gap for lower-income entrepreneurs who often do not have access to the
mentorship, financial capital, or educational opportunities that higher-income
populations possess.

Our team helped the Guzmans prepare a presentation for Lanzate!, the first
all-Spanish business pitch event for entrepreneurs in Houston.

In preparation for this competition, the Guzmans attended workshops on how to
create an engaging pitch deck, articulate a compelling and interesting story and
make the perfect ask. They also took advantage of one-on-one business coaching.

The Guzmans’ hard work paid off. Mandarinos Coffee placed first in the Grow
Category, winning $5,000, which they intend to invest in machinery and a space
to roast and process their coffee beans.

“We do a lot by hand now, but we still need a machine to package coffee,” Mario
said.

The Guzmans are grateful for having the support and guidance of the BakerRipley
team during the entire process. With our help, they wereable to expand their
family business and keep their dream alive. Now the Guzmans look forward to
opening their own coffee shop in the near future.

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IT’S IN THE BAG

Patricia Slind is a native of Bolivia and the creator of the VINSS Bag—a
personalized intelligent diaper bag. This bag is designed to help women and men
who struggle with their everyday hand and diaper bags by adding today’s
technology solutions to a high- end fashion product.

“I am a geologist and working mother of five,” Patricia said. “For many years I
kept looking for a diaper bag that could adapt to my needs—a practical bag where
I could carry my computer, diapers, baby bottles and even my makeup. I could not
find anything in the market, so that is when I decided to create VINSS—the smart
diaper bag.”

“BakerRipley has really impacted my journey as a business owner and truly I’m
just getting started.”

With the purchase of the land, Sidia and Mario were able to start Mandarinos
Coffee. Now, they grow, roast and sell their own coffee and K-cups in Houston.

The bag includes everything from an internal lighting system and phone charger
to a bottle warmer. In order to grow her business, Patricia realized she needed
two things— capital and guidance. She received both as a result of winning
second place in the Lánzate! Launch category. She won a cash prize, mentoring
hours, and a scholarship to the Entrepreneur Academy Grow class.

While attending the Academy class, our team helped her work on her proof of
concept. We also connected her to industry founders with access to specific
focus group and patent attorneys and industry experts, who could potentially
form part of VINSS’s advisory board. One of VINSS’s biggest challenges was
finding a company to build the product prototype.

“When I started reaching out to people who could help me with the prototype, I
was shocked by what I was told the price would be,” Patricia said. “I was not
ready to invest $18,000 to $20,000 and I even approached other FabLabs and maker
spaces in Houston and they still charged more than $10,000. The challenge of
what to do next was really putting a stop to my idea. I was becoming discouraged
about how I could move forward.”

Staff connected her to BakerRipley’s FabLab Houston where she received help from
Brent Richardson, the FabLab Developer. With very little investment, she
developed a first draft of her prototype in three weeks.

“I was able to use the money I won in the pitch competition to buy the supplies
needed to test and develop the prototype for my bag,” Patricia said.
“BakerRipley has really impacted my journey as a business ownerand truly I’m
just getting started.”






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SHARE

The BakerRipley HUMAN campaign is the platform where you can talk about things
you believe in, what you’re afraid of and what you hope for the
future—ultimately, everything that makes you HUMAN.

SHARE

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VOLUNTEER

It takes people with grit in their hearts and fire in their bellies. BakerRipley
has the right volunteer opportunities for anyone willing to work toward better
outcomes. In 2017, 30,670 volunteers donated 450,149 hours of service.

VOLUNTEER

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DONATE

Your gifts help families all over Houston achieve their aspirations and live a
better life.

DONATE

OUR MISSION

BakerRipley brings resources, education, and connection to emerging
neighborhoods.

P.O. Box 271389
Houston, TX 77277

713.667.9400


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 * Careers
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© 2018 BakerRipley

BakerRipley brings resources, education, and connection to emerging
neighborhoods.

 * 1.0A LETTER FROM OUR CEO
 * 2.0ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY
 * 3.0RESPONDING TO REGION
 * 4.0OUR LEADERSHIP
 * 5.0FINANCIALS
 * 6.0GET INVOLVED

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