stories
Posted December 17, 2024 by BakerRipley
This holiday season, BakerRipley was proud to be a part of the 9th Annual 12 Days of Christmas tradition, a heartwarming initiative hosted by FOX 26. Families involved in BakerRipley programs throughout 2024 were thoughtfully nominated and selected to participate in this special celebration.
Thanks to the incredible collaboration with FOX 26, Exclusive Furniture, Walmart, and Chick-fil-A, BakerRipley helped spread joy, hope, and holiday cheer to our community. Together, we created lasting memories and embraced the true spirit of giving that makes the holiday season so magical.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event so impactful—you brightened the holidays for so many families!
To kick off Day 1 of this year’s event, we shared the inspiring story of Ninfa Saenz, a resilient member of our community who has been part of BakerRipley’s Utility Assistance program since 2016. After being displaced from her home during Hurricane Harvey, Ninfa faced numerous challenges. However, there was a reason to celebrate this season—Ninfa moved back into her rebuilt home this past October after years of waiting! We were thrilled to help her start this new chapter by filling her new home with holiday cheer and making her Christmas truly special.
On Day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas, we celebrated the inspiring journey of Courtney Ellis and her wonderful children. As BakerRipley’s 50th family to receive this special gift, their story marked a meaningful milestone in our tradition of spreading hope and joy.
In December 2023, Courtney courageously left an abusive relationship and moved to Houston with her children, guided by unwavering faith and determination. With the support of United Way’s Integrated Client Journey and BakerRipley’s Community Navigator, she rebuilt her life, creating a safe and loving home where her family is healing and growing stronger every day.
Courtney’s journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience it takes to start anew and the impact a supportive community can have on building brighter futures.
Day 3 was filled with joy and celebration as we honored Hilda, a devoted wife and mother of eight daughters, whose story exemplifies resilience, ambition, and the power of dreams. Balancing family life with personal growth and entrepreneurship, Hilda has accomplished so much with unwavering determination.
Through BakerRipley, she excelled in English classes, earning second place in our Distance Learning contest with over 160 hours of study. She also runs a thriving chamoy business while supporting her husband’s granite and quartz work. With hopes of expanding her venture, she’s now participating in our Lanzate Small Business Support program.
Nearly 20 years ago, Hilda and her husband came to the U.S. seeking a better life for their family. Today, their hard work and sacrifices are paying off. Her eldest daughter is pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian at Texas A&M University. Thanks to Hilda’s drive and heart, she and her husband are building a lasting legacy and their own American dream, one step at a time.
On Day 4 of the 12 Days of Christmas, we celebrated the 100th family in this incredible series! Congratulations, FOX 26, on this amazing milestone, and thank you for spreading so much joy to our community. We highlighted Bianca Penalosa, a devoted single mother of three who lives in her parents’ garage apartment. Bianca cares full-time for her children, including Adan, who has Down Syndrome and Autism; Andy, who is awaiting spinal surgery; and little Naomi, who lovingly helps her mom care for her brothers.
Despite financial challenges, Bianca works tirelessly to provide for her family, seeking resources and participating in various BakerRipley programs to support her children’s needs. Bianca’s unwavering strength and love make her and her family truly deserving of this holiday blessing.
On Day 5 of FOX 26’s 12 Days of Christmas, we highlighted the uplifting story of the Davis family—a resilient household of seven who recently found stability and a fresh start in Houston.
Originally from Wisconsin, Lorenzo, a military veteran, and his wife, Whitney, relocated their family in search of new opportunities. After facing financial hardships that left them living in a hotel, Lorenzo turned to BakerRipley’s Rapid Rehousing program in the fall of 2023.
With the dedicated support of their BakerRipley Case Manager, the Davis family received housing assistance, allowing them to move into their new home on July 22, 2024. Their new home, located just a short walk from their children’s school, represents a brighter future and a fresh chapter for their family.
On Day 6 of FOX 26’s 12 Days of Christmas, we shared the powerful story of Christina, a courageous single mother of three young children whose resilience shines through adversity.
In 2020, while pregnant with her youngest child, Liyanna, Christina faced a life-altering tragedy when she was struck by a bullet while working as a leasing agent. This traumatic event forced her to give birth early and left her grappling with PTSD. Despite these challenges, Christina’s unwavering determination drove her to return to work to provide for her children.
When financial hardships arose, a kind tenant introduced her to BakerRipley’s Utility Assistance program, offering the vital support she needed to keep moving forward. Christina’s children remain her greatest source of strength and inspiration as she continues to build a brighter future for her family.
On Day 7 of the 12 Days of Christmas, we honored the remarkable journey of Michael Williams, a devoted father and veteran whose determination and courage inspire us all.
In October 2023, Michael made the bold decision to move his family from Georgia to Texas, packing everything he could fit into a sedan for the 16-hour drive. As a single parent seeking a fresh start, Michael turned to BakerRipley’s Veteran Assistance Program, where he received the support needed to secure stable housing.
Now, with a safe and loving home, Michael and his children are embracing a new chapter filled with hope, opportunity, and the promise of a brighter future together.
On Day 8 of FOX 26’s 12 Days of Christmas, we’re honored to share the courageous story of Liz Martinez, a mother of four who has overcome incredible challenges to build a better life for her family.
A survivor of domestic violence, Liz found herself starting over with nothing after her divorce. With determination and the support of her sister, she’s working tirelessly to rebuild her life, including enrolling in BakerRipley’s free English classes to pursue her dream of returning to the medical field.
Liz credits her teacher for providing not only excellent instruction but also encouragement and resources to help her stay focused on her goals. Liz’s strength and perseverance inspire us all, and we’re honored to celebrate her journey.
On Day 9 of the 12 Days of Christmas, we celebrated the Espinoza Family, a close-knit and family-oriented household dedicated to creating the best life for their four children. Araceli and Francisco have been together since the 9th grade, building their family on a foundation of love and commitment. Francisco works tirelessly in his landscaping job to provide for the family, while Araceli stays home to care for their children.
Despite their unwavering dedication, the family faces financial challenges. Without extended family to rely on, they struggle to keep up with rising costs, including doubled electricity and water bills. The daughters share a bed, and the family has been unable to replace their broken microwave.
The Espinoza family is an active part of the Ripley House School community. Araceli volunteers regularly, chaperoning field trips, assisting at book fairs and school festivals, and helping with hair and makeup for the BakerRipley Cheer Team. Their participation reflects their strong belief in family and community involvement.
Through it all, the Espinoza’s remain optimistic and extend their wishes of good health and blessings to everyone.
On Day 10 of the 12 Days of Christmas, we celebrated Linda Buckner, a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to caring for others. Linda has lovingly raised her five grandchildren and continues to support her daughter, who is going back to school while raising her 7-year-old son, both of whom live with her.
In addition to her caregiving responsibilities, Linda cared tirelessly for her husband during his battle with cancer until his passing last year. Despite facing significant health challenges of her own, Linda always finds the strength to care for those around her, embodying resilience and selflessness.
With this opportunity, we have the privilege of giving back to Linda some of the love and warmth she so generously brings to others. This chance to create a special Christmas is a small way to honor her unwavering dedication and brighten her holiday season.
On Day 11 of the 12 Days of Christmas, we celebrated Paul, a dedicated single father and military veteran who embodies resilience and hope. Paul’s journey has not been without challenges, but his unwavering love and commitment to his children have always been his guiding light.
Paul came to BakerRipley through our Veterans Assistance Program, seeking support during a difficult time in his life. With the help of our Rapid Rehousing Program, Paul was able to secure stable housing—a safe and warm apartment where he and his children could begin building a brighter future together.
As a veteran, Paul has faced hardships with courage, but his greatest strength lies in the love he has for his family. He acknowledges that life hasn’t always been easy, but his children are his source of inspiration and the reason he continues to push forward. Paul’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of community support in helping families thrive.
This holiday season, we honor Paul’s service to our country and his devotion to his family. His story reminds us that with determination and a helping hand, brighter days are always ahead. Paul and his children are a shining example of hope, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit.
On Day 12, we celebrated Lisa Lopez and her family, bringing this heartfelt journey to a meaningful close. Lisa is a devoted single mother who cares tirelessly for her daughter, Mariah Mata Lopez, who has Cerebral Palsy, and her three sons. Her unwavering love and dedication shine brightly despite the many challenges she faces.
Caring for Mariah requires round-the-clock attention, making it difficult for Lisa to find work that accommodates her responsibilities. The financial strain has been significant, but Lisa’s resilience and commitment to her family never falter. She was overjoyed to learn that we could offer support to her and her children during this season of giving.
Lisa’s story highlights the strength of a mother’s love and the importance of community in lifting up those who need it most. As we wrap up the 12 Days of Christmas, her family reminds us why we come together to share hope, generosity, and kindness.
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