BakerRipley’s Immigration and Citizenship Program Volunteers Named 2025 Outstanding Volunteer Service Honorees
For more than a century, BakerRipley has been a trusted partner for Houston’s immigrant communities, creating welcoming spaces and opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. At the heart of this work are the dedicated volunteers who power BakerRipley’s Immigration and Citizenship Program. Their efforts have helped thousands of Houstonians move closer to the American Dream of citizenship. In 2024 alone, 128 volunteers contributed more than 1,300 hours, guiding nearly 9,000 Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) on their pathway to U.S. citizenship. These volunteers staff monthly Citizenship Forums across Houston, beginning their Saturdays at 7:00 a.m. to greet neighbors, assist with naturalization applications, and connect families to essential resources. Their work ensures that barriers such as language, food insecurity, or healthcare challenges do not prevent individuals from taking the next step toward citizenship. Beyond forums, volunteers serve in countless ways: answering phones, welcoming walk-ins, hosting donation drives, and connecting families to BakerRipley’s broader network of services. Their bilingual skills, compassion, and persistence make them invaluable partners to the program’s six staff members. As one city leader noted, “This work cannot be done by BakerRipley staff alone. Its volunteers are critical to this effort.” Many of these volunteers go beyond donating their time. They cover their own expenses, participate in matching gift programs, and give financially to sustain BakerRipley’s mission. Their commitment saves the agency more than $45,000 annually in operational costs, ensuring more resources go directly to helping families. BakerRipley’s Immigration and Citizenship Program Volunteers embody the very essence of the power of generosity. Their compassion and commitment ensure that newcomers not only gain the rights of citizenship but also feel a sense of belonging in Houston. Join us in celebrating these remarkable volunteers and all of our 2025 honorees at the National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon. Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
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The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Houston Chapter is proud to recognize the volunteers of Baker Ripley’s Immigration and Citizenship Program as the 2025 recipients of the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, to be celebrated at the National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon.