stories
A Strong Foundation for One Family’s Future
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From early childhood education to home repairs, BakerRipley programs have provided Zulema and her children stability and well-being.
Zulema Zarate, a proud mom of 3 children, believes education can shape one’s life for the better. That commitment to education led her family to Head Start through BakerRipley, where her son first enrolled more than a decade ago. Today, her youngest daughter is part of the program as well.
While Head Start provides high-quality early childhood education, for Zulema, it also provides something equally important. As a full-time working mother, the program provides her with the stability and support she needs to continue building a better future for her family while completing her college degree.
When a pipe burst inside Zulema’s home in 2025, her family was forced to leave while repairs were made. While navigating the repairs and working to stabilize her home, Zulema discovered BakerRipley’s Weatherization Program and immediately felt confident applying.
Through the program, BakerRipley helped make critical upgrades to Zulema’s home, improving its safety and energy efficiency and helping her family move forward after a difficult season.
“I didn’t feel judged,” Zulema said. “I felt like someone was actually listening to what I was going through.”
For Zulema, the support her family has received through BakerRipley reflects something larger than one program or one moment. It shows what is possible when families have access to opportunity and support across different stages of life.
