Ever wondered who the team is behind RaiseUp Families? Well, wonder no more! We're thrilled to introduce you to the incredible individuals who bring their heart, dedication, and a sprinkle of fun to our mission every day. From snow globe collectors to outdoor enthusiasts, our team is a tapestry of unique talents and personalities, all united by a common goal: to stabilize parents from vulnerable communities who face unexpected financial crises.
Share a little bit of your background and what brought you to RaiseUp Families?
I came to RUF as a result of a conversation I had with a long time acquaintance through my photography business. At the time, I was working in the Insurance/financial services industry. Honestly, I was searching for something that would bring meaning to my life. I knew a little about RUF and what they did but I honestly didn't know how much of an impact they made in the community until I began working for them. I quickly knew this was the place for me!
What is your role?
Client Acquisition/Admissions
What do you love about working at RaiseUp Families?
What I love most about working for RUF is the lifelong impact this organization makes and the opportunity it gives to families to change the trajectory of their lives. Regardless of how many goals they reach, everyone will leave the program with more knowledge. What they do with that knowledge is in their hands.
What are you most proud of at RaiseUp Families?
I am proud of the team that we have and the impact we make in the lives of our families. Having colleagues that truly care about what they do and how they impact, not only the clients but each other makes it a great place to work
What are your hobbies? OR What's a fun fact about you that not many people know?
I have a lot of hobbies but one thing not many know is that I refinish furniture. Almost all of the furniture in my home is repurposed. Originally bought off craigslist or marketplace!
Share a little bit of your background and what brought you to RaiseUp Families?
I’m a first-generation American and the first in my family to get a college degree! With seven siblings spanning a 20-year age gap, life was always an adventure. I’m the proud daughter of two incredibly hardworking, blue-collar Mexican immigrants. And it was the fabulous Telisa Mason who brought me to RUF!
What is your role?
AfterCare Case Manager
What do you love about working at RaiseUp Families?
I am passionate about designing and delivering comprehensive programs that empower clients to achieve their goals and reach new heights of success.
What are you most proud of at RaiseUp Families?
Though I've only been here for two months, I am proud that I have been able to streamline processes, increase client engagement, establish effective programs, and collaborate with an incredibly dedicated team.
What are your hobbies? OR What's a fun fact about you that not many people know?
I enjoy mowing the grass!
Share a little bit of your background and what brought you to RaiseUp Families? I attended California State University, Los Angeles, where I obtained my degree as a Generalist Social Worker with a focus in Gerontology, with a minor in Gerontology, and a certificate in applied gerontology. I moved to Houston 17 years ago.
I am a wife, and a mother to 3 beautiful children that are my life. For ten years, I worked with families and their caregivers, assisting elderly individuals in remaining in their homes with dignity and living independently. I believe that elderly individuals thrive best in familiar environments where they feel comfortable and respected.
Later, I was fortunate to begin working with the homeless population and their families, assisting them in securing housing, finding jobs, and receiving necessary mental health support for over 17 years. Through this work, I helped clients thrive in their new jobs and daily lives. Being part of the Diversion Program made me realize my passion for working with families and children. I enjoy helping our families envision a new future and break generational cycles of dependence on subsidized assistance.
What is your role?
Bilingual Case Manager
What do you love about working at RaiseUp Families?
I love that RaiseUp Families not only aligns with my views on how to help families achieve a brighter future, but also gives me the bonus of working with an amazing team.
The most remarkable aspect is the professionalism combined with a genuine sense of family amongst both clients and staff. It’s truly amazing to be part of such a supportive and committed environment.
What are you most proud of at RaiseUp Families?
I am very proud to tell friends and family that I work with some of the most admirable and dedicated professionals. As a team we empower each other to be the best. This team is the heart of this incredible agency, putting in hard work every day and going above and beyond to ensure clients thrive. I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day and strive to bring out the best version of myself.
What are your hobbies? OR What's a fun fact about you that not many people know?
A fun fact about me is that I love collecting snow globes from different places I visit or from special events that have occurred in my life.
Share a little bit of your background and what brought you to RaiseUp Families? I've been in the Social Work field for 10 years, focusing on the mental health population. My passion for helping families achieve financial stability and independence led me to RaiseUp Families, where I can continue to make a positive impact in our community.
What is your role?
Case Manager
What do you love about working at RaiseUp Families?
What I love most about working at RaiseUp Families is the sense of community and the tangible impact we have on the lives of the families we serve. It's incredibly rewarding to see families gain confidence and achieve their goals through our support.
What are you most proud of at RaiseUp Families?
I am most proud of the incredible resilience and progress of the families we serve. Seeing them overcome challenges and achieve financial stability and independence is immensely rewarding. Additionally, I am proud to be part of a dedicated and compassionate team that consistently goes above and beyond to support our community.
What are your hobbies?
In my free time, I enjoy watching TV, traveling, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. These activities help me relax and recharge, so I can bring my best self to work at RaiseUp Families.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about yourself?
I love what I do at RUF!
Share a little bit of your background and what brought you to RaiseUp Families?
I came to RaiseUp Families due to my connection to the previous Executive Director, Angela Burgess. We worked together at a residential facility in Chicago. Angela and I remained friends.
She recognized my work ethics as a social worker and appreciated my passion for the vulnerable community. My passion about RaiseUp Families is connected to my childhood and growing up in a vulnerable community. I’ve experienced being homeless a few times with my parents, and I know what it feels like to miss out on school due to being displaced.
What is your role?
Program Director
What do you love about working at RaiseUp Families?
I love seeing parents feeling proud of their ability to financially support their children without the aid of others.
What are you most proud of at RaiseUp Families?
I am most proud of our client's life transitions they made as a result of RaiseUp Families program structures and intensive case management.
What are your hobbies?
I love walking in Memorial Park, bike riding, yoga and all things fitness.
Share a little bit of your background and what brought you to RaiseUp Families?
I have loved working with compromised communities since my very first job in the early 90's at The Children's Storefront School on 129th and Park Avenue in Harlem. It was an incredible school and I learned every facet of what it takes to run a non-profit successfully.
What is your role?
Executive Director
What do you love about working at RaiseUp Families?
I have lots of favorite things about RUF. The staff is incredible and are really good at what they do. Every single one of them is always looking for ways to grow and improve the program. Our clients are also amazing, mostly single mothers working hard to improve their lives for their children. They are so inspiring! And the RUF Board of Directors is so engaged and passionate about our mission - we are so fortunate to have so many RUF Ambassadors in our corner!
What are you most proud of at RaiseUp Families?
I am proud that we truly work to improve the lives of the families whom we serve.
What's a fun fact about you that not many people know?
I grew up in a musical family or should I say I was adopted into an incredible family. My mom was a singer with the RCA/Vik Jazz label in the fifties. She recorded two albums before getting married and then became my vocal coach throughout my childhood. My father is a Broadway producer. He produced the original 1776, Pippin, The Apple Tree, and M. Butterfly. I had an incredibly magical childhood! When I lived in New York, I sought a career in singing and one of the things I ended up doing was singing with Norman Vincent Peale's church, Marble Collegiate. As a soloist with their gospel choir, I sang at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and on The Today Show. God opened many doors for me in that capacity.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about yourself?
My daughter Abby has special needs and an extra 21st chromosome. She is now 21 and has performed in eight professional Holiday productions through Theatre Under the Stars at The Hobby Center. I am incredibly proud of her!
