RUPANI FOUNDATION IN HOUSTON USA

Houston is the most populous city in the State of Texas, and is the 4th largest city in the United States.  Houston is a cutting edge city as it serves as an Oil and Gas Hub, houses  NASA’s Johnson Space Center and is home to one of the world’s most renowned Medical Centers.  The geographic location Rupani Foundation (RF) specifically serves in the Greater Houston area is  primarily Harris and Fort Bend counties. The neighborhoods served are low-income, multi-ethnic neighborhoods in the Greater Houston area with primary sites in the Southwest sector of Houston and Stafford/Sugar Land. The Southwest sector of Houston (Harris County) and the connecting sectors of Fort Bend County are considered “melting pot” neighborhoods because of its ethnic diversity and large population of refugees and immigrants. The majority of the populations served live in apartment communities Most services are provided on-site at apartment communities or nearby community centers.  It is Rupani Foundation’s  aim to broaden its service footprint into communities within the region that are not yet receiving their suite of services

Growing up in poverty is the greatest challenge to the holistic development of child. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, 15 million children live in poverty in the United States (21% of all US children).   In the State of Texas, the Census Bureau reports that for RF’s target age group (3 years and under) 37%  live below the poverty line in Houston and 28.8% live below the poverty line in Harris and surrounding counties. These statistics demonstrate the need for the Greater Houston Area to serve as the primary focus for service delivery.

The services Rupani Foundation provide are critical because they not only address Early Childhood Development disparities, they serve the families holistically.  RF’s services address major barriers that families face physically, mentally emotionally, culturally, linguistically, economically, familially, and educationally.

There are very few ECD Programs that work to serve families holistically.  RF provides parents, caregivers, and community members the education, training, and partnerships needed to enhance their lives and succeed. This is why RF chose to integrate Mental Health into their platform. Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how people think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how they handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Parents stress over finances, acclimation to a new environment, and even their own education. Parental stress can lead to child stress. Clinical psychologist, Dr. Glen Xiong, states in his “Dr on Demand” blog that emotional and mental health is important because it’s a vital part of your life and impacts your thoughts, behaviors and emotions. Being healthy emotionally can promote productivity and effectiveness in activities like work, school, or caregiving. Rupani Foundation looks forward to continued platform development as they expand their Mental Health and ECD offerings.