For over 20 years, I have worked within the heart of healthcare operations, seeing firsthand how complex and overwhelming the system can be for families. I realized that while the resources existed, there was a missing bridge between the people who needed help and the care they deserved.
In 2019, I founded Raices Unidas to build that bridge. What started as a mission to help our neighbors navigate medical and educational hurdles has grown into a community institution. Over the past seven years, we have evolved to meet the needs of our city—whether it’s connecting a family to life-saving healthcare advocacy, providing critical Natural Disaster Relief, or organizing local job fairs. Our work is rooted in one simple belief: No one should have to navigate life’s biggest challenges alone.
In 2023, the City of Houston honored our journey by proclaiming November 13th as a day of recognition for our organization. While that was a proud milestone, our true reward is the 20,000+ Houstonians whose lives are a little bit easier because we stood by them.
As we look to the future, our mission remains the same: to be a steady hand and a reliable resource for every community member seeking a path forward.
Thank you for being part of our story.
— Mary Ann Garcia, Founder & Executive Director