In 1940, Ripley House opened its doors in the East End of Houston. Since then, it’s been a safe haven where generations of families have learned the basic lessons of American life. While the old familiar curved, limestone façade of our original structure gave way to the new contemporary facility in 2001, Ripley House continues to respond to the needs of the community with opportunities for individual and family growth through services and programs such as those listed here.

Ripley House offers a variety of Education and Enrichment classes for all ages at convenient times and minimal cost. Call us to verify class times and to register.

Health/Wellness/Fitness

• Houston Council on Drug and Alcohol – Provides services and information to all who may be adversely affected by alcohol and drugs. 
• Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates – Provides access to continuous, comprehensive, family-centered care in Houston’s underserved communities. A social worker is on site to address health and behavioral outcomes.
• Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority (MHMRA) – Provides services for persons with mental disabilities so they are able to live with dignity as fully functioning, participating and contributing members of the community.
• Karate – Martial arts classes for youth and adults.
• Health Information Center (HIC) – Sponsored in collaboration with Kelsey Research Foundation, HIC provides up-to-date information on the prevention, early detection and treatment of illness, as well as prescription drug information. Resources include Internet access to health-related websites and access to on-line medical journals and references and printed educational materials and health videos on a variety of health topics.
   

Youth

• Charter School– Kindergarten through fifth-grade
• Ambassador’s International Ballet Folklorico – This organization teaches a form of cultural dance to children ranging in ages 4 through 18
• Adventures After-School (After School Program)
• Youth development program
• Higher Education for Youth (H.E.Y)
• Nutrition and wellness education
• Passport to Summer Fun
• Teen movie night
• Open gym night
   

Seniors

• Meal service
• Activity Centers for Seniors (ACES)
• Field trips
• Recreation
• Cultural and seasonal celebrations

Adult Education and Enrichment

• Houston Police Department conversational Spanish
• English as a second language (ESL)
• Cake decorating – “How to" classes from beginner to professional levels. Learn cake decorating, party favor making and more.
• Sewing – This course teaches basic sewing skills with some rotary cutting skills. Participants should have a working knowledge of sewing machine.
• Financial education – Acquire information and gain the skills necessary to take control of personal finances.
   

Social Services

• Family Services of Greater Houston – Provides preventive, supportive and therapeutic services to strengthen individuals and families and offers referrals to housing, food banks and other services.
• Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) – A nonprofit Latino litigation, advocacy and educational outreach institution that fosters public policies, laws and programs to safeguard the civil rights of Latinos living in the United States and to empower the Latino community to fully participate in our society.