Who We Are
We serve immigrant and underserved communities with culturally responsive, evidence-based programs. Our mission: nurture the first 1,000 days of life through equity, care, and connection.
Message from
Chairman
At Rupani Foundation, we believe early childhood development (ECD) does not begin on the day a child is born, it begins much earlier. It starts when a couple plans to have a child. From preconception to pregnancy, and from birth to the first three years, every stage shapes the lifelong trajectory of that child. Science tells us that 80% of a child’s brain develops within the first 1,000 days, a critical window that begins in the womb. During this time, a child’s development is inseparable from the emotional, physical, and mental well-being of the mother. A healthy, supported mother nurtures a healthy, resilient child. Therefore, maternal mental health is not an adjunct to ECD, it is its very foundation.
At the heart of our work is a belief in holistic child development, not just education, but nurturing care, responsive parenting, and emotional security. We envision a supportive ecosystem where the mother is the CEO of the family, the father and caregivers are engaged allies, and the community functions as a village raising a child with dignity and opportunity.
But our responsibility doesn’t stop there. Sustainable child development must go hand in hand with family well-being, livelihood security, and inclusive economic participation. In the United States, we are expanding our work to include youth and underserved populations, because thriving families require more than care; they need economic dignity and opportunity.
To all champions of early childhood and equity:
If your voice carries influence, let it echo this mission.
If your hands hold skills, use them to build hope.
If your heart holds generosity, invest in our youngest citizens because everyday counts, even before birth.
Just as immunization protects the body, loving interaction, economic inclusion, and maternal wellness nourish the mind, unlocking human potential and laying the foundation for more just, compassionate communities. We welcome partners, practitioners, and compassionate citizens to walk this path with us. Together, let us build a world where every child is not only ready for school, but ready for life.
With gratitude and commitment,
Nasruddin Rupani
Chairman, Rupani Foundation USA
Message from
CEO
At Rupani Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of education, economic opportunity, and community empowerment. Our mission is rooted in the values of compassion, equity, and resilience. Every initiative we undertake is guided by a deep commitment to uplifting underserved communities and creating sustainable pathways for growth and dignity.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future.
Warm regards,
Azizullah Baig
CEO, Rupani Foundation
Our History
The Rupani Foundation is a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2007. Building on the experience of its affiliated sister agencies in Pakistan and Afghanistan in improving access to quality preschool education and recognizing the challenges faced by economically disadvantaged populations and their children in the Greater Houston area the Rupani Foundation USA launched its school readiness and parenting programs in Harris County in 2017 .
Mission-Focused
Through the years, we have expanded our outreach into Fort Bend County and provided complementary wraparound services to children and parents in collaboration with local service providers. Our holistic child-nurturing approach includes services focused on prenatal health, mental health, and nutrition.
Vision
A sustainable society for future generations where every person, regardless of their background, can lead a dignified, healthy, and prosperous life.
Mission
To empower individuals and communities to achieve their full potential by advancing holistic human development.
Values
Rupani Foundation believes that investing in children ensures a healthy future. Using (ECD) as a tool for socio-economic change in underprivileged communities.
Empowering Families Through a Whole Child Whole Family Approach
Our child-nurturing approach includes services focused on prenatal health, mental health, and nutrition. Guided by our whole-family principle, we support young parents in reaching their full economic potential through training and mentoring in financial literacy, workforce development, job readiness, entrepreneurship, and small business development, ultimately creating pathways to self-employment and sustainable careers.
Our Programs
Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN)
The Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) is a $16.4M initiative funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to improve early learning and care in Harris County. Launched in 2023, with funding through 2026…
Early Childhood Impact Fund (ECIF)
This program was launched in 2022 with the financial support of the Harris County in partnership with the Hackett Center for Mental Health and the Children’s Museum Houston. This three-year initiative aims to improve relational health between caregivers and young children…
Ethnic Community Self-Help Program (ECSH)
Rupani Foundation USA proudly leads a comprehensive and culturally responsive initiative in Houston, supporting refugee families through a multi-dimensional model focused on education, health, mental well-being, and community empowerment…
Mental Health Support Program
Mental health is the foundation for families to grow, connect, and nurture one another in a positive, supportive environment. When caregivers and children feel emotionally safe and understood, they are better equipped to build strong.
Economic Empowerment
Our Economic Empowerment (EE) Program supports the economic integration and self-sufficiency of underserved populations in the Greater Houston Area, including individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and New Americans, through a holistic approach.
Our Board
Nasruddin Rupani
CHAIRMAN
Mahtab Moradi
Secretary
Vacant
treasurer
Annie Farino
Borad member
Mona Rupani
Board Member
Natashah Somani
Borad Member
Our Team
Azizullah Baig
Chief Executive Officer
Neelofar Ali
Programs Director
Dominic Farino
Director of Operations
