Vol2_N4 by HLFM

Spring edition

Dear Houston Latino Family,

Spring is a season of renewal—a time to reflect, to grow, and to embrace new opportunities. In this edition, I want to speak to something that deeply matters to all of us: the power of our voice as a community. Latinos continue to shape the future of this country in meaningful ways. And with that influence comes responsibility— not just to succeed individually, but to stay informed, engaged, and present in the decisions that impact our families and our future.

Voting is more than a civic duty—it is a reflection of our values, our priorities, and our vision for the next generation. Regardless of political affiliation, what unites us is the desire for strong families, safe communities, economic opportunity, and a better future for our children. When we participate with intention and awareness, we strengthen not only our voice, but our legacy.

In this issue, we are also honored to feature attorney Zambrano and his family. Their story is a powerful reminder that success is not built alone—it is cultivated through unity, trust, and shared purpose. Building a business as a family comes with challenges, but it also creates a foundation rooted in resilience and long-term vision.

Their journey reflects what so many Latino families represent: hard work, commitment, and the determination to grow together.

At Houston Latino Family Magazine, we remain committed to highlighting stories that inspire, inform, and elevate our community. We believe in creating spaces where different perspectives can coexist with respect, and where our shared values lead the conversation.

Orlando Zambrano grew up as the son of Colombian immigrants, raised with expectations that didn’t always need to be explained out loud.

His parents were both hardworking, and when they separated, he spent much of his childhood moving between his mother’s home and his father’s. It wasn’t always easy. A lot of that time meant figuring things out on his own; learning how to stay focused, how to manage his time, and how to carry responsibility without someone frequently checking in. Some integral life lessons arrived early, even if they didn’t fully make sense at the time.

When Zambrano got his first paycheck, his father told him to hand part of it over to help the family. It felt frustrating then. Now, he sees it as one of the most important lessons he was given: being part of a family means contributing to it. His father emphasized discipline in other ways, too. He remembers being sent out during a freeze to check if school was actually canceled, umbrella in hand.

It wasn’t really about the weather. It was about showing up, about not assuming, about doing what you’re supposed to do whether it’s convenient or not. Zambrano’s mother pushed him in a different direction, but with equal force. She emphasized his education, reminding him often that he had opportunities in the United States that she didn’t have growing up in Colombia, and that those opportunities came with responsibility.

Between the two of them, he learned not just how to work hard, but why this work mattered, and what it meant to build something that could carry forward into the next generation. Law was one of the few paths he ever seriously considered. As a kid, he was drawn to the idea of advocacy; of stepping in when someone needed help and making sure they weren’t left to navigate a difficult situation alone.

Over time, that interest sharpened. He saw how often people, especially in immigrant communities, could be overlooked or taken advantage of simply because they didn’t fully understand the system or couldn’t communicate easily within it. That awareness is the backbone of his work today. As a personal injury attorney in Houston, Zambrano handles cases that come into people’s lives unexpectedly, including accidents and injuries, moments where everything shifts without warning. He approaches those situations with a focus on communication, making sure clients understand what’s happening and feel like they have someone in their corner.

Growing up bilingual shaped that perspective. He knows how easily language barriers can be used against someone, and it’s something he refuses to ignore in his practice. “I hate when people take advantage of that,” he emphasized. “People end up getting less than what they deserve.” Inside the firm, his role reflects that same approach. He personally connects with each client, walks them through their cases, advocates for them and communicates with adjusters and opposing counsel.

He leans into relationships and conversation to make sure nothing gets lost in translation. But his business itself doesn’t run on that alone. It runs on partnership. Zambrano works alongside his wife, Claudia. While their marriage is strong, their professional relationship didn’t come naturally at first. Zambrano recalls that the early months were difficult, and they weren’t sure if the arrangement was going to work.

The couple experienced growing pains, not just in learning how to run a business together, but in understanding how their roles shifted from work to home. At the office, he’s the attorney, the owner, and the one making legal decisions. At home, that dynamic changes. Learning how to move between those roles without carrying one into the other required an adjustment period The couple found their footing by dividing the work in a way that plays to their strengths. Zambrano focuses on the legal side and client relationships, while

Claudia handles the operational backbone of the firm, including organization, office management, and financial decisions that require a keen attention to detail. The couple works on the same business, but not in the same space, and that separation has helped create stability in both their professional and personal lives. Even with that structure, the balance isn’t automatic.

Claudia and Orlando put in intentional work to maintain their new homeostasis, making it a point to keep business issues out of their home life as much as possible, and vice versa, to keep personal issues out of the workplace. When stress builds, as it inevitably does in life, they step away, whether that means going for a walk, taking a break, or simply giving each other space before continuing a conversation.

Over time, they’ve learned that not every moment needs to be resolved immediately, and that sometimes the best decision is to pause before saying something that can’t be taken back. Their schedule reflects that same give-and-take. For instance, the tradeoff of having flexibility when needed during the workday, whether for family responsibilities or personal commitments, often means working later at night or on weekends. The time still has to be made up. The work still has to get done. It’s a rhythm that requires discipline, but one that allows them to build both a business and a family at the same time.

That balance carries into how Zambrano thinks about the future. As a husband and a father, he’s focused on creating something his children can build on. “I want my kids to do better in life than me,” he said. “Each generation should go further than the last.” Professionally, the goal is just as clear. He wants to be known as someone who did the work the right way; a lawyer who showed up for his clients, who paid attention to the details that matter, and who treated people with the same level of care he would expect for his own family.

That principle, or what’s in the best interest of the people you’re responsible for, guides both sides of his life. At home, it shapes how decisions are made for his family. In the office, it shapes how he approaches every case. IIn Houston, a vibrant city that nearly two million immigrants call home, Zambrano has built his practice on something personal: an understanding of what it means to navigate life in a new country and the responsibility that comes with it. His bilingual firm runs on communication and partnership, guided by the same values he grew up with: show up, do your part, and take care of your people.

Family Hope Serving Hundreds of Families

Each Month in Northern Fort Bend County

A grandmother raising five orphaned grandchildren. A Venezuelan doctor bussing tables while trying to rebuild his life. A senior forced to choose between groceries and medicine. These are just a few of the people who have walked through the doors of Family Hope, a Fulshear-based nonprofit that is quietly helping hundreds of families each month across Northern Fort Bend County. Family Hope, founded more than a decade ago, now serves between 800 and 1,000 families each month through emergency food assistance, educational programs, and community support designed to help families regain stability. “Our mission is to transform hurting individuals into healthy families through the hope of God,” said Bob Patton, founder and CEO of Family Hope. Patton shares dayto-day leadership of the organization with Executive Director Jimmy Winters. The organization was formed about 12 years ago when a group of community members recognized that the rapidly growing North Fort Bend County area had needs that were not being fully addressed by existing social service agencies.

“They chose to address these gaps by contributing their own resources and seeking support from the community,” Patton said. Today, Family Hope relies on volunteers and financial support from more than 25 local churches and community members. Patton describes volunteers as serving as the “hands and feet of God” by helping meet the practical needs of families facing hardship. One of Family Hope’s core services is its emergency food pantry in Fulshear, which provides groceries to families during business hours. The organization also hosts regular “Food Fairs” in surrounding communities including Richmond, Katy, Wallis, and Fulshear. Beyond food assistance, Family Hope offers what Patton calls “wrap-around services” that help families navigate difficult life situations. These services can include assistance with utility bills, providing furniture such as beds for families in need, and connecting individuals with programs like English classes, financial management training, job readiness programs, and pathways to citizenship.

The organization also creates opportunities for hundreds of volunteers to serve each month through events such as Packa-Thons, baby showers for new mothers, back-to-school shoe drives, and Christmas gift programs. Family Hope serves a wide range of families throughout Northern Fort Bend County. “Our largest group of clients are what I call ‘widows and orphans,’” Patton said, referring to single mothers raising children while working to support their families. Unexpected expenses such as medical bills, car repairs, or job disruptions can quickly create financial strain. The organization also serves a growing number of migrant families facing legal and employment challenges, as well as seniors on fixed incomes who must often choose between buying food and paying for medication.

About 70 percent of the individuals seeking help at Family Hope speak Spanish as their primary language, making cultural understanding an important part of the organization’s work. “Having someone from the same culture to greet them allows us to make deep connections with their needs,” Patton said. Further, family Hope staff and volunteers often go beyond simply providing food.

“We offer more than a bag of food,” Patton said. “We provide encouragement by listening to their stories, hugs to show warmth and care, prayers for those who seek spiritual support, and valuable information about things like job opportunities or healthcare services.” Over the years, Patton has seen countless examples of how community support can change lives.

One story he recalls involves a doctor who had fled Venezuela and was working as a busser at a local restaurant while trying to support his family. “He came to Family Hope for food,” Patton recalled. The organization helped enroll him in English classes at Houston Community College. Today, he is using his medical skills again and working at a local urgent care facility. In another case, Family Hope helped a grandmother caring for five children who had lost both of their parents.

The organization provided beds for the children so they could live safely in their grandmother’s home. Family Hope has also responded to community emergencies. After lightning sparked a fire that damaged apartments at

Grand Fountain Apartments, the organization assisted 12 families with food, gift cards, and furniture as they moved into new housing. “We hear so many stories,” Patton said. “Our previous director was even moved to write a book about the experiences called Every Face Has a Story.” In 2025, Family Hope received the Best of Houston Latino Award for Best Nonprofit, recognizing the organization’s work supporting Latino families in the region. Patton said the award was a meaningful affirmation of the organization’s mission. “Family Hope was established with the primary objective of assisting individuals in need within our community,” he said.

“Over time we saw a growing Latino population that needed support, and we worked to meet those needs as best we could.” Family Hope operates entirely through community support, receiving no government or foundation funding. According to Patton, the organization distributes more than $1.2 million in goods each year to families in need.

For Patton, the organization’s impact ultimately comes down to the generosity of the community and the compassion of its volunteers. “Our staff and volunteers have large hearts and a love for our neighbors,” he said.

Houston Latino Family Magazine Voter Recommendations for the Primary Runoffs May 26

At Houston Latino Family Magazine, our mission has always been to inform, connect, and empower our community. As we approach the upcoming Texas primary runoff election on May 26, we recognize the importance of making thoughtful, values-based decisions at the ballot box, especially in races that will directly impact our families, businesses, and future opportunities here in Harris County and Fort Bend County.

This Latino Values Voter Guide is designed to provide our readers with clear, concise recommendations for the key congressional runoff races affecting our region. These recommendations reflect candidates we believe best align with the priorities of the Latino community—strong families, economic opportunity, educational advancement, faith, and responsible leadership. Our goal is not only to inform, but to encourage active participation in the democratic process.

We strongly encourage all eligible voters to take part in this important election. While Election Day is May 26, early voting will take place in the days leading up to the election. We recommend checking your local countyelection website for exact early voting dates, times, and locations to ensure your voice is heard.

Your vote matters. Together, as a united and informed community, we can help shape a future that reflects our values, strengthens our neighborhoods, and creates lasting opportunities for generations to come.

MAY 26, 2026

PRIMARY RUNOFF BALLOT

DEMOCRATIC PARTY

HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS

Attorney General

* Nathan Johnson vs Joe Jaworski

United States Representative, District 18

* Christian Menefee vs Al Green

Justice, 14th Court of Appeals, Place 7

William Demond vs Michael Adams-Hurta *

Harris County District Judge 209

* Brian Edward Warren vs Ysidra Sissy Kyles

State Board of Education, District 7 (Statewide Education)

Tiffany Perkinz vs Debra Ambroise *

Texas State Representative District 149

* Hubert Vo vs Darlene Breaux

County Judge

Annise Parker vs Letitia Plummer *

District Clerk

Darrell Jordan Jr. vs Alex Maldonado *

FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS

Attorney General

* Nathan Johnson vs Joe Jaworski

State Board of Education, District 7

Tiffany Perkinz vs Debra Ambroise *

County Clerk

Sonya Jones vs Maria T. Jackson *

County Commissioner, Precinct 4

Brittanye Morris vs April Jones *

REPUBLICAN PARTY

HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS

United States Senator

John Cornyn vs Ken Paxton *

United States Representative – District 7

Tina Cohen vs Alexander Hale *

United States Representative – District 38

* Shelly de Zevallos vs Jon Bonck

United States Representative – District 9

* Briscoe Cain vs Alexandra del Moral Mealer

Attorney General

* Mayes Middleton vs Chip Roy

Railroad Commissioner

Jim Wright vs Bo French *

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3

Alison Fox vs Thomas Smith *

Justice, Court of Appeals

Zach Gibson vs Todd Frankfort *

County Judge

* Orlando Sanchez vs Warren Howell

County Republican Party Chair

* Cindy Siegel vs Don Hooper

FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS

United States Senator

John Cornyn vs Ken Paxton *

United States Representative – District 7

Tina Cohen vs Alexander Hale *

Attorney General

* Mayes Middleton vs Chip Roy

Railroad Commissioner

Jim Wright vs Bo French *

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3

Alison Fox vs Thomas Smith *

Justice, Court of Appeals

Zach Gibson vs Todd Frankfort *

County Commissioner, Precinct 4

Ken Mathews vs Adam Schoof *

The Heart of Mother’s Day: Faith, Family, and the Legacy of a Godly Mother

In Latino culture, the role of a mother is something sacred. She is more than a parent, she is the heart of the home, the keeper of traditions, the voice of wisdom, and often the spiritual foundation of the family. Whether we call her Mom, Mamá, or Abuela, her influence shapes generations.

Each year, Mother’s Day gives us an opportunity to pause and celebrate her. We gather for meals, bring flowers, and express our love. But beyond the celebration, there is a deeper meaning—one rooted not only in tradition, but in the Word of God.

A Celebration Rooted in Honor

Mother’s Day in the United States began in the early 1900s, when Anna Jarvis sought to honor her mother’s life of sacrifice and service. What started as a personal tribute became a national observance in 1914.

But long before this holiday was established, God had already given us a command that speaks directly to the importance of mothers:

“Honor your father and your mother…” (Exodus 20:12)

This is not just a suggestion; it is a commandment with a promise. In the Latino family, this principle often comes naturally. We are raised to respect our parents, care for them, and stay closely connected across generations. This cultural value beautifully reflects God’s design.

The Strength of a Faith-Filled Mother

In many of our homes, it is mamá who keeps the family grounded in faith. She is the one who reminds us to pray, who trusts God during difficult times, and who teaches her children right from wrong, not just with words, but through her example. The Bible paints a powerful picture of this kind of woman in Proverbs 31:

“Her children arise and call her blessed…” (Proverbs 31:28)

This verse feels especially close to home in our community. We see it lived out every day—in mothers who work tirelessly, who sacrifice for their children’s future, and who carry both strength and tenderness in the same heart.

A Legacy That Extends Generations

One of the most beautiful aspects of Latino culture is the importance of family legacy. Faith, values, and traditions are passed down, not just taught but lived. A godly mother doesn’t just raise children; she shapes future parents, leaders, and believers. Her influence extends far beyond what she may ever see.

Even Jesus Honored His Mother

In one of the most powerful moments in Scripture, as Jesus was on the cross, He took time to care for His mother, Mary:

“Here is your mother.” (John 19:27)

Even in His suffering, Jesus showed us what honor looks like—love expressed through responsibility and care. This example speaks directly to us today. Honoring our mothers is not just about words, it’s about action. It is about being present, showing respect, and caring for them in every season of life.

More Than One Day

In our culture, we celebrate Mother’s Day with joy, often with big family gatherings, food, laughter, and togetherness. And that is something to cherish.

But true honor goes beyond one day. It is found in:

• Calling your mother just to say “I love you”

• Listening to her wisdom, even as adults

• Supporting her as she once supported you

• Living a life that reflects the values she worked so hard to instill

For some, this day is joyful. For others, it may be emotional remembering a mother who has passed, or healing from relationships that need restoration. Wherever you are, God calls us to a posture of honor, forgiveness, and love.

A Final Reflection

In every strong Latino family, there is usually a mother at the center—praying, giving, guiding, and loving without limits. This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate her not only with flowers and words, but with a renewed commitment to live out what God has called us to do: honor her. Because when we honor our mothers, we are also honoring God.

*Happy Mother’s Day from Houston Latino Family Magazine—where faith, family, and community come together.