About Mission One USA
Our Mission
At Mission One USA, we believe “Houston, We Have a Solution.” As the fourth-largest city, Houston’s strength comes from its diversity. “As goes Houston, so goes the nation.” Our mission is to empower individuals, fostering collaboration and uniting resources to create lasting change. Inspired by the “Be Somebody” mindset, we know that by empowering each person, we strengthen both our city and the nation.
Our Vision
At Mission One USA, we believe “Houston, We Have a Solution.” Our approach centers on empowering underserved Houston residents to break the cycle of generational dysfunction, fostering unity and collaboration to create lasting change. By merging compassion with tangible support, we mobilize resources to build robust networks of essential tools and provisions that help individuals and groups thrive.
Volunteer engagement is the heartbeat of Mission One USA, embodying the “Be Somebody” mindset. Our vibrant volunteer community connects with organizations and those in need, fostering unity and service regardless of the time they can spare. We recognize that strong networks—including partnerships with law enforcement agencies like the FBI—are key to creating safer, more resilient communities.
Education is a cornerstone of our mission. Through our SEED initiatives and the HERO Children’s Program, which is the heart of our efforts, we are dedicated to educating and training our future leaders to set the example. We believe that empowering one person can spark change that impacts the entire world. By providing workshops, training sessions, and accessible online resources to shelters, families, schools, and faith-based groups, we aim to create a lasting impact, empowering residents to thrive beyond limitations.
“As goes Houston, so goes the nation.” By empowering each individual, we strengthen both our city and the nation, building a secure and thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to “Be Somebody.”
- Creating and Uniting HERO's.
- Elevating Voices of Unity and Inclusion.
- Empowering communities for a brighter future.
- Creating sustainable solutions for lasting impact.
- Building a world where everyone can thrive.
Our Goals
At Mission One USA, our goal is to be a proactive force for change. We are dedicated to empowering individuals and communities by providing essential resources and advocating for social justice and equality. Through collaborative efforts, we strive to foster lasting change by uniting people, promoting education, and cultivating leadership, especially through the HERO Children’s Program. Our commitment is to create a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a brighter future.
Empower the community
Build bridges of solidarity
Foster resilience
Build partnerships
Our Team
Comprised of dedicated individuals, our team at Mission One USA is united by a shared commitment to our mission. With each member boasting decades of experience in public service, social policy making, education, and community relations, our team brings a wealth of expertise to drive our initiatives forward.
This collective experience enables us to effectively navigate diverse sectors and spearhead impactful programs for the communities we serve.
Vicki Cruz
President
The visionary founder of Mission One USA. She is a certified life coach, ordained officiant, skilled mediator, and motivational speaker, boasting over a decade of experience dedicated to helping individuals unlock their true potential.
Victor Escalante
Vice President
As the co-founder of Escalate Performance Solutions, a reputable management and training company, Victor has demonstrated his expertise in developing strategies for organizational enhancement and growth.
Mario Garza
Community Crime Prevention Liason
Mario Garza serves as a Crime Prevention Community Liaison. He has a lifetime of experience in this field as a bail bondsman and an advocate for teaching and supporting youth to avoid becoming a statistic in the criminal justice system.
Drunell Broussard
Community Outreach
Drunell serves as the Outreach Chair, bringing decades of experience in community activism. Her extensive work includes outreach services for unhoused veterans, victims of sex trafficking, and senior citizens
Lucy Gonzales
Veteran´s Community Advocate
Lucy serves as the Veterans Community Advocate. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, by a WWII and Korean War veteran father and a mother from Italy, she is the second youngest of 11 children.
Nora Olivo
Women's Advocate
Nora serves as the Women's Advocate of Mission One USA. Her passion lies in serving the community and giving back. Additionally, she serves on the Advisory Board for the HERO Program.
Our Legacy
The genesis of Mission One USA began over two decades ago when founder Vicki Cruz E.V. provided wrap-around services to the unhoused facing food scarcity. Originally launched as Mission One USA International, it was rebranded after Hurricane Harvey in 2001. The HERO Children’s Program has spearheaded messaging, uniting coalitions, and advancing educational initiatives. With a strong media footprint, Mission One USA collaborates with government agencies and key stakeholders, building a robust safety net rooted in compassion, innovation, and education to support those in need and strengthen communities.
Our Partners
At Mission One USA, we are committed to making a positive impact in our community. We recognize that our mission cannot be achieved alone, and we value the partnerships we have formed with like-minded organizations and individuals who share our passion for serving others. Our partners are an integral part of our success and help us to achieve our goals of promoting education, supporting immigrants, combating human trafficking, and addressing homelessness.
